Stop safely

Battery / charging warning light: meaning and what to do

What it means

The charging system isn't charging the battery. Often the alternator or its belt.

Can I keep driving?

No. When the battery / charging light is on, pull over where it's safe and turn the engine off. Driving on can cause serious damage or make the car unsafe.

What to do

Turn off non-essential electrics and drive straight to a shop. The car may stop once the battery runs flat.

On some cars it shows as text

CHARGEBATT

What the color tells you

Red lights warn about a problem that can be dangerous or damage the car. Stop as soon as it's safe.

Other lights of the same color