They are designed to “blow” when the current flow of a circuit reaches unsafe levels. Your vehicle’s electrical system also includes fuses, which are necessary in preventing over-voltage and short circuiting. It maintains effective and smooth operation of your alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning and – in some vehicles – your water pump. The serpentine (or drive) belt, named for its long and winding appearance, drives the alternator via the engine. The alternator, located next to your engine, also recharges the battery as your engine is running, ensuring that once your vehicle is turned off there is enough power in the battery to start it again. Once the vehicle is started, the alternator supplies power to your vehicle’s electrical system. This battery feeds an electrical current to the starter in order to get your engine started. Under the hood of your vehicle there is a 12-volt rechargeable battery.
It’s best to determine as quickly as possible whether you can troubleshoot the issue or if you need a professional to take a look. When that happens, your vehicle will essentially “die” and even a boost from another vehicle will only provide you a small amount of power in the battery. While some warning lights on your dash don’t indicate an immediate issue, your battery warning light is one that you do not want to ignore.Ī battery warning light means that, for some reason, your battery is not recharging and it’s only a matter of time before driving your vehicle drains whatever charge is does have.