Battery / Charging System Light

What it means

The charging system is not supplying enough voltage while the engine runs, usually because of the alternator, drive belt or wiring. The car is then running on battery reserve alone and may die after a short time.

Symptoms5

• The red light stays on after the engine starts.
• Dim or flickering lights.
• Slow power windows or weak air conditioning.
• Hard starting in the morning.
• Squealing or rubbing noise from the engine belt.

Possible causes5

• A failed alternator or its internal voltage regulator.
• A broken or slack alternator belt.
• Corroded or loose battery terminals.
• A weak or worn out battery.
• Damaged charging wires or the main fuse.

How to diagnose and fix6

1. Switch off non essential loads such as the radio and air conditioning to save power.
2. Head to the nearest workshop or safe place and avoid shutting the car off somewhere remote.
3. With the engine off, inspect the belt and confirm it is intact and tight.
4. Clean the battery terminals and tighten them firmly.
5. Measure charging voltage with a meter; a normal reading is roughly 13.5 to 14.7 volts with the engine running.
6. Replace the alternator or battery based on the test results.

Repair cost

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

Cleaning terminals or replacing a belt is cheap, while a new alternator or battery moves the cost into the mid range.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.

Frequently asked questions