Battery indicator is on: causes and solutions

Does your car start but you notice the battery light stays on? Probably you shouldn't rush to the garage to do replace battery ! Find in this article all the possible reasons why the battery indicator does not go out!

🚗 How to recognize the battery indicator?

There is a warning light on your dashboard that comes on in the event of a battery problem. Since it is one of the most important indicators in your car, it is often placed next to the speedometer or in the center of the gauges to make it as visible as possible.

Glowing in yellow, orange or red, depending on the model, the battery indicator is represented by a rectangle with two lugs (symbolizing terminals), inside which there are signs + and -, and two lugs indicate external terminals.

?? Why is the battery indicator on?

The battery indicator will light up if the voltage is abnormal, i.e. less or greater than 12,7 volts as recommended. This affects the starting of your vehicle, as well as electrical or electronic components around you.

But why is your battery voltage abnormal? The reasons are very diverse, here are the main ones:

• You have left your headlights, air conditioner, or radio on for too long with the engine off;
• The battery terminals (external terminals) are oxidized and do not transmit or poorly conduct current to the starter and other components;
• Cables are burnt out, worn out, have cracks that can cause a short circuit;
• Ambient cold has reduced battery performance;
• Your car, which has not been driven for a long time, will gradually drain the battery;
• High temperature can lead to evaporation of the liquid, as a result of which the electrodes (terminals) remain in the air and, therefore, cannot conduct current;
• Fuse blown.

🔧 What to do when the battery indicator turns on?

Depending on the various reasons mentioned above, you must respond appropriately to resolve problems with specific operations:

• If you misused electrical components (car radio, ceiling light, headlights on, etc.) With the engine off, it must be restarted in order for it to recharge your battery;
• If the terminals are oxidized, disconnect the cables, clean the terminals with a wire brush and reconnect;
• Check the condition of the cables, spray water if necessary to detect an electric arc and replace them if necessary;
• If it is cold or hot, check the voltage with a voltmeter. At voltages below 12,4 V, you will have to recharge or even replace the battery, as the loss of capacity may be irreversible;
• If the fuse is blown, replace it! There is no garage renovation necessary, it is very easy to handle and it really doesn't cost a lot.

Good to know : To avoid battery problems, do not leave the vehicle outdoors, expose it to extreme temperatures, and disconnect the battery if you leave it for a long time.

A battery problem can also be caused by a battery problem.alternator, or a problem with it belt... Want to know more about HS battery symptoms ? We will tell you everything you need to know in a dedicated article.