Feeling Powerless (Why Is My Battery Light On?)
May 26, 2024
When one of your vehicle’s warning lights comes on, the first thing that comes to mind is, “Oh, no, what’s wrong now?” When it’s the battery light, it means there’s something wrong with your vehicle’s battery or charging system. And because both are important for your vehicle to work properly, it’s a good idea to get it checked out. Here are some things that may cause a battery light to illuminate.
It could be that your battery has failed. It could be on its last legs or completely dead. When it isn’t showing it has the voltage it should, your vehicle lets you know.
If it’s not the battery itself, it could be the system that charges it. The alternator is part of that system and could have a problem. It could be putting out no power, too little power, or too much. The alternator may not be working because the belt that drives it (using the engine’s mechanical power) could be broken or slipping. Or the alternator pulley may be broken.
The alternator needs to have a solid connection to the battery, and sometimes the posts that connect to the battery cables get so corroded, they can’t conduct enough electricity. Or it could be that a battery cable isn’t conducting power properly.
Because the alternator supplies power to other parts of your vehicle, if it gets overloaded, it will also cause your battery light to come on. Other possibilities are an electrical short in the charging system or a failed voltage regulator.
Your vehicle may be hard to start or it may not start at all if you have any of these problems. It’s important to bring it in to us so we can diagnose and repair the problem before you wind up stranded… and feeling really powerless.
Mustang Automotive
1600 E State Hwy 152
Mustang, Oklahoma 73064
405-745-4826
https://www.mustangautomotiveinc.com/
Need Service?
More articles from Mustang Automotive
Restore Your Get-Up-and-Go (Fuel and Air Induction Cleaning)
November 17, 2024
You may have heard the old saying, "My get-up-and-go got up and went." If your vehicle's engine's fuel economy is noticeably worse, your engine is idling roughly or stalling or your vehicle's acceleration isn't what it used to be, ask your service advisor if you might need your vehicle's fuel and... More
Mustang Automotive Advice: Don't Overlook These 10 Automotive Services
November 10, 2024
Organization is the key to managing a busy life in Oklahoma. So setting up an annual calendar for vehicle care can keep Mustang residents on top of preventive maintenance. But you can't just write oil change every few months on the calendar. Modern vehicles have many systems that are vital to the... More
When "Shady" is a Good Thing
November 3, 2024
Just like your skin can burn from too much sun, so can the paint on your vehicle. It can turn dull, oxidize and fade the more ultraviolet rays beat down on it. One solution is to park in a shady spot, or you can buy a cover for your vehicle and put it on when you know it's going to be sitting in... More