What To Do When The Car Battery Light Comes On
The lights on your dashboard can tell you some important information about your vehicle. When you see the battery light on in your car, it’s letting you know there is an issue with your battery or electrical system. Here’s what you need to know about that warning and how to pinpoint the issue.
Please Notice! Batteries can be dangerous. They contain sulfuric acid and can cause injury. We recommend wearing appropriate safety equipment before working on your car battery. This includes protective glasses and gloves. Additionally, avoid wearing baggy clothing or metallic jewelry while inspecting or cleaning your battery.
About Electric Vehicles
While every vehicle, including EVs, has a 12-volt battery, the battery in an EV works differently. If a 12-volt battery in an EV is dead, it won’t start the vehicle. It also won’t make any clicking noises. See the professionals at Les Schwab for an annual checkup of your EV’s 12-volt battery to ensure you’re not left stranded.
What Does It Mean When Your Battery Light Comes On?
In a gas-powered vehicle, the 12-volt battery helps start the vehicle. Once it’s started, the alternator recharges the battery and helps keep your electrical systems working.
When that light comes on and stays on, and you notice that your power windows are sluggish or your vehicle has a hard time starting, it could be an issue with your alternator. It can also be the voltage regulator, a loose battery cable, corrosion on the battery or cable, a weak battery, or an electrical issue somewhere in your vehicle.
Learn more about car batteries and how they work from the Les Schwab professionals.
Understanding The Battery Light
When the battery light appears on the dash of your gas-powered or EV vehicle, it can indicate a loose cable, bad wiring, or a dying battery. In gas-powered vehicles, it can also be an alternator issue. Or it might be nothing. If the indicator goes away after a few minutes or disappears after you restart your vehicle, there’s likely nothing to worry about.
The times you do need to worry about that battery alert include:
- Weak battery: The battery is not holding a charge and has trouble starting your vehicle.
- Failing battery: Eventually, every car battery needs to be replaced. As a battery gets older, it becomes more difficult for them to hold a charge. If your battery is more than five years old, it may be time to get a new one.
- Faulty alternator: If this is not working properly, the battery cannot be recharged and will quickly die. Alternator issues can include broken or damaged belts.
- Loose or corroded battery connections: A loose connection or corrosion can damage the battery and/or drain it. Check your battery cables often. If you find any loose cables, tighten them. If you find any corrosion, clean it off to ensure a tight connection. Learn how to remove corrosion from your battery.
- Electrical system issues: These problems can include faulty voltage regulators or wiring. This is often the job for a professional, unless you like working under the dash to trace wires back to their origin and fuse.
How Long Can You Drive With the Battery Light On?
When your battery light comes on while driving, you may be running primarily on battery power without it being recharged by the alternator. This means your vehicle could stop running at any time, depending on your battery’s overall health. To play it safe, drive directly to your local Les Schwab or safely pull over and arrange for assistance.
Steps To Take If The Battery Light Turns On
Most of the time, the cause of the battery light is an easy fix. The professionals at Les Schwab are happy to give your battery a free visual inspection. Want to check things on your own? Grab your safety gear and try these quick tips.
Look for loose connections. Check the connection where the terminals attach to the battery posts. Are they loose? If so, tighten them up.
Look for corrosion. If you find corrosion, a white powdery substance that forms on battery posts and terminals, clean it off. Here is some advice on how to remove corrosion from your battery.
Check your battery voltage. If your 12-volt battery reads less than 11.8 volts, you have a dead battery that either needs to be replaced or recharged. Need help checking the voltage on your car’s 12-volt battery? Stop by Les Schwab for a quick battery check.
Troubleshooting The Battery Light
- Test the alternator output: A healthy alternator should produce anywhere from 13.5 to 14.5 volts when the engine is running. Lower readings could indicate alternator problems.
- Check for damaged wiring: Inspect visible wiring for fraying, melting, or other damage.
- Examine the serpentine belt: On gas-powered vehicles, look for cracks, glazing, or looseness that would prevent proper alternator function.
- Test for power drains: Excessive power draw when the vehicle is off could indicate an electrical problem.
If the battery indicator is still on and you’ve tightened the cables, cleaned the corrosion, and checked the battery power, the next step is to stop by Les Schwab. We carry batteries for nearly everything you drive and offer free battery charging and free battery checks. If you need a new battery, we’ll remove the old one, clean up the cables, and install the new one. It’s our way of keeping you from getting stranded on the side of the road.
Signs Your Car Battery Is About to Die
Watch for these warning signs that your battery is nearing the end of its life:
- Slow engine crank: Your engine takes longer than usual to start.
- Dimming headlights: Especially noticeable when idling.
- Electrical component issues: Power windows moving slower and radio cutting out.
- Battery light coming on intermittently: Flickering dashboard lights.
- Swollen battery case: Physical deformation of the battery.
- Unusual odor: A rotten egg smell from the battery area.
- Multiple jump-starts needed: Does it take more than one jump to get things going?
Preventing Future Battery Issues: Professional Tips and Maintenance Schedule
Les Schwab is here to help you recognize the signs of a bad or dying battery, including the effects of cold and hot weather on that 12-volt bit of automotive wonder. To prevent future battery issues:
- Have your battery tested twice a year before extreme seasonal changes.
- Schedule a free pre-trip safety check, which includes a visual inspection of your battery.
- Consider upgrading to a higher-capacity battery if you frequently use multiple electronic accessories.
- Keep your battery connections clean and tight.
- Clean your car battery if you find any corrosion.
FAQ: Battery Light Questions Answered
Can a bad battery damage my alternator?
No. A bad or dying battery will not likely damage an alternator. But a faulty battery might not be rechargeable, meaning you could be left stranded when the battery dies (even if you get your car jump-started).
How much does a car battery replacement cost?
Car and light truck batteries range in price depending on the size and type of battery you need. Additionally, there may be a charge to install a new battery. Our professionals have been installing and maintaining batteries for decades, including batteries for motorcycles, RVs, boats, farm equipment, and more.
Can I jumpstart a car with the battery light on?
Yes. Jump-starting a vehicle with a battery light indicator on the dashboard is possible. However, if there is an issue with the alternator, or if the battery is dead or dying, your vehicle might not run for long. Get to your local Les Schwab anytime the battery light appears on your dashboard and our professionals will run a quick diagnostic on your battery and alternator.
Why does my battery light flicker occasionally?
When the battery light on your dashboard flickers it could be one of several things. These include a dead or dying battery, a loose connection, corrosion buildup, a faulty alternator, or an issue with your vehicle’s electrical system.
How often should I replace my car battery?
This varies depending on where you live and what you drive. Most batteries are warranted for up to five years. Batteries that are older than three years should be checked at least twice a year.
Les Schwab: Your Battery Experts
At Les Schwab, we’re dedicated to ensuring your vehicle’s battery is in optimal condition. When you buy your battery at Les Schwab, you’re covered for years beyond industry standards. That includes free battery and charging system inspections, free battery charging, and a free battery warranty you don’t pay extra for.
Don’t let battery troubles leave you stranded. Visit Les Schwab for reliable battery services.