Battery charging system warning light

have vehicle scanned for any trouble codes --most auto stores offer free scanning but also free battery/alternator testing

Battery warning light is telling you thier is a problem with the charging system (alternator) ! Not the battery !

Looks like you have a few issues there.

1. The battery warning. This is indicative of a weak battery and if your battery is 3 years old or more I would replace it.

2. If you have a weak battery this can trigger other warning lights in the vehicle, typically the ABS warning but sometimes other warning lights as well depending on the electronic features in the car. If you replace the battery this should correct the battery warning and most likely the ABS warning if both of these warnings appeared at the same time.
Normally, once the ABS warning is displayed the anti lock braking system(ABS) will be shut down. Whilst your braking will be normal, if you brake too hard and lock up your wheels on a slippery road there is no ABS assist to prevent the brake lock up which you have when the system is working.

3. If the alternator on the engine is not generating sufficient power and thus not charging the battery at all, or very little, you will likely get a battery warning light. I don't know if your 1999 vehicle has a warning light to indicate a faulty alternator or not.

4. Check Engine Light.
You suggested the CE warning has been showing up for a few days and before the battery and ABS warnings popped up.
The CE warning can be caused by dozens of different engine issues.
The vehicle needs to be scanned with the appropriate scan tool to see what fault codes the onboard computer is generating because if you have a CE warning light there will be fault codes generated 99% of the time.

Once these fault codes have been pulled the mechanic can start to diagnose the cause of the problem or problems. Each engine fault code your car's computer is generating can be caused by different types of problems so it is important that they diagnose the issues correctly. Otherwise your Check Engine light will remain on as long as the causes are not identified and fixed.

Running the car will drain the battery it if it's not charging ! An if your charging light is on it isn't charging ! Did you check power an grounds on the alternator ? There is a single heavier wire on the back of the alternator, this should have battery voltage ! You may want to take this to a ASE certified repair shop !
Functionality
With the ignition switch in the RUN position, voltage is applied through the warning indicator I circuit 904 (LG/RD) to the voltage regulator. This turns the regulator on, allowing current to flow from battery sense A circuit 35 (OG/LB) to the generator field coil. When the engine is started, the generator begins to generate alternating current (AC) which is internally converted to direct current (DC). This current is then supplied to the vehicle's electrical system through the output (B+) terminal of the generator.
Once the generator begins generating current, a voltage signal is taken from the generator stator and fed back to the regulator S circuit 4 (WH/BK). This voltage feedback signal (typically half the battery voltage) is used to turn off the warning indicator.
With the system functioning normally, the generator output current is determined by the voltage of the A circuit 35 (OG/LB). The A circuit 35 (OG/LB) voltage is compared to a set voltage internal to the regulator, and the regulator controls the generator field current to maintain the correct generator output.
The set voltage will vary with temperature and is typically higher in cold temperatures and lower in warm temperatures. This allows for better battery recharge in the winter and reduces the chance of overcharging in the summer.
Battery Positive Output (B+) Circuit 38 (BK/OG)
The generator output is supplied through the battery positive output (B+) terminal on the back of the generator to the battery and electrical system.
I Circuit 904 (LG/RD)
The I (ignition) circuit 904 (LG/RD) is used to turn on the voltage regulator. This circuit is powered up with the ignition switch in the RUN position. This circuit is also used to turn the charging system warning indicator on if there is a fault in the charging system operation.
A Circuit 35 (OG/LB)
The A (battery sense) circuit 35 (OG/LB) is used to sense battery voltage. This voltage is used by the regulator to determine generator output. This circuit is used to supply current to the generator field (rotor). The amount of current supplied to the rotor will determine generator output.
S Circuit 4 (WH/BK)
The S (stator) circuit 4 (WH/BK) is used to feed back a voltage signal from the generator to the regulator. This voltage is used by the regulator to turn off the charging system warning indicator. The S circuit is fed back externally on external mounted regulator generators.
Visual Inspection Chart Mechanical Electrical

• Battery case, posts, hold-down clamp, cables and connections
• Generator drive (serpentine) belt for condition and tension to make sure there is no slip between the belt and the pulley. For additional information, refer to Section 303-05 .
• Battery charge
• Generator pulley

• Battery junction box (BJB)Mega Fuse
• Battery junction box fuse:
  • 11 (20A)
• Central junction box (CJB) fuse:
  • 30 (30A)
• Circuitry
• Charging system warning indicator
• Cables

1. Check the operation of the charging system warning indicator lamp (instrument cluster). Normal operation is as follows:
   • With the ignition switch OFF, the charging system warning indicator should be OFF.
   • With the ignition switch in RUN and the engine off, the charging system warning indicator light should be on.
   • With the engine running, the charging system warning indicator light should be off.

1. Verify the battery condition. Refer to Section 414-01 .

Normal Charging System Voltages and Charging System Warning Indicator Operation Ignition Switch Position A Circuit 35 (OG/LB) S Circuit 4 (WH/BK) I Circuit 904 (LG/RD) Generator B+ Circuit 38 (BK/OG) Battery Engine to Battery Ground Charging System Warning Indicator Operation OFF 12 volts 0 volts 0 volts 12 volts 12 volts 0 volts Off RUN-engine off 12 volts 0 volts 1-3 volts 12 volts 12 volts 0 volts Illuminated RUN-engine running 13-
15 volts 1/2 battery voltage 13-
15 volts 13-
15 volts 13-
15 volts 0 volts Off

1. If the customer concern is verified after the initial inspection, refer to the Symptom Chart to determine which tests to carry out.
2. • The charging system warning indicator is on with the engine running (the system voltage does not increase)
   • Circuitry.
   • Voltage regulator.
   • Generator.
   • GO to Pinpoint Test B .
   Your whole problem is the alternator is not charging , a couple tests with a volt meter would tell you !

For some reason the brake warning light and battery light are connected, so either system could be having problems.
The battery warning light could mean the battery is not being charged, and the brake warning light could mean you are low on brake fluid.
I would start with the check engine light and see what the codes are.

Sounds like your battery isn't charging properly, first thing to check, is your alternator belt slipping, is it tight enough, if so does it need replacing?

Next the battery, if its over 2 years old it could be on its way out. Does it hold its charge?

Finally, Alternator, is it still providing a charge for the battery? Are all electrical connections good and clean?

You prabably have a charging system problem. Have your charging system checked as you may need to have the alternator replaced. Hope this helps

On the Festiva, there is no amp meter on the dash, so you have to rely on a red light that comes on if there is a problem with the battery or charging system. The light is on your dash and has a + - sign on it, indicating that its related to the battery/charging system.

The battery warning light indicates that you have a problem with you charging system, more likely your alternator. As you speed up the engine requires more power from the coil and is probably draining your battery. If the car still starts, try taking it to a auto parts store such as autozone. They will check your charging system for free.

You may need an alternator.Once battery voltage goes low enough the brake warning light can come on warning you the battery voltage is too low for the brake system to work properly. The bat light is warning you there is a problem with the charging circuit,most likely the alternator.