Battery light comes on when starting car then goes off

Battery light comes on when starting car then goes off

Q: Battery light comes on when I crank the car but then goes out. Is this normal?

The battery light indicator comes on during the time the car is crank but goes away. What could this mean?

My car has 98900 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

John Hege

Automotive Mechanic

40 years of experience

The battery light and the other warning lights should come on when you turn the key to the on position before you start the car. This is a bulb check function and is normal. Some lights may remain on while you turn the starter. But when the engine starts, the lights will go out as soon as the alternator starts producing sufficient charging voltage. if the battery light is taking a few seconds to go out after the engine starts, this may indicate that your alternator is getting weak or that the alternator belt is loose and needs some attention. You should have the charging system tested to be sure. You can contact Your Mechanic, and they can send a technician to your home or office to check out your car and tell you if the charging system is up to par or if it needs attention.

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Batteries

What To Do When Dashboard Battery Light Comes On

  • Jan 21,2019

Battery light comes on when starting car then goes off
Battery light comes on when starting car then goes off

Battery light comes on when starting car then goes off
How often do you think about your car battery? If you’re like most people, the answer is “never”—until there’s an issue with it. A dashboard car battery light could signal any number of issues under the hood, from a damaged battery to a glitch in the alternator. But before you break out the jumper cables or worry about possible repairs, take some time to determine why your dashboard battery light is on. It might be a quick fix!

What Does the Battery Light Mean?

If your car battery light comes on when you start the car, you're in the clear! It’s completely normal for this light to illuminate when you first turn on your car. The light will turn off after a few seconds.

If the light stays on as you’re driving, though, pay attention. You'll likely notice other signs of a weak battery charge, like power windows that are slow to come up or a stereo that won't turn on.

An illuminated battery light could be due to a number of issues, including:

  • A loose or corroded battery cable
  • A problem with the alternator or voltage regulator
  • Damaged cells or plates inside the battery
  • Faulty wiring in the car's electric charging system

A dashboard battery light basically means there's a battery charging problem. Your car isn't getting enough voltage from the car battery to operate properly. It needs more "juice!"

Troubleshooting Your Battery Light

Now let's talk about your car battery light! It could mean it's time to replace the battery. But, the light could also be triggered by a minor (and easily fixable) issue like corrosion or loose clamps. So put on some protective gloves, consult your owner's manual, and then carefully follow the steps below to troubleshoot the battery yourself.

  • Check for corrosion. In some vehicles, fumes from regular operation can cause corrosion to accumulate on top of the battery terminals, especially during summer months or in regions with year-round warm weather. To check for corrosion, remove any covers from the terminals on top of your battery. If you see a white or greenish substance on the top of the battery or around the terminals, you've got corrosion! While battery corrosion is common, it can interfere with the conduction of electricity from the battery to the rest of your car. Don't touch battery corrosion with your bare hands, as it could cause skin irritation. Instead, head to our next troubleshooting tip.
  • Clean the battery terminals. If you noticed significant corrosion or other grime around your battery terminals, this could be why your car battery light is on. Fortunately, it’s easy and inexpensive to clean your battery terminals with common household items and a bit of elbow grease. Simply remove the terminal covers, disconnect the battery cables, and give the terminals a hearty scrub.
  • Tighten the cable clamps. Sometimes a car battery light comes on because there's a weak connection between your battery and the cables that connect to it. While you have the hood open, check to be sure the clamps are securely fastened to your battery terminals. If you notice that the clamps are loose, use a small wrench or a pair of pliers to tighten them until they’re snug around the terminals. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions related to your vehicle make/model.

What to Do When Your Car Battery Light Is (Still) On

You've checked for and cleaned off any corrosion, and you've tightened up any loose battery cables. But your battery light is still on?! The culprit could be a mechanical issue, like a problem with the alternator or voltage regulator. Or, it could be something systematic, like faulty wiring.

What’s next? Head to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a fast and free battery check. We’ll take a look at your battery’s health, then recommend repairs or a new battery if needed. Don’t get stranded because of battery issues! Find your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care today and recharge your peace of mind.

Top

Is it safe if your battery light comes on then goes off when you turn it back on?

This is a bulb check function and is normal. Some lights may remain on while you turn the starter. But when the engine starts, the lights will go out as soon as the alternator starts producing sufficient charging voltage.

Why does the battery light come on when I start my car?

An illuminated battery indicator can be caused by a number of issues, including: A loose or corroded battery cable. A problem with the alternator or voltage regulator. Damaged cells or plates inside the battery.

How do you tell if its your alternator or your battery?

Jumpstart your car. If you can turn the engine on, but it dies shortly thereafter, your car alternator likely isn't able to charge the battery. On the other hand, if you jumpstart the car and later on it fails to start on its own, it's likely a dead battery.

What are signs of a failed battery in a car?

Signs you have a bad battery.
The car is difficult to start..
Once started, the car doesn't hold a charge for very long..
Dim or flickering taillights and headlights..
Dim interior and dashboard lights..