Why is my battery light on with new battery?

The battery warning light in most cars indicates there is problem with the charging system as a whole, not just the battery. The light should go out when the problem is repaired. It may not go out immediately though. You need to have your alternator checked.

Can car batteries give false readings?

When the battery cools off, the pieces will touch, barely giving a complete connection. This gives you a false voltage reading. Batteries with open cells may read fully charged in idle, but they fail under a load test every time. Once a battery reaches this point, there is no going back.

Why is my car battery 17 volts?

It may be that the regulator is packing up and the alternator is going to max. unregulated output because of a bad battery output voltage (alternator input) connection between the battery and the alternator.

What causes battery acid evaporation?

When your battery charges, the electrolyte heats up and some of the water evaporates. During a process called electrolysis, the water breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen gases that dissipate.

How long does it take for battery light to reset?

The message can reset by itself, but the car needs to sit undisturbed for at least eight hours. Perhaps with your work/driving schedule the car doesn’t sit long enough.

Can I still drive my car with the battery light on?

The electrical system is a closed-circuit system. When one of the electrical components stops working properly, other costly damages may occur. Driving while the car battery light is on simply isn’t a good idea. We also recommend that you keep a set of jumper cables in your car at all times.

How do you test a car battery to see if it is bad?

Using a Multimeter to Test a Car Battery Set the multimeter to 15-20 volts. Turn the lights off. Connect the multimeter to the positive and negative battery terminals. If you don’t have a voltage of around 12.6 volts, you may have a bad battery.

What are signs of a bad car battery?

5 Unmistakable Signs Your Car Battery is Failing

• Dim headlights. If your car battery is failing, it’s not going to be able to fully power your vehicle’s electrical components – including your headlights.
• Clicking sound when you turn the key.
• Slow crank.
• Needing to press on the gas pedal to start.
• Backfiring.

What voltage should a new alternator put out?

A good alternator should put out between **13.5-14.5 volts. Stress test the alternator – Place a load on the alternator by turning on the headlights, the radio and the air conditioning. The voltage should remain high with these circuits on.

Should an alternator put out 16 volts?

For some alternators, it’s normal to see as low as 13 volts. For some, a constant 13.6 volts is an indication of a problem. For others, it’s normal to see as high as 16 volts for long stretches. Alternator output is on demand when there are loads detected or the battery needs to be charged.

Do you have to charge a new battery after adding acid?

A battery must be charged to 100\% before putting it into service. After adding acid, charge for another hour at the same rate as above to mix the water and acid together. Note: This is the last time electrolyte should be added to the battery. If the level is low during use, distilled water should be added as required.

What happens if battery fluid is low?

A battery with low battery fluid levels also gives signs you shouldn’t ignore. Slow crank/no crank starting condition, dimming lights, alternator or battery light flickering on, other electrical problems or even the Check Engine Light illuminating can point to battery problems.

How can I tell if my car battery is bad?

Low battery fluid level: Car batteries typically have a part of the casing that’s translucent so you can always keep an eye on your battery’s fluid level. You can also inspect it by removing the red and black caps if they are not sealed (most modern car batteries now permanently seal these parts).

What happens when a car battery fails?

When one or more of the cells fails, the battery is incapable of producing the needed amperage to start the vehicle to get you to work in the morning. A battery is charged continually by the alternator while the automobile is running.

What causes battery fluid to drop in car battery?

When fluid levels drop, it’s typically caused by overcharging (heat). The swelling, bloating battery case: If your battery casing looks like it ate a very large meal, this could indicate a battery gone bad. You can blame excessive heat for causing your battery case to swell, decreasing your battery life.

Why does my car battery discharge when I start it up?

Make sure the battery is securely seated in the battery tray. A loose battery that is bouncing around can short internally, causing it to discharge. Having the positive terminal short to the vehicle body can result in a fire or explosion. And remember, batteries do not last forever.