Feeling Powerless (Why Is My Battery Light On?)
May 26, 2024
When one of your vehicle’s warning lights comes on, the first thing that comes to mind is, “Oh, no, what’s wrong now?” When it’s the battery light, it means there’s something wrong with your vehicle’s battery or charging system. And because both are important for your vehicle to work properly, it’s a good idea to get it checked out. Here are some things that may cause a battery light to illuminate.
It could be that your battery has failed. It could be on its last legs or completely dead. When it isn’t showing it has the voltage it should, your vehicle lets you know.
If it’s not the battery itself, it could be the system that charges it. The alternator is part of that system and could have a problem. It could be putting out no power, too little power, or too much. The alternator may not be working because the belt that drives it (using the engine’s mechanical power) could be broken or slipping. Or the alternator pulley may be broken.
The alternator needs to have a solid connection to the battery, and sometimes the posts that connect to the battery cables get so corroded, they can’t conduct enough electricity. Or it could be that a battery cable isn’t conducting power properly.
Because the alternator supplies power to other parts of your vehicle, if it gets overloaded, it will also cause your battery light to come on. Other possibilities are an electrical short in the charging system or a failed voltage regulator.
Your vehicle may be hard to start or it may not start at all if you have any of these problems. It’s important to bring it in to us so we can diagnose and repair the problem before you wind up stranded… and feeling really powerless.
Mustang Automotive
1600 E State Hwy 152
Mustang, Oklahoma 73064
405-745-4826
https://www.mustangautomotiveinc.com/
Need Service?
More articles from Mustang Automotive

How Cool is That! (Coolant level sensor replacement)
August 9, 2026
Your vehicles engine runs hot. It should, since its a series of little explosions that create the power that gets you going where you want to go. To keep the engine cool, engineers have designed wonderful cooling systems that use liquid coolant, hoses, and a radiator to transfer the heat from t... More

Mustang Drivers Severe Service Maintenance Schedules
August 2, 2026
Since driving requirements and lifestyles differ among Mustang drivers, your vehicle manufacturer publishes two auto maintenance schedules: the regular schedule and the severe service schedule. Which schedule should Mustang drivers follow? Here are some questions to ask yourself:Are most of your ... More

Odometer Rollback on Your Mustang, Oklahoma Vehicle
July 26, 2026
How do Mustang drivers know if an odometer is telling the truth?Well, back in '86, Congress passed the Truth-in-Mileage Act to protect Oklahoma consumers against mileage fraud. It says a Oklahoma seller must certify the mileage reported is the actual mileage.To have your odometer checked in Mu... More
