What does it mean when the car displays battery positive and negative poles?

[DeWillow]

When the vehicle displays battery positive and negative poles, it means the generator is not working. Below is relevant information about the vehicle displaying battery positive and negative poles: Cause: The battery power will be quickly depleted as it cannot be replenished. Then the fuel pump, injectors, spark plugs, combustion control module, and various sensors will all stop working, causing the car to break down in the middle of the road. You need to drive to the nearest repair shop as soon as possible to fix or replace the generator. Precautions: Regularly check the tightness of all fasteners related to the generator and promptly tighten all screws. When using an integrated circuit regulator, turn off the ignition switch immediately if the engine is not running. If the generator fails and stops generating electricity, troubleshoot the issue promptly to avoid more serious failures.

[Juniper]

I was really worried when the battery positive and negative light showed up on my car's dashboard. That time, the alternator belt was loose, so it couldn't charge the battery at all. The battery was almost drained, and the car almost couldn't start. When the positive and negative symbols light up, it usually indicates a problem with the charging system—it could be an old battery, loose or corroded terminals, or a faulty alternator itself. Later, I learned that when you start the engine, that light should normally turn off. If it stays on, there's almost certainly an issue. My advice is to pull over to a safe spot and check as soon as you see this warning to avoid breaking down on the road. I’ve learned my lesson—now I clean the battery terminals every time I wash the car to prevent oxidation issues. Ignoring it long-term could lead to more expensive repairs, like replacing the alternator.

[LaCali]

The warning light indicating the battery's positive and negative terminals should never be taken lightly. I learned from a friend that this is most likely because the alternator isn't working, preventing the battery from charging, and the battery power will drop rapidly, potentially causing the car to stall at any moment. Safety comes first, especially when driving on the highway. Additionally, corroded battery terminals or blown fuses can also trigger this warning light. I've developed the habit of pulling over to check basic connections as soon as the light comes on, while also avoiding prolonged use of headlights to conserve power. Prevention is more cost-effective than repairs—for example, checking the battery's condition every six months and replacing old batteries to avoid unexpected losses.

[DeMary]

Don't panic when you see the battery positive/negative indicator lights on your car. First, check if the battery terminals are loose or corroded. If corroded, clean them with baking soda solution. If the alternator belt is too loose, it may squeak—try tightening it. Listen for unusual engine sounds when starting the car. Measuring voltage with a simple tester or checking dashboard displays is straightforward. These basic checks can save repair costs. Seek professional help if issues persist.