What if the battery warning light is on?

Updated Oct 23, 2020

During your drive, sometimes you might notice the battery warning light (a light in the shape of a battery) appears.

Normally, it’s because the charging system isn't working. However, there are possibly some other causes other than the battery.

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A loose or corroded battery cable or other wire connecting components of the charging system can become the reasons

In some cases, the battery has corroded cable terminals, damaged cells or plates inside or if it is leaking electrolyte. That means the battery itself is the source.

A loose or corroded battery cable or other wire connecting components of the charging system can become the reasons. Furthermore, perhaps the cause lies in the alternator or voltage regulator. The power stored in the battery is generated by the alternator. If the accessory belt driving the alternator is loose or broken or the alternator fails, your battery isn't being recharged.

The charging system warning light normally comes on for a few seconds when you start the car

In the case that the light turns on, you may be capable of making it home or to a service facility. You could totally operate the car provided that some juice is left in the battery. Nevertheless, if the charging system isn't working, your car will not run once the battery is drained. If you switch off the engine, you couldn’t restart it if the battery doesn't have enough power left to run the starter motor.

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In case you unfortunately encounter this situation, here are some suggestions for you:

At first, you should turn off as many electrical accessories as you can, namely the stereo, air conditioning or heater, and shirk using electrically operated controls such as power windows
In addition, you could increase the distance you can drive before the battery is discharged if you lessen the amount of electricity the car is consuming
Finally, get the charging system checked out to fix after finding to a mechanic as quickly as possible.

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