What causes the battery light to stay on in a Haval H8?
2 Answers
The constant illumination of the car battery light may be due to issues with the alternator or wiring. Relevant information is as follows: Battery light on the dashboard: The battery light on the dashboard is a warning light indicating that the alternator is not generating electricity. Normally, it turns on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and goes off after the engine is started. If the light remains on after the engine is running, it suggests that the alternator may not be generating electricity or there could be a wiring issue, requiring inspection at a service station. Reasons for the car battery light staying on: If the voltage generated by the alternator is lower than the battery voltage, the alternator is not working, or there is a fault in the power supply wiring, the car battery light will illuminate. In such cases, the alternator and charging circuit should be inspected at a repair shop. Additionally, if the car battery is low on charge, the battery indicator light will also turn on. In this situation, the vehicle can still be used because the battery can be recharged by the internal alternator while the car is in motion.
Recently, my Haval H8 also experienced the battery light staying on, and it took quite a while to figure out. If the light remains on, it’s most likely an issue with the charging system, such as the alternator not working and failing to charge the battery, leaving the battery to continuously discharge. Common causes include a loose or aged/cracked alternator belt causing slippage and malfunction, damaged rectifier or coils inside the alternator, poor contact at the battery terminals due to oxidation buildup, or a blown fuse. I first used a multimeter to check the voltage—it should be around 14 volts when the engine is running. If it’s below 13 volts, it confirms an alternator issue. I tried tightening the belt and cleaning the battery terminals myself. If that doesn’t work, it’s best to head to the repair shop rather than risk a breakdown, especially in winter when battery performance is worse and issues are more likely. Maintenance tip: Regularly inspect the belt for wear and keep connection points clean to prevent many problems.
