Battery Warning Light (Charging Light)
The battery warning light shows that the charging system is not supplying enough voltage while the engine runs, usually an alternator or belt problem.
What is Battery Warning Light (Charging Light)?
It is normally red and looks like a small battery. The car then runs on battery power alone and will stop when the battery is empty. Electric and hybrid cars use it to warn about the 12 V system. A charging system test with a multimeter or battery tester quickly shows whether the alternator is working.
How it works
The control unit compares system voltage with the expected charging voltage and lights the symbol when it falls too low or rises too high.
Why it matters for your car
Switch off non-essential electrical loads and drive to a safe place or a workshop. If the light comes on together with high temperature or heavy steering, the drive belt may have broken; stop the engine.
Other terms
- Charge-sustaining Mode (Hybrid Mode)
- Dielectric Grease
- Diesel Waxing (Fuel Gelling)
- Dyno Test (Dynamometer)
- Electronic Parking Brake
- Engine Sludge
- Flywheel
- Front Splitter
- Fuel Pressure Test
- Hail Damage
- Load Index
- Pressure Washer
- Second-life Battery
- Shift Interlock
- Two-bucket Wash Method
- Two-Stroke Engine
- Type Approval
- Tyre Age (DOT Date Code)
- Valve Cover Gasket (Rocker Cover Gasket)
- Vehicle Overloading