ANSWERS: 1
  • <h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: You've Lost Electricity

    When you turn the key in the ignition of your car, the battery light should light up for a moment and then go off when the engine starts. If the battery light stays on or comes on while you're driving, it means your car's alternator is not providing necessary electricity for charging and your car is running off the battery only. In other words, whatever charge you have in your battery is all you have to drive on.

    On the Other: You're Still Moving

    You can drive a little way with the battery light on, especially if it means getting to a safe place or a mechanic. While you're still moving, turn off anything that is unnecessarily draining electricity, such as air conditioning and the radio.

    Bottom Line

    Drive only to the closest safe destination or mechanic, turn off the car and don't start it again until it has been fixed. If you don't have a charge going to your battery and you continue to drive, you will end up with a dead battery and be stuck wherever you end up. More than likely, you have a broken or loose alternator drive belt or a bad alternator.

    Source:

    The Automobile Association: Warning Lights

    Repair Pal: Battery Light On While Driving

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