If your Hyundai Sonata battery warning light comes on while driving, be sure to turn off your accessories, so the battery doesn't eject further. The warning light usually means that the alternator isn't working properly meaning you are operating solely on battery power.
Why is my battery light on in my Hyundai?
Faulty or failed alternator: When the battery light comes on, chances are there's not actually a problem with your battery. Usually it's a problem with the system that keeps your battery charged. ... If your alternator is unable to produce an adequate amount of voltage , then the battery light will illuminate.
Is it safe to drive my car with the battery light on?
Running out of power isn't the only risk you face if you drive with the battery light on. Driving with the light on for an extended period of time can cause your car battery to rapidly discharge . This can cause the battery to fail, and it could cause permanent damage.
What can cause the battery light to come on?
- 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.
What does it mean when the battery light comes on and stays on?
Basically, the light indicates a battery charging problem. If the light comes on and stays on while driving, this means that your alternator is running solely on energy stored in the battery . If you continue driving, your battery will eventually drain and your vehicle will stop working.
What are the signs of a bad alternator?
- Dim or Overly Bright Lights. ...
- Dead Battery. ...
- Slow or Malfunctioning Accessories. ...
- Trouble Starting or Frequent Stalling. ...
- Growling or Whining Noises. ...
- Smell of Burning Rubber or Wires. ...
- Battery Warning Light on Dash.
How can you tell if its the battery or alternator?
If your engine won't turn over or takes far longer than usual, it's time to grab the jumper cables and attempt a jump-start. If your engine starts and stays running but won't start again later, it's likely a battery problem. If your vehicle immediately stalls, it's probably a bad alternator.
How long will a car run with the battery light on?
You can drive the car with the battery light on but you will only have on average 15 minutes . After roughly 15 minutes, your car will run out of electrical power and the car will stall.
How long can a car battery last with a bad alternator?
In this situation, the battery could last as little as 30 minutes . If you are lucky and could get up to two hours. Note: In case you have to start the car without an alternator, don't turn off the engine once you're going. Starting the car flattens the battery down quickly.
How do I check my car alternator?
- Get a multimeter.
- Set your multimeter to DCV (DC Volts) above 15.
- Make sure your alternator's positive and negative terminals are clean.
- Put the multimeter's black cable to the negative terminal and the red cable to the positive terminal.
- Look for an ideal alternator reading of around 12.6.
Why is battery light on after replacing battery?
There are usually two things that cause the battery light to come on after a battery replacement. ... The other is corrosion interfering with current flow , the result of changing out the battery without cleaning the terminal connectors and other connections along the starting and charging circuits.
How much does it cost to fix the alternator?
When your car starts having electrical problems, it's a sign you need an alternator replacement. Considering the price of a new alternator as well as labor, you should expect to spend anywhere between $500 and $1,000 to get a new one for your vehicle.
Why does my battery light go off when I accelerate?
If the voltage drops it may mean that the supplied battery power is too low when the car needs more power. This may be due to poor wires not capable of carrying that voltage. Not enough power makes it to the battery so the alternator supplies the need directly.
How can I get my car to start with a bad alternator?
- Find Someone with a Good Battery. You can't jumpstart a dead battery without a fully-charged option at your fingertips. ...
- Let It Run. Before the jumpstart begins, you'll want to run the other engine for 3 to 4 minutes. ...
- Turn Accessories Off. ...
- Get Thee to a Mechanic. ...
- Use a Jumper Pack.
Can I drive with a bad alternator?
If the alternator is going or has gone bad, in most cases the vehicle can be driven for a short distance and for a short period of time , allowing you to make it to a service station or automotive parts store for a replacement alternator.
What sound does a bad alternator make?
Whining and Grinding Sounds
If your alternator is failing, you could hear a few abnormal noises. If you hear a small rattling or grinding sound when your engine is running, this could be caused by a loose bearing in your alternator.
