What does it mean when the battery light comes on and then goes off?
The battery light indicates that your charging system has a flaw in it which may be a sign of a weak battery, a failing voltage regulator or failing alternator. When the alternator is not working properly, this may result in the battery quickly losing charge and the car losing all power as you have described.
When does a car battery light come on?
If your car battery is on the verge of death, it will cause your car light to come on at any time. Even though car batteries are sold as having warranties at different lengths (ie: 48, 72, or even 96 months), don’t expect them to last that long… they rarely do.
What causes a battery warning light to come on while driving?
If a bad alternator belt is the cause of the battery warning light, it may also cause squealing from the hood when the vehicle is running. The positive and negative battery terminals are channels for the electricity, so it’s important not to increase the resistance by covering them with other substances that are poor conductors.
What to do if your battery light comes on again?
Tip: Try starting your car in a safe location, if the battery light comes on again, do not drive it. Shut off the engine and open the hood to see whether the serpentine belt, alternator or battery have any problems that can be identified visually. Tip: Always turn off the engine before inspecting the battery or other components.
What happens if your car battery goes out?
This battery provides energy to virtually every electrical component of the vehicle, such as its ignition system, engine control unit, headlights, radio, interior lights, and so on. If the battery fails to recharge or dies altogether, then your vehicle will not be able to function.
Is it safe to drive with the battery light on?
Because of this, we do not recommend or suggest driving with the battery light on to any place other than back to your house or a service center. If the light comes on before driving, we do not recommend driving. What Do You Do When the Battery Light Comes On?
Why does the battery warning light come on while driving?
iStock/Thinkstock CARS.COM — If the battery warning light (a light in the shape of a battery symbol) on the dashboard comes on while you’re driving, that means the charging system isn’t working,…
How long does it take for a battery light to go off?
The exact amount of time that your car will be able to function with the battery light on depends on many factors, but assuming that the alternator is the issue (this is the most common issue) it is likely that your car will lose battery power after 30 minutes to an hour of driving.
What to do if your car battery light is on?
If the battery light is on and you’re still driving the car, turn off as many electrical accessories as you can, such as the stereo, air conditioning or heater, and avoid using electrical controls such as power windows. Reducing the amount of electricity the car is consuming will increase the distance you can drive before the battery is discharged.