Top Reasons a Battery Light Comes OnĮvery time the vehicle starts up, the battery warning light should briefly turn on, then back off after a few seconds. Various wires around the engine bay called ground straps connect parts of the wiring harness to the chassis, which help complete different circuits. The current (made of electrons) flows from one post of the battery, through the accessories, then into the other battery post. It is often a component of the engine control unit (ECU). The voltage regulator maintains the desired voltage while charging the battery. Note: Older vehicles may use a dynamo (also called a DC generator) instead of an alternator. This energy is then used to power things such as headlights, power windows, heated seats, radio, air conditioner, DVD players, and cell phone chargers. The alternator takes kinetic energy from the rotating pulley and converts some of this energy into AC power, which is then converted into DC current and stored in the battery. Recharging happens when the crankshaft pulley turns the alternator belt (also known as serpentine belt or accessory belt) which spins a rotor inside the alternator (which is sometimes referred to as a generator). Chemical energy stored in the battery is how the vehicle can be started initially and then as it runs, the battery is recharged. What To Do If the Battery Warning Light is Onīatteries are used to store energy to keep the vehicle and its power accessories working.How Conventional Vehicle Batteries Work.If neither of those fix the fault, you’ll need to have your alternator and battery tested. If this is lose or broken, it will not charge the battery. You can clean any corrosion with a wire brush. Make sure they are tightly secured to the battery and that they are free from corrosion. Start off by checking the battery terminals. Once you have reached your destination, turn the car engine off. It’s advisable to now drive directly to a car service repair station.Though utilities such as interior lights and the stereo use very little power, it’s still best to turn these off and don’t forget anything that you might have plugged into the USB port such as a mobile phone or sat-nav. This should include heater, air conditioning and window demisters being the biggest energy drains. To keep your car going as long as possible, turn off anything in your car that draws power, except of course your lights if you’re driving at night. Depending on the fault, if there isn’t enough electricity being generated, there is the possibility that your car may break down.One of the biggest battery power drains is starting the car. Do not turn your car engine off as you may not be able to restart it if there isn’t sufficient charge remaining in the battery.What to do if the Car Battery Light Comes on The alternator belt can become loose or break preventing the battery from charging If the battery symbol stays on after the engine has started or comes on whilst driving, there is a fault. The battery warning light will come on with the ignition and should go out shortly after the engine has started. Cables and connections – The various cables and connections (including the battery terminals) that link the charging system may have corroded or become loose over time which may cause a connection fault.Voltage regulator – Ensures the alternator provides sufficient power to charge the battery, whilst also ensuring excessive power isn’t produced that otherwise might cause damage.Battery – The car battery stores electricity and is used to start your car and to power various electrical utilities when the alternator is unable to do so.Alternator / alternator belt – The alternator generates electricity and is used to charge the car battery and to provide power to vehicle utilities.What is Engine Coolant / Antifreeze & when to Use It.What is a Catalytic Converter and How they Work.
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