While the battery light may not be as concerning as the check engine light, it is still an indicator that you should not ignore. If your battery is bad or there is a problem with your charging system, it is just a matter of time before you are likely to end up stranded, unable to start your vehicle. There are different reasons that your battery or charging system light might come one, most of which require fairly minor or inexpensive repairs. 

Loose or Corroded Battery Cable

The first thing to check when your battery light comes on is the battery cable connections. Sometimes removing and firmly reattaching the battery cables can be enough to make the light go off. If your battery cables are corroded, you can easily clean them with a cleaner from any automotive parts store, or with straight original Coca-cola. (Other sodas will not work.) If the battery cables appear to be severely corroded or damaged, you’ll want to have a mechanic take a look.

Worn Out Battery

Most car batteries are designed to last about five years, and most of them have a warranty that lasts two to four years. If your battery is four years old or older and your battery light comes on, it probably means that your battery is no longer holding a charge and needs to be replaced. You can also have your battery tested to determine if it has a bad cell or is charging normally.

Alternator

If your battery is good and the notification light is on, it likely means that there is a problem with the alternator. The alternator is the part of the charging system that actually recharges the battery while the car is running. If it fails, the battery cannot recharge, and it will fail to start after you turn off the engine. You may also notice other problems due to the decreased voltage.

If your battery indicator light is on, it is important not to ignore it. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.