Q: Battery light is on durign acceleration or on bumpy roads

asked by on May 24, 2016

I have problems with the battery on my car. The battery light on the dashboard is on very often. It comes and goes depending on the road I am driving on or my speed. The battery light comes on if I accelerate or if I drive on a bumpy road. I cleaned the battery and checked the cables. Everything seems fine. The battery is one year old. Can you give me some advice?

Battery Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

When the battery light comes on in vehicles it is due to the voltage falling below the required 12.6 volts. This voltage is required for all the vehicles’ electrical systems to work properly. The most common causes of the battery light being on intermittently are:

  • low output from the alternator
  • failing battery cable
  • the battery itself is failing

Any of these are common repairs on vehicles. The qualified technicians at YourMechanic can diagnose the cause of your illuminated battery light at your home or office.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Heater stops working during idling
Hello. I recommend checking the operation of the thermostat (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-thermostat) to ensure it opens and closes at the proper temperature. You also could have some air in your cooling system causing the heating system to blow cold at inappropriate times....
Clunking
Hi there. Usually this a clunking noise from the rear end is typically related to damaged or worn out rear struts or shocks. However, it could also be due to faulty wheel bearings or the emergency brake shoe that may...
Steering suddenly notchy, only when running, fine when engine off, changed PS fluid and no help.
Hi, thanks for writing in. Although it's difficult to diagnose a steering issue remotely, the symptoms you're describing would lead me to the steering gearbox (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-steering-gear-adjuster-plug). In some cases, especially with about 175,000 miles on the vehicle, the steering gearbox...
I am losing compreshion on all my cylinders 2005 Dodge RAM 1500
Hi there - you don't indicate your mileage, but low compression (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/drop-in-engine-compression) may be a normal result of a high mileage engine, or a problem due to abnormal wear. Oil breakdown can cause excessive piston ring wear. Extremely lean mixtures...
Rough idle when cold
Hello, As a general rule, car engines do not like cold weather and will generally require more fuel in cold operating temperatures. When you start your car in the morning and turn the key to on, the coolant temperature sensor...
If a timing chain isnt put on right can that stop the car from starting ?
Hello, thank you for writing in. You are correct. If the timing belt is broken, installed wrong, or the engine is off time for any reason, the vehicle may not start. If you have had recent repairs made to the...
95 nissan automatic truck wont shift out of first gear
If the car can shift manually, then you likely have a problem in the electronic controls. If you can get your hands on a scan tool to read the transmission controller, it will help get you moving in the right...
Will a bad alternator cause my vehicle not to start at all
If the battery is good and the alternator stops charging. The car will be able to run on battery power for several hours and restart a few times before the voltage gets too low to keep things working. Usually you...
Car needs 02 sensor and front speed sensor hard shift into third could this be the cause it only does it when warmed up
Hey Cody. Thanks for contacting us today. While do-as-you-go is a great way to learn, with resolving like you've described, it can cost you a ton of money in replacing the wrong components. For example, many O2 sensor OBD-II trouble...

Related articles

How Long Does an Alternator Belt Last?
Your Your car’s alternator is what delivers energy to your vehicle’s battery. It works by means of converting mechanical energy to electrical energy, taking power from the engine’s crankshaft and delivering it to the battery where it is stored. The...
How to Decide on the Right Compass for Your Car
Compasses Compasses are useful tools for navigating through new areas, traveling, or just making sure that you’re headed in the right direction. A directional compass in your car can be a really helpful tool for finding a destination, and it’s...
Lincoln Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Program
Lincoln certified pre-owned cars are under 7 years old, have less than 60,000 miles, and come with a 6 year or 100,000 miles comprehensive warranty.