What Causes the Battery Light to Illuminate on the Dashboard?
2 Answers
The main reasons why the battery light illuminates on the dashboard are: 1. Loose battery terminals. It is necessary to check the positive and negative terminals of the battery for looseness and severe oxidation, which can lead to poor contact. The battery terminals should be cleaned and tightened. 2. Loose alternator belt. The alternator belt should be inspected for looseness or slippage. If the belt is loose or slipping, it cannot charge the battery, and the battery light will illuminate. It is advisable to visit a 4S shop for inspection or repair. 3. Fault in the charging circuit system. A thorough inspection and repair of the charging circuit system should be conducted at a 4S shop.
The battery warning light is no small matter—I've encountered it several times. This light primarily monitors the alternator and electrical system. If it comes on, it means there's a charging issue. The most common cause is a failing alternator, where the carbon brushes are worn out or the diodes are damaged. A loose or slipping belt can also prevent proper charging. Sometimes, an old battery that's been in use for five or six years and can no longer hold a charge will trigger the light. Another possibility is poor grounding in the circuit, where green corrosion on the battery terminals causes poor contact and sets off the alarm. Once, my light came on during a night drive, and I had to turn off the AC and stereo to conserve power just to make it to the repair shop. It's best to get it checked immediately—otherwise, if the battery dies completely, your car could stall in the middle of the road, which is especially dangerous in winter when the heater drains power quickly.
