Maple Valley Auto Repair

When the battery light pops on, the car is telling you the electrical system is not charging correctly. The light does not always mean the battery itself is bad. Most of the time, it points to a charging issue that can leave you with a no-start if you keep driving. Here is how to interpret the light, what to check first in Maple Valley traffic, and when to get professional help. What the Battery Light Really Indicates The battery light is a charging alert. The engine computer or instrument cluster has compared the alternator output to what the system expects and found a mismatch. That can be a failing alternator, a weak belt, a bad tensioner, corroded battery posts, or a broken wire in the charge circuit. A brand new battery can still trigger the light if the alternator is not supplying current. Common Situations When It Turns On Many drivers see the light at cold start, after a deep puddle splash, or during a night drive with lots of accessories ... read more