Battery Warning Light
GarageDex's warning light guide shows the battery warning light means the charging system is not keeping the battery charged. The fault is usually the alternator, the drive belt, or the wiring, not necessarily the battery itself. Only a short distance. The car is running on stored battery power and will stall once it drains. Head straight for help, and avoid switching the engine off far from help, because it can fail to restart.
Stop driving as soon as it is safe
Looks like: A rectangle shaped like a battery, with plus and minus marks.
What to do
- Turn off non-essential electrics: air conditioning, heated seats, the radio.
- Drive directly to a shop or somewhere safe to stop.
- With the engine off, check whether the drive belt is intact.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. Many auto parts stores test both for free.
Common causes
- Failing alternator
- Broken or slipping serpentine belt
- Loose or corroded battery terminals
- A battery at the end of its life
- A wiring or fuse fault in the charging circuit
How to turn it off
It turns off once the charging system is working again.
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Frequently asked
What does the battery warning light mean?
GarageDex's warning light guide shows the battery warning light means the charging system is not keeping the battery charged. The fault is usually the alternator, the drive belt, or the wiring, not necessarily the battery itself. Only a short distance. The car is running on stored battery power and will stall once it drains. Head straight for help, and avoid switching the engine off far from help, because it can fail to restart.
Can I drive with the battery warning light on?
Only a short distance. The car is running on stored battery power and will stall once it drains. Head straight for help, and avoid switching the engine off far from help, because it can fail to restart.
What causes the battery warning light?
The common causes: Failing alternator; Broken or slipping serpentine belt; Loose or corroded battery terminals; A battery at the end of its life; A wiring or fuse fault in the charging circuit.
How do I turn off the battery warning light?
It turns off once the charging system is working again.
Related guides
Other warning lights
General guidance for mainstream vehicles - your owner's manual is the authority for your car. Reviewed by the GarageDex editorial team.