Chevy Battery Light Stays On

Why does the Battery Light in my Chevrolet on? Learn the possible solutions by following the procedures below.

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The Chevy battery light comes on when there is a problem with the charging system. The most common cause of the Chevy battery light turning on is a bad alternator or a faulty voltage regulator. Other problems may include a bad battery, a faulty instrument cluster, a damaged wire harness, and loose contacts.

The first step in troubleshooting Chevrolet battery problems is to test the charging system, including the battery and alternator.

Symptoms

List of symptoms you may notice when your Chevrolet battery light comes on:

• Low voltage – The alternator won’t charge the battery
• The car dies and won’t start.
• The engine keeps dying after a few minutes.
• The engine cranks very slowly.
• Random warning lights on the dashboard
• Lights dim or flickering
• Chevrolet stalls or is hard to start.
• The battery keeps on dying.
• Low Battery Warning on DIC

Common Causes

If the Chevrolet battery light is on, your Chevrolet won’t start, or the battery will not charge; the problem could be due to:

• Bad alternator,
• Bad battery
• Poor ground connection(s)
• Blown fuse
• Bad relay
• A parasitic draw.

How to Test the Chevrolet charging system

You should test the charging system to determine why your battery light is on. Your mechanic can perform this test. Local auto parts stores may also perform this test free of charge.

You can also test the charging system if you have the right tools.

What you will need

• Charging System Analyzer

Procedure

1. Park the Chevrolet on level ground. Set the parking brakes and turn off the ignition.
2. Pull the hood release under the dashboard and open the hood.
3. Locate the battery. Newer Chevrolet vehicles have a plastic cover on top of the battery. If necessary, remove the cover to access the positive and negative terminals of the battery.
   
4. Connect the red clamp to the positive battery terminal. The positive terminal will have the (+) stamped near the battery post.
5. Connect the negative clamp on the negative terminal.
6. Perform a battery and alternator test procedure. Follow instructions on the analyzer.
   

The charging system analyzer will be the starting point. The charging system analyzer will only tell you which system is failing but won’t tell you why. You need further troubleshooting to determine why your Chevrolet battery light is on.

We hope you find this “Chevy Battery Light Stays On” guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Chevy vehicle.