While a *very* severely failing starter motor might draw excessive current and temporarily drain the battery enough to trigger the light, this is unusual. More commonly, a persistently illuminated battery light points to problems with:
* Alternator: This is the most common cause. A failing alternator can't generate sufficient power to charge the battery.
* Battery: A weak or failing battery itself might not be able to hold a charge, leading to the light.
* Wiring: Problems in the charging system wiring (between the alternator, battery, and voltage regulator) can prevent proper charging.
* Voltage Regulator: This component regulates the alternator's output; a faulty regulator can cause overcharging or undercharging.
If your Stratus' battery light is on, suspect alternator issues first. A bad starter would usually manifest as difficulty starting the engine, cranking slowly, or no cranking at all – not necessarily a battery light. Have the charging system tested by a mechanic to diagnose the problem accurately.
