The car dashboard battery warning light coming on after the engine has started should be a cause for concern and taken seriously.
It may come on at different times as you drive and one such time might be as the car accelerates. Understandly, this can be puzzling, setting off many questions in your mind.
What does it mean and what should you do? Is it even safe to continue driving the car?
If this is you then read on. What I have shared below will empower you to not only understand why the light comes on as you accelerate but can help you fix the underlying issue.
What Does it Mean?
The car battery light coming on signals an issue with the car’s charging system. In this case, it might indicate that the alternator is not running as well at the higher engine speeds.
This could imply an issue with the alternator belt. Read on to find out what the issue with the belt might be and what else may trigger the battery light to come on.
Why the Car Battery Light Comes on During Acceleration?
The light might come on because:
1. The alternator belt may be damaged or loose. It is possible that the belt slips at higher RPMs as the car picks up speed. Inspect the best to check if it is in good condition and that it is well-tensioned too as this can cause the light to come on as the car accelerates.
2. Inspect the wire connections at the alternator. Are they intact, corrosion free and firmly connected?
Check the connector at the back of the alternator too. Make sure the terminals are clean, make firm connections.
3. Inspect the positive, negative, and ground battery connections too. Are they intact, corrosion free and firmly connected? Check the connector at the back of the alternator too. Make sure the terminals are clean and make firm connections.
4. The alternator may be failing. A failing alternator may be the reason. Perhaps it’s the brushes that are worn out?
Have the alternator tested at a reputable auto parts store.
5. Check if there is an accessory with a high current draw that has been switched on, perhaps a sound system or other with an unusually high power draw on the car alternator or battery.
Check our guide for what else can cause your car battery to die quickly
Should you Continue Driving? Is it safe?
How Long should you drive on?
Depending on the charge level and condition of the battery, you may be able to drive on without any incident especially if you’re covering a short distance. Plus, the light may go off when you slow down.
That being said, the battery warning light indicates an issue with the car’s electrical system that can progressively get worse (leave you stuck at the roadside and in need of a tow) if not fixed in time.
It is possible that the battery may not be charging well and that the car’s electrical system is being powered by the battery which may eventually drain stalling the car engine.
Get it checked out at a qualified auto parts store.
What to Do
Check if it is intermittent or happens each time
If the battery warning light comes on as you step on the gas, check if it goes off as you slow down. Confirm if it comes on again as you accelerate.
In some cases, the warning light is a one-off incident that does not happen again.
This additional information can make a big difference in quickly identifying and solving the problem.
Switch off any accessories that may be drawing a lot of power from the battery
If the light stays on, switch off unnecessary car accessories and only leave on the essentials. Drive to the nearest auto parts store to check your car’s electrical system. You can also carry out the checks below too.
Checks you Can Do
1. Check the Battery
Check the battery’s physical condition and cable connections too. Are the cable terminals firmly connected to the battery posts?
Do they make clean contact? Check the battery’s charge level and whether it is holding charge.
A fully charged car battery’s voltage should be about 12.6 – 12.8V DC.
If the battery shows signs of physical damage (bulging), replace it with one recommended by the manufacturer. Remove any corrosion and make sure the battery terminals make good firm and clean contact.
Loose connections or corrosion affects how well a car battery charges and can trigger the battery light.
2. Check the Alternator
Check the alternator voltage (measured at the battery terminals) with the car running. The voltage reading should be in the 13.5 – 14.5 V range.
If lower than that then there’s a problem with the alternator, its connections, or the wiring (battery terminal connections included).
Note: You can also arrange to have confirmatory and comprehensive tests done on your car’s alternator and battery at an auto parts store. Replace the alternator or battery whichever does not work.
You can also check this guide for more information on how to tell if your car has an alternator or battery problem.
3. Check the Alternator belt
Is it loose and possibly slipping at higher speeds? Does it show signs of wear such as cracks?
If it is showing signs of wear, replace it and check if the battery warning light coming on at higher speeds.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to make sure the belt is well-tensioned.
Related Posts
Why the Car Battery Light May Be Flashing when Accelerating
If the car battery light flashes on and off when accelerating, it could be an issue with the alternator belt that’s damaged and needs to be replaced, requires tensioning, loose battery connections, or even a failing alternator.
Read on for more of what may be causing this here.
Can a Loose Battery Terminal Cause the Battery Light to Come on When Accelerating?
Yes. One of the first checks you should do is to check that the battery terminals – positive, negative, and ground are firmly connected and do not have any corrosion. Check here for what else may be causing this.
Closing Thoughts
When the battery warning light comes on as you accelerate the car, this is likely a problem with the car’s charging system.
Have your car’s electrical system inspected and the problem rectified so that you do not get stuck with a bad battery.
At a minimum check for a faulty alternator, damaged or lose serpentine (drive) belt, loose or poor battery connections, a bad battery, or a parasitic load that is draining your battery’s power.
Recommended Posts
- 6 reasons why your battery may be draining and how to fix them
- 2 Easy ways to check if your alternator is draining your battery
- Should you charge your new car battery before use?
- Is leaving your car in Accessory mode bad for the battery?
- Does leaving your car running charge the battery?
- Car Battery Light ON and OFF while Driving -Causes (Explained)
