The battery light can indicate a number of things. In general, its ignition signals that the engine is not receiving enough energy. The causes can be a malfunctioning alternator, a faulty battery and other anomalies. It is important to know how to react when the light comes on. The situation could be more or less serious, but it still requires intervention.
Steps
Step 1. Don't panic
When the battery light comes on, sometimes the solution to the problem is actually very simple.
Step 2. Look at the various indicators
Check the indicator that indicates the power, namely the voltmeter. Often, next to this instrument there is a drawing of a battery. When the level is extremely high or low, it is best to have the car checked. If it is roughly the same as usual, the problem is probably not serious.
Step 3. Reduce the amount of energy you are using by turning off the radio, air conditioning, headlights, defroster, interior lighting, and wipers
Avoid operating electric windows, too, if possible.
Step 4. Keep the car running
The more you run the engine, the more the battery charges. In addition, one of the most important consumption of the battery occurs when the car is turned on. By not switching the engine off and on again, you will avoid affecting the battery charge level, which is already quite low.
Step 5. Go to a mechanic or gas station
Ask for help in checking the alternator operation. If the alternator fails, the battery will drain. If it does not present any problem, the fault could be with the battery itself.
Step 6. Check the battery cables
If they're worn out, or even disconnected, here's where the problem lies. Clean them with a wire brush. Tighten the cables to the corresponding poles of the battery.
Step 7. Examine the alternator belt
If it is loose, tighten it or buy a new one. If it has any cracks, buy one immediately, because once broken, the car will not run.
Step 8. Turn the car back on after at least five minutes
Give the electronic system time to reset. Once reset, the battery light should go out. It may have been a temporary problem.
Step 9. If none of these steps reveal the problem, contact a mechanic
The car's electronic system has many warning lights that can indicate various problems. It's like having a broken computer.