Battery / charging light: what it means and what to do
Check soonSAFETY FIRST
Battery light while driving: the car may stop soon. Stay out of fast lanes and be ready to pull over.
What it means
The car is not charging its battery. It may die soon.
Is it safe to drive?
It is usually OK to drive carefully, but get it checked soon.
What to do
- Turn off extras like A/C and the radio
- Drive straight to a shop or home
- Have the battery and alternator tested (often free at parts stores)
General help, not a diagnosis. Every car is a little different: your owner’s manual has the exact meaning of each light, and a mechanic can tell you for sure. Costs in the app are rough estimates. Check for open recalls with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (repairs for recalls are free at the dealer).