flashing service engine light with low battery.

[96 SSEi]

so I put air in my tire( 12v pump) and then when I turned the key to on, the light kept flashing - the volts were 11.7 by dic, is this normal when the battery is low?

thanks..........

[nos4blood70]

Engine running or no?

With something like the air compressor running without the engine, the electrical load will go directly onto the battery.

[96 SSEi]

no

[96 SSEi]

so the light flashes due to low charge?

[imidazol97]

Did you run the engine for 10-15 minutes to charge the battery up?
Was the light still flashing?

I suspect, without reading into one of my past car's service manuals, that is a warning that your battery is
worn. I use a 12 v pump to add air to tires and sometimes don't start the cars for the alternator to handle
the load. But my batteries are in good shape.

There are charts on the net where you can measure the voltage of a battery at rest, after the bubble charge has worn off, and from that
voltage determine how good the battery is.

Or just go to a box store.

I suspect you'll find your battery is worn out--unless you used the pump for a long time draining it.

[96 SSEi]

no, I charged with 6 amps for 8 - 10 hours and the light didnt blink when started or cranking - all normal