What’s That Dash Light?
You’re driving down the road and all of a sudden a dash light illuminates showing an icon of a battery or the word “CHARGE.”
+ What does it mean?
The battery has an insufficient charge to power the vehicle’s electrical systems and accessories.
+ What action should be taken?
Immediately find a safe place to pull over. The battery charge will be depleted shortly and the vehicle will shut down.
+ So, the battery is bad?
Not necessarily. The problem is likely due to a bad alternator, which failed in its duty to charge the battery while the engine was running.
+ Will a jump-start help?
Not really. It will help for a few minutes, but because the alternator isn’t charging the battery while the engine is running, the charge will be depleted again very quickly.
+ What’s the fix?
Have the alternator inspected and likely replaced. Depending on where the alternator failed, it may require towing.
….article courtesy of AC Delco