When you turn the key in the ignition, the battery light should come on briefly. This is to indicate that the battery is working and is charging. If the battery light stays on after the engine starts, it means that there is a problem with the charging system.
Car Dies
If the battery light is on and your car dies, it means that the battery has discharged and there is no power to the engine. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Faulty alternator
- Loose or damaged battery terminals
- Bad battery
- Broken fan belt
What to Do
If your battery light comes on and your car dies, you should take it to a mechanic as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it.
In the meantime, you can try to jump-start your car. To do this, you will need to connect jumper cables from another working car to your car. Once the jumper cables are connected, start the other car and let it run for a few minutes. This will charge your battery and allow you to start your car.
Tips for Avoiding Battery Problems
There are a few things you can do to avoid battery problems:
- Keep your battery terminals clean and free of corrosion
- Check your battery voltage regularly
- Have your battery tested periodically
- Replace your battery when it is old
- Avoid leaving your lights on when you are not using your car
- Avoid driving with your air conditioner or other accessories on all the time
