Why is the battery light on the car dashboard illuminated?
2 Answers
The illumination of the battery light on the dashboard indicates that the vehicle's battery voltage is too low or there is a fault in the generator system. Below is additional information related to the battery light being on: 1. Common faults when the battery light is on: (1) Battery failure, such as depleted charge or battery malfunction. (2) Loose or oxidized terminals leading to poor contact. (3) Aging, overly loose, or slipping generator belt causing the power supply system to malfunction. (4) Faults in the generator voltage regulator or excitation circuit leading to abnormal operation. 2. Maintenance recommendations for the battery light being on: (1) For battery faults, first use a multimeter to check the battery voltage. If the voltage is too low, remove the battery and charge it with a dedicated charger or replace it. If the battery is faulty, it must be replaced with a new one. (2) For terminal faults, inspect the positive and negative terminals of the battery for looseness or severe oxidation causing poor contact. Clean and tighten the battery terminals to restore proper contact. (3) For generator belt issues, visit a 4S shop for inspection or repair, which may involve replacing the belt or adjusting the tensioner pulley. (4) For generator faults, troubleshooting should be based on the specific fault.
I remember last month I also encountered the battery light coming on. It was fine right after starting, but half an hour into driving, a red light suddenly popped up on the dashboard. I was totally freaked out and immediately called my mechanic. He said it was most likely the charging system acting up—maybe the alternator belt was loose, or the alternator itself was broken and couldn't charge the battery. It could also be due to oxidized battery terminals causing poor contact, which is especially common in winter. Turned out the alternator brushes were completely worn out, and replacing them fixed the issue. If you keep driving with the light on, the battery will eventually drain completely and leave you stranded, so it's crucial to address it as soon as the light comes on.