Introduction
A battery is considered the central power hub of a vehicle that supplies power to start the car. Further, the battery also acts as a surge protector for different accessories, such as the car’s computer, GPS, wipers, stereo, etc., when the engine is off. So, the main task of the battery is to supply enough power to the starter motor that cranks the engine.
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With a proper battery system, a driver can start the car using the starter. Hence, a driver should always notice a battery warning sign blinking on the vehicle’s dashboard. This warning sign appears on the vehicle’s dashboard as a small battery icon. A simple driver would assume that this warning light is blinking due to a low battery. Although this can be one of the reasons for the blinking of this light, several other reasons can result in a battery warning light. This article will shed light on some of the critical causes of battery warning lights and some remedies.
How to Remove and Install a Battery in the Vehicle?
There can be days when your vehicle’s battery (1) would require a replacement. And many drivers need help remembering the order to disconnect or connect the terminals. But do not worry; we have developed a solution allowing you to remove and install a battery in your vehicle efficiently.
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Starting with removing the old battery1, remember that you must first disconnect the cables from the negative terminal. The wire attached to this terminal will be black, and the battery’s negative terminal will have a negative (-) sign imprinted upon it. Secondly, remove the wire attached to the positive terminal. This wire would be red, and the battery’s positive terminal would have a plus (+) sign imprinted upon it.
However, you must ensure that a metal object does not touch both terminals of the battery simultaneously, as this can cause a short circuit resulting in the blowing of the battery. After disconnecting the terminals, unhitch them and slowly lift the battery out of the tray.
Before installing the new battery, you should clean (2) the battery terminals and cables. Usually, there is rust on the cables and terminals that impacts the connection. So, you can clean the rust with a water and vinegar mixture using a brush. After cleaning the terminals and cables, lower the battery into the tray and clamp the terminals in the correct positions.
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It is to be noted that you should connect the new battery in reverse order. That is, connect the positive terminal first and then connect the negative terminal. Finally, ensure that the battery is secured and the terminals tightly clamped.
Why is Battery Warning Light Blinking on the Vehicle’s Dashboard?
Loose or Corroded Wire Terminals
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A poor connection between the battery and wires can cause a battery warning light. A loose wire connection affects the flow of electricity. As there is less power being supplied to the electrical system and starter motor, there is a chance that the car will not start. Or the car will start sluggishly.
Another sign of loose wire connection (6) can be dimming electrical components such as stereo, navigation, car light, and other electrical system. If the respective cables are tightly clamped, the corrosion on the wires or battery terminal can also impact the flow of electricity.
So, if your vehicle is starting sluggishly or the electrical components are dimming. First, you should open the bonnet and check whether the wires are clamped correctly. If the cables are not connected properly, tighten them for an effective flow of electricity. Secondly, check for rust in the connections. Try cleaning the rust with water and vinegar if the connections are corroded. If the battery health is good, the warning sign should go after these steps.
Faulty Alternator
An alternator(3) is responsible for recharging the battery, which allows one to turn on the car and use other electronic accessories.
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However, a faulty alternator can also blink the battery warning sign on your vehicle’s dashboard. Different signs can indicate a defective alternator. The most common sign is the inconsistent supply of voltage. As a result, electronic components such as headlights can be dimmer or brighter.
Similarly, flickering headlights(3) can signify a faulty alternator. Another indication of a defective alternator can be a dead battery. Sometimes, the battery dies because its life has ended or an electric component is left on overnight. However, if the battery is dead without these causes, then there is a chance that the vehicle’s alternator is malfunctioning. It needs to charge the battery when the engine is running more effectively. Slow or trouble start can be another sign of a faulty alternator.
An alternator has different parts, and there can be a possibility that a certain part failure is causing the alternator to malfunction. However, a simple driver needs help comprehending the complexities of an alternator. Thus, it is suggested to take your car to a professional mechanic or a service center to get the alternator repaired or replaced according to the problem.
Faulty Voltage Regulator
Another cause of battery warning light can be a faulty voltage regulator. A voltage regulator(4) is a critical generator component that optimizes the voltage for the car’s electrical components.
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The signs of a faulty voltage regulator can be similar to those of a defective alternator. However, you can differentiate between the two faults by checking the voltage supplied by the battery. A faulty voltage regulator will supply high or low voltage to the battery. If the power supplied to the battery is higher than usual, it is recommended to change the voltage regulator at the earliest as it can damage the vehicle’s electrical components. A voltage greater than 13.7V can signal that the voltage regulator is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.
So, it is recommended to get the battery voltage checked first. And if the battery voltage is above or below the normal range, it is recommended to change the voltage regulator to properly function the vehicle’s electrical components.
Low Battery
Another reason for battery warning light(4) can be low battery level. The battery level can become low if the battery has completed its life cycle. Service experts say a typical car battery’s life cycle ranges from 5 to 7 years. And after these years, the car battery needs to be replaced for optimum performance. The symptoms of a low battery include failure in starting the vehicle and electric component failure. In some cases, the battery level can also become low if the fluid in the battery is low. This is different in dry batteries.
In case of low battery, you are recommended to jump-start the vehicle and take it to a service center for battery replacement. It is also recommended to check the car’s manual to get an idea about the required voltage and battery type. Replacing particular weak cells of the battery can also improve its performance.
Cost Required to Resolve the Issue
The following table illustrates the cost requires to resolve the battery warning sign issue:
| Common Causes | Cost Required to Resolve the Issue |
|---|
| Loose or Corroded Wire Terminals | $20-30 to get new wire terminals |
| Faulty Alternator | $100-1000 depending upon the issue in the alternator, $1000 is for the entire alternator replacement |
| Faulty Voltage Regulator | $70-400 for voltage regulator replacement |
| Low Battery | $45-250 for battery replacement, $15-50 for cell replacement, $10 for fluid replacement |
| Labor Cost | $10-100 depending upon the extent of labor |
It is to be noted that the costs can vary depending on the vehicle’s model, make, and variant.
Personal Experience
My personal experience could have been better with the battery warning sign. I used to own a Kia Sportage, and the battery warning sign appeared due to a faulty voltage regulator. I kept on driving the car, thinking that the battery needed replacement and I would get it replaced on the weekend. But high voltage blew the headlight fuse and the car’s stereo system. So, I recommend that every driver pay attention to this light as it can damage expensive electrical components.
Key Takeaways
The battery warning sign can indicate a serious error, such as a faulty voltage regulator or alternator, or a minor error, such as corroded wires. In any case, the vehicle’s performance will decrease as you find it difficult to operate. And in some cases, you will not be able to start the vehicle as the battery would not be able to supply enough voltage to the starter motor. Thus, it would help if you tried some home remedies when this sign appeared. However, if there are signs such as flickering or a high headlight beam, it is recommended to take the car to a service center to get the faulty parts replaced.
FAQ
If the vehicle has a dead battery, you can find it challenging to start the car or turn on the headlights. Similarly, there can be an issue with the stereo system and other electrical components. However, if the car is stalling while driving, the engine turns off the alternator has a problem recharging your battery. It is to be noted that a dead battery can be a sign of a faulty alternator if the battery is dead before its replacement date or excessive usage.
It depends upon the extent of the issue. However, in normal circumstances, you can drive your car for 30-60 minutes before its performance declines.
No, it can also indicate a faulty voltage regulator. The voltage regulator regulates the voltage supplied to the car’s battery. The headlights can flicker if the voltage the regulator provides is greater or less than the optimum value.
Yes, a heated vehicle can also display battery warning signs as a different component will be drawing more voltage from the battery. In this case, stop your car and try cooling it down. If the warning sign remains, take the car to the service center.
