What does the red battery positive and negative indicator on the car dashboard mean?
2 Answers
This light is a warning indicator for low battery voltage. If it illuminates or flashes while driving, it may indicate: 1. Insufficient battery charge, requiring extended driving to recharge; 2. Significant degradation in battery capacity, storage function, or charging capability, indicating the battery is nearing end of life; 3. Loose connections at the battery's positive and negative terminals, causing abnormal power usage; 4. If none of the above issues are present, contact a 4S shop to determine the cause of the light illuminating while driving. When using the vehicle, pay attention to the following points: ① Regularly clean dirt and dust from the generator's surface to maintain cleanliness and good ventilation. ② Frequently check the tightness of all fasteners related to the generator and promptly tighten any loose screws. ③ Ensure the drive belt tension is appropriate. If too loose, it may slip and cause insufficient power generation; if too tight, it may damage the belt and generator bearings.
I remember last time when I was driving, the battery symbol with positive and negative signs suddenly lit up red on the dashboard. At first, I didn’t pay much attention, but soon realized the seriousness of the issue. This usually indicates a problem with the car’s charging system—it could be that the alternator isn’t charging the battery, or the battery itself is faulty. I immediately pulled over to check if the belt was loose, and sure enough, it had come off. I had to drive slowly to the repair shop to get it fixed. If not addressed promptly, the battery might run out of power, causing the car to stall midway, which would be troublesome, especially when driving at night—it’s even more dangerous. It was a profound lesson. Now, every time I start the car, I first glance at the dashboard to stay aware of the charging system’s condition. My advice is not to take it lightly either—when the red light comes on, head to a professional service immediately. Don’t make the same mistake I did by being careless at first.