Why Battery Light On Dashboard Stays On? What Does The Indicator Symbol Mean, To Do & How To React

A dashboard car battery light could signal any number of issues under the hood. 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, but the fault may lie in something other than the battery. Can you still continue to drive the car? Is it safe? Will the car eventually die and how long can you drive before the car dies? The cause of the battery light could be a loose or corroded battery cable or other wire connecting components of the charging system, or it might be a problem with the alternator or voltage regulator. The alternator generates the power that is stored in the battery. If the alternator fails, or the accessory belt that drives the alternator is loose or broken, then you’ll end up with a dead battery because the bad alternator isn’t recharging the battery. The charging system warning light should show for a few seconds when you start the car, but if the battery light shows while you’re driving the vehicle, that light signals a problem. Among other signs that the alternator or other parts of the charging system aren’t working are dim headlights or the clock losing time. There are many ways to test if your alternator or battery is bad when your car dies, unable to start or there is a warning indicator light on your dashboard. In this video, we'll show you a simple and easiest way (although not recommended by professional mechanics or technicians) to test to see if your alternator is bad. Open the hood and start the car. While the engine is running, remove the negative cable from the battery. If the vehicle stalls or dies, the alternator is likely bad. This happens because the alternator is not generating enough electricity to keep the engine running on its own. If the car continues to the run, the problem may lie with the battery. However, be careful when using this method. Do not rev up the engine. A good alternator may indeed keep the engine running, but it was never a good test. In the pre-computer days, you could pull it off without damaging anything. Today, you risk frying every electrical device in your vehicle. The second you disconnect the battery, the voltage regulator pegs the alternator to put out maximum power. With no battery in the circuit to act as a buffer, the alternator can put out up to 150 volts, depending on engine rpm. When the smoke clears, that “simple test” could end up costing you several thousand dollars for new electronics. Instead, get a cheap voltmeter (about $15 at any home center or auto parts store). With the engine off, battery voltage should be between 12.5 and 12.8 volts (assuming the battery if fully charged). If it’s below that, charge the battery with a battery charger before you conduct the test. Then start the engine and check for increased voltage. Connect the meter leads to the battery terminals and look for around 14.4 volt (or a range of 13.8 to 15.3 volts with the engine running, lights and accessories off). That means the alternator is pumping out the juice. If you see higher readings, chances are the alternator is good. Another simple & easy method to determine if your alternator is dying are the headlight test and the battery test. The headlight test is quick and easy, and should be performed outdoors to ensure that you don't have a carbon monoxide buildup inside your garage. To perform the headlight test, start your car and turn on your headlights. With the vehicle in park, press on the accelerator while a second person observes the headlights. If the headlights flicker, dim or get brighter when the accelerator is pressed down, your alternator may be bad. No change in headlight brightness indicates that your alternator is likely fine. If your alternator is bad, and you want to get ideas on how to remove and/or replace the alternator, we have the following videos available: 1)    • How To Remove & Install Alternator 20...   - How To Remove & Install Alternator 2003-2007 Honda Accord | DIY Auto Repair By Young Mechanic Aiman Anuar 2)    • How To Remove, Replace And Install Al...   - How To Remove, Replace And Install Alternator On 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.7L V6 4WD Thanks for watching, please check our other DIY auto repair tutorial & guide videos on EyeOnAiman's channel. Most of our videos are on Honda, Toyota & Hyundai vehicles such as Accord, Civic, Prius, Santa Fe and more. Obviously, Aiman's auto repair videos are mostly designed for entertainment purposes. If you're looking for instructions or steps on how to fix or diagnose problems with your car, SUV, minivan or vehicle repair, how to remove, replace or install parts, you should always watch more than just 1 videos. The videos should always be used only as a guide. Manufacturers always recommend using genuine OEM parts but sometimes cheaper aftermarket can be as good as the originals. Recording Date: December 7, 2019 Video URL:    • Why Battery Light On Dashboard Stays ...