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All warning lights

Battery / Charging System Warning Light

Red - stop right away

alternator light · battery light · charging system light

What it means

The battery is not being charged properly by the alternator - the car is running on stored battery power alone.

Common causes

  • Failing alternator
  • Worn or slipping serpentine belt
  • Corroded or loose battery terminals
  • Bad ground connection
  • Dying battery

What to do

Turn off nonessential electronics (radio, AC, heated seats) and try to reach a repair shop or safe stopping point. Have the charging system tested - a multimeter check of voltage at the battery with the engine running is a quick first step.

Can you keep driving?

Only briefly. The engine may stall without warning once the battery drains, and power steering/brakes can be affected in some vehicles. Avoid highways and long trips until this is fixed.

Don't guess what's wrong with your car

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Find a repair shop

Run a shop? The OBD decoder, fuse box diagrams and parts catalog are built into the Motoro dashboard. See Motoro for workshops

Descriptions are for guidance only and do not replace a workshop inspection. If you are ever unsure whether it is safe to keep driving, pull over in a safe spot.

Related symptoms

This warning light sometimes appears alongside these symptoms:

Related warning lights