Why is battery light on after replacing battery?

Category: automotive auto parts
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The battery warning light in most cars indicates there is problem with the charging system as a whole, not just the battery. The airbag computer will set a code and turn on the warning light when the system voltage is too high, or too low. The light should go out when the problem is repaired.



Hereof, why is my battery light on with new battery and alternator?

The most common is, again, a loose connection either with the control plug (aka “relay” plug-in), charging line connection, or the ground. The other is a blown fuse or defective connector or relay, which could have been broken or shorted when the alternator was installed or on the first start-up after its installation.

Secondly, how do I turn my battery light off? If the battery light comes on while the engine is running and the vehicle is being driven, this indicates a problem with the charging system.
  1. Step 1: Turn off everything that draws power.
  2. Step 2: Stop the car.
  3. Step 1: Locate the battery, the fuse box and the alternator.
  4. Step 2: Inspect the battery.

Besides, is it safe to drive my car with the battery light on?

Driving with your Battery Light on is not a good idea. If the battery is bad, the alternator is faulty, or the wiring is bad, these can cause the vehicle to lose power and not operate like it normally would. The battery powers essential parts of your car, so it is a must have piece of equipment.

Can a bad fuse cause the battery light to come on?

Each vehicle comes with a battery light on the dashboard. This light works as a warning in case the battery has a problem. It could be a damaged alternator, corroded wires, fuses, or the battery itself. In such a case, the battery light will then go on.

29 Related Question Answers Found

Will battery light come on if alternator is bad?

Weak or dead battery
If the battery is really weak or dead, the alternator cannot bring it back to life. If the battery is weak or dead, the car will continue to run but the lights will again become dim after a short time, indicating a problem with the charging system.

What are the signs of a bad alternator?

Symptoms of a Damaged or Failing Alternator
  • Difficulty Starting/Runs Rough.
  • Degrading Performance of Electrical Components.
  • Growling or Whining Noise.
  • Smell of Burning Rubber.
  • Warning Light.

How can you tell if its the battery or alternator?

Signs of a Bad Alternator
Some of the things to look for are no-starting and trouble starting, dimming lights and problems with stereo system output. If your car starts but stalls when you're underway, your battery is probably not being recharged due to a faulty alternator.

What will cause a battery light to come on?

The battery light indicates a battery charging problem. If the battery light comes on and stays on while you are driving, the most common cause is a broken alternator belt. Total failure of the alternator is another possibility. But you want to get to the garage before the battery fails and your car dies.

Is there a fuse for the alternator?


#3 – Blown Fuse
There are certain models of car which have alternators dependent on a particular fuse to operate. However, these fuses can blow due to a power surge or simply from old age. Once that happens, the alternator will no longer charge the battery.

When I turn on AC battery light comes on?

The battery light is likely just an indication of the alternator not working from the idle being too low. The dealer should be able to diagnose it very quickly and it should be covered. Check the charging system when the car is running. Should have 14 volts when the engine is running.

How can I test my alternator?

To check an alternator, pop your vehicle's hood and hook up a voltmeter to the car's battery by connecting the red lead to the positive terminal and the black lead to the negative terminal. Make sure the voltmeter reads at least 12.2 volts, then start your car and rev the engine to 2,000 RPM.

How long can you drive with a bad alternator?

Originally Posted By graysonp: 25 miles should be fine. Theoretically, on an older car, you can drive forever once the engine is running, you'll just be without any electrical amenities in the vehicle. Newer cars are much more reliant on the battery/charging system, and many won't even stay running with a dead battery.

How many years do car batteries last?

Under these conditions, you can probably expect your car battery life to be about six years. On average, a car battery lasts between two and five years. If you live in the northern United States, your car battery lifespan will be longer, because you're in a cold climate.

What does the red battery light mean on my car?


CARS.COM — If the battery warning light (a light in the shape of a battery symbol) on the dashboard comes on while you're driving, that means the charging system isn't working, but the fault may lie in something other than the battery. The alternator generates the power that is stored in the battery.

What does a charging system warning light mean?

The charging system light will illuminate when the vehicle control system detects a problem with either the battery or the alternator. Typically, the alternator is the cause for the light. The "battery" light is actually the charging system warning light. It means that the charging voltage is low.

How much is a new alternator?

Waits says the average price to replace an alternator with a remanufactured one is $400, while Gunning adds that a remanufactured alternator on a typical, domestic car, costs about $300 to $500, including parts and labor. The price of a new alternator can run from $500 to $1,000.

Can you drive with alternator light on?

Is it safe to drive with the alternator warning light on? When this light is illuminated, your car is still somewhat safe to drive as you will have enough battery power to run the engine. As always, our certified technicians are available to come to you to help you diagnose any issues with your car's battery.

Does cold weather affect your alternator?

Cold weather causes problems for your battery because it must provide more juice to overcome the internal resistance of cold, thick oil. You might notice that the noise goes away after a while, and that's because when it's cold, the rubber belt that drives the alternator is more rigid.

Why is my battery light still on after changing battery?


The battery warning light in most cars indicates there is problem with the charging system as a whole, not just the battery. The airbag computer will set a code and turn on the warning light when the system voltage is too high, or too low. The light should go out when the problem is repaired.

Does idling a car charge the battery?

You may have been sitting in your car with it running thinking if your car will keep charging your car while it is currently idling. The good news is that yes your car battery will charge in idling. Your car battery will be charged by your alternator which will provide electricity to the battery.

What does it mean when your battery light and oil light come on?

The Oil and Battery lights come on when the engine stalls because; the engine oil pressure drops to zero, and the battery is not being charged due to the engine not running. This is not an indication that the problem is due to either one.