What does the battery mean to you?

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The dashboard lights up when you turn the car on.An array of illuminated numbers, letters, indicators, read-outs, and symbols flash and fade to black.The little battery light will stay on if there is an issue with the charging system.

Reality is more complicated than a battery-shaped light suggests.The issue could be traced to the battery or its terminals, but it could also be the result of a failing alternator, a bad connection, or a number of other issues.

A bad charging system will drain the battery and cost you money, so you will want to address it immediately.The Drive has put together a guide to identify, diagnose, and solve your car's problems.

The charging system light on the dashboard is shaped like a Lego battery, but it's not an electric vehicle charging device.It is a warning to the driver that the charging system is not running efficiently enough to properly charge the battery while maintaining power to necessary accessories if the light stays on after turning the vehicle on.

If you see a charging system light on your dashboard, immediately drive to a local dealership or garage, not the highway.

A modern vehicle's charging system includes a battery, wiring, and an electronic control unit.Older vehicles had regulators.

The alternator takes mechanical energy from the engine and converts it into electrical energy to power accessories and charge the battery.

The electronic control unit is a device that manages the linked electronic system.Where, when, and how power is held is regulated.

There are many reasons why the charging system is not operating at full capacity.Let's take a look at what they could be.

The piece of rubber that turns the pulley is called the serpentine belt.There could be charging issues if the belt isn't running correctly.

Make sure the cables are connected correctly by checking the battery terminals.Attach the cable to the battery if the wire is disconnected.

The battery terminal could be creating an inconsistent connection.The Drive has a guide for How To Clean Battery Terminals.

The battery can be tested with a multimeter.A fully charged battery should register more than 12V.Before you replace it, try to replenish the battery with a trickle charge.The drive has a guide for how to change a car battery.

To test the alternator, use a multimeter.It should read between 13 and 14.The alternator might need to be replaced if it is below normal.

The easiest way to notice a problem is with a charging system light, but there are other ways to look for it.The symptoms, which are similar across all three parts, could be an indication of the bigger issue.

A rusty bolt, an engine component not in the correct position, or oil leaking everywhere are some of the things that can derail a project.To get you through even the toughest jobs, we partner with JustAnswer, which connects you to certified mechanics around the globe.

It means there is an issue with the charging system of the vehicle.

There is a risk of the car shutting off without warning if something in the vehicle's charge system isn't functioning properly.It is possible that it is not possible to start the vehicle again if it dies.We don't recommend driving with the battery light on to any place other than your house or a service center because of this.We don't recommend driving if the light comes on.

To make sure the battery and alternator are working at the right levels, use a multimeter.

What does the battery mean to you?

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