Do you give your car battery any thought? If you’re like the majority of people, “never” is a perfectly reasonable response… unless there’s a problem. Any variety of problems, from a dead battery to an alternator failure, can be the cause of a dashboard car battery light. However, before you grab the jumper wires or start stressing about potential repairs, you should investigate the cause of the dashboard battery light. It may be an easy solution!
Your car’s electric power comes from its battery. It’s responsible for running things like the lights, radio, and headlights. The vehicle’s optimal functioning depends on it. The battery automatically recharges thanks to the vehicle’s built-in charging technology.
When the Car’s Battery Light Is On, Is It Still Safe to Drive?
If your car’s battery warning light is on, it’s time to call a repair. Power steering, brakes, and traction control are just a few of the car’s features that benefit from a steady supply of electricity. The potential for these parts to fail because of a blinking battery light poses a safety risk. The ECU and other electronic parts might be harmed as well. The car’s engine might suddenly turn off at any time.
Reasons Why Your Battery Light Could Be Flickering
When you turn the key in the ignition, the battery light should come on. When you initially switch on your car, this light will come on. This is normal. After a few seconds, the light will automatically go off.Pay close attention if the light persists while you’re driving. Power windows that take too long to rise or a radio that won’t switch on are some symptoms of a low battery charge.
There are a few potential causes of an on-board battery light:
- Battery cable is either loose or rusted.
- Alternator or voltage regulator malfunction
- Internal battery cell or plate damage
- The electric charging system of the automobile has faulty wiring.
- A dashboard battery light indicates a charging issue with the battery.
- The battery isn’t giving your car enough juice to get it going. More “juice!” is required.
How To Resolve Your Car Battery Light Issues
If your battery light is persistently on, it may be time to get a battery replacement. However, a simple problem like rust or loosened clamps might also set off the alarm. If you want to troubleshoot the battery yourself, put on some protective gloves, look at the owner’s handbook, and then carefully follow the procedures below.
- Corrosion on top of the battery terminals is a common problem in automobiles, particularly in the summer or in areas where the temperature is consistently warm throughout the year. Take off any covers from your battery’s terminals and inspect them for corrosion. Corrosion has set in if there is a white or greenish material on top of the battery or around the terminals. Battery corrosion is frequent, but it may disrupt the flow of current from the battery to the rest of the vehicle. Corrosion on batteries is potentially irritating to the skin and should not be touched directly. Try our next troubleshooting suggestion instead.
- Battery terminals should be cleaned. It’s possible that your car’s battery light is on because of excessive corrosion or other filth near the connections. Thankfully, all it takes to clean your battery terminals is some basic home products and a little bit of elbow grease. To clean the terminals, you just to take off the covers, unplug the wires, and scrub them well.
- Clamp the cables down tightly. A poor connection between the battery and the connections that attach it might trigger the car’s battery warning light. While you’ve got the hood up, double-check that the battery terminal clamps are properly tightened. If the clamps are not securely fastened around the terminals, use a tiny wrench or pliers to do so. Please refer to your vehicle’s handbook for manufacturer-specific details.
- You have tightened any loose battery wires and checked for corrosion. You still have a lit battery indicator? A mechanical fault, such as with the alternator or voltage regulator, might be to blame. Something more systemic, like poor wiring, might also be at blame.
