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
Typical repair cost (US)
$150–$900
Estimated range when a repair is needed; it depends on the car and the cause.
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.
Cars whose owners report this light most
Model years with the most NHTSA owner complaints that mention the battery / charging light.