![]() The voltage should be between 13.6 volts and 14.6 volts. It’s relatively easy to check the function of the alternator with a multimeter. If this happens then the battery needs to be replaced.īad wiring or bad grounds can also cause the battery to not take or hold a charge. With age, the cells or plates can break and the electrolyte solution can leak. These conventional batteries each have a lead dioxide plate and lead plate submerged in a sulfuric acid electrolyte solution in each of the six cells. Some manufacturers tout a longer lifespan, but the batteries should not be expected to last that long. Normal 12 volt batteries have a 3 to 5 year lifespan. ![]() If the battery is having trouble charging, you should notice other symptoms such as dim headlights, clock running slow, or things such as the air conditioner or radio not working. Disconnect the battery before cleaning or closely examining it. ![]() It’s a good idea to wear gloves or goggles to protect your eyes if battery acid splashes, and rubber gloves to protect you from shock. Safety is important whenever working with electrical systems, so check your owner’s manual for general tips. If this occurs, there are a number of potential causes to check out when troubleshooting. ![]() The warning light for the battery will stay on if a fault is detected in the charging system. This is a system test that indicates the battery light on the dash, along with any monitored components of the charging system, are working as expected. Top Reasons a Battery Light Comes OnĮvery time the vehicle starts up, the battery warning light should briefly turn on, then back off after a few seconds. Various wires around the engine bay called ground straps connect parts of the wiring harness to the chassis, which help complete different circuits. The current (made of electrons) flows from one post of the battery, through the accessories, then into the other battery post. It is often a component of the engine control unit (ECU). The voltage regulator maintains the desired voltage while charging the battery. Note: Older vehicles may use a dynamo (also called a DC generator) instead of an alternator. This energy is then used to power things such as headlights, power windows, heated seats, radio, air conditioner, DVD players, and cell phone chargers. The alternator takes kinetic energy from the rotating pulley and converts some of this energy into AC power, which is then converted into DC current and stored in the battery. Recharging happens when the crankshaft pulley turns the alternator belt (also known as serpentine belt or accessory belt) which spins a rotor inside the alternator (which is sometimes referred to as a generator). Chemical energy stored in the battery is how the vehicle can be started initially and then as it runs, the battery is recharged. What To Do If the Battery Warning Light is Onīatteries are used to store energy to keep the vehicle and its power accessories working.How Conventional Vehicle Batteries Work.If nothing else, the alternator will have to work harder to recharge that drained battery, which reduces fuel economy. Jumpstarting is one way to get your car started again, but remember that every time a battery is fully discharged its life becomes shorter. If it still won't start, repeat the process. If it starts, let it idle for at least 20 minutes, or go on a five-mile drive so the battery can recharge. Turn off the engine and remove the cables in reverse order, being careful to not let the clamps touch any metal surface.Revving the engine won't help: jumpstarting draws amps from the good battery, which is unaffected by engine power. Turn on the car with the fully charged battery and let it idle for roughly five to 10 minutes. Now you're ready to actually jumpstart the car.This grounds the circuit and helps prevent sparking. Connect the other end of the black (negative) jumper cable to an unpainted metal part in the dead car, as far from the battery as the cable will reach.Connect one end of the black (negative) jumper cable to the black negative (-) post of the charged battery.Connect the other end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the red positive (+) post of the charged battery.Connect one end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the red positive (+) post of the dead battery.Open the hood of each vehicle and put on the work gloves and safety goggles.Turn off or unplug any electronics, including headlights, hazard lights, radios, or cell phone chargers in each vehicle.Turn off the vehicle with the good battery.Make sure each vehicle is in Park or Neutral.Park the vehicles close enough that the jumper cables reach each battery.Jumpstarting a car is relatively straightforward, but it's still important to follow these steps exactly:
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