Common reasons for this to happen: Faulty or failed alternator: When the battery light comes on, chances are there’s not actually a problem with your battery. Usually it’s a problem with the system that keeps your battery charged.
What would cause battery light to come on?
An illuminated battery light could be due to a number of issues, including: A loose or corroded battery cable. A problem with the alternator or voltage regulator. Damaged cells or plates inside the battery.
What does it mean if my battery light stays on?
Basically, the light indicates a battery charging problem. If the light comes on and stays on while driving, this means that your alternator is running solely on energy stored in the battery. If you continue driving, your battery will eventually drain and your vehicle will stop working.
How long can I drive my car with battery light on?
Either way, it’s something you want to check out. If there was enough juice for you to start the car, then you can safely drive the car on however much charge is remaining, but it won’t last long — maybe 30 to 60 minutes max. If the battery isn’t being charged, the electrical systems will start to fail.
Can you drive your car if the battery light is on?
While it is relatively safe for you, physically, to drive your car with the light on, it’s not safe for ensuring that you get to your destination without a breakdown, nor is it safe for the other components that may be affected by a weak battery, such as the alternator or computerized accessories.
How can you tell if its the battery or alternator?
If your car’s battery isn’t holding a charge, you have a problem with your alternator or battery. If your battery can start your vehicle but dies as the car runs, you have a faulty alternator. If your battery has been charged and can’t start your vehicle, it’s a battery issue.
How do you reset the battery light?
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be driving without that pesky light shining in your face in no time.
- Step 1: Make Sure The Battery Is Charged: …
- Step 2: Disconnect The Battery: …
- Step 3: Wait For 30 Minutes: …
- Step 4: Reconnect The Battery: …
- Step 5: Start The Car:
How do I check my car alternator?
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- Get a multimeter.
- Set your multimeter to DCV (DC Volts) above 15.
- Make sure your alternator’s positive and negative terminals are clean.
- Put the multimeter’s black cable to the negative terminal and the red cable to the positive terminal.
- Look for an ideal alternator reading of around 12.6.
What are the symptoms of a bad alternator?
4 Symptoms of a Faulty Alternator
- Car Won’t Start. A dead battery almost always lies behind a car that won’t start. …
- Engine Stalling. A dead alternator almost always leads to a car that won’t start. …
- Electrical Issues. A dying alternator can lead to a wide range of other electrical issues. …
- Unusual Sounds.
What are the signs of a bad battery?
Watch for these five telltale signs of a bad battery so you aren’t caught out in the cold!
- Dim headlights. …
- Clicking sound when you turn the key. …
- Slow crank. …
- Needing to press on the gas pedal to start. …
- Backfiring.
How much does it cost to fix the alternator?
How much do alternator repairs cost? It depends if a repair is possible. If not, you’ll have to have it replaced, which can run between $500 to $1,000 (including parts and labor). Otherwise, for something simple like replacing an alternator belt, expect to pay about $100-$150 (not including diagnosis).
Can AutoZone check my alternator?
Every AutoZone in the USA will check your alternator, starter, or battery at no charge.
How do I know if my alternator is smart?
If your readings are around 14.4V DC then you most likely have the traditional, non-smart alternator. If your reading is closer to 12.5-13.5V then it’s likely that you have a smart alternator.
Which battery cable do you disconnect to check alternator?
You can check the alternator by simply starting your car and then disconnecting the negative battery cable. Be careful doing this, though, because there are a lot of moving parts in your engine compartment that could cause injury.