Q: My car's battery light is on and it started to act funny while driving, what do you think is wrong?

asked by on October 20, 2016

i drove to work about 15 miles away took 30 minutes no problem this morning. A day before that i noticed just my battery light came on. on my way home my battery light came on again then shortly after my abs light came on. about 5 seconds after the abs light came on my speedometer dropped to 0 and then my brake light came on but my brakes worked fine and it was about this time i noticed my transmission not changing gears. it was like that for about half a mile then everything went back to normal except the battery light and i drove the quarter mile back to my house.

My car has 120000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

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

How do you adjust the power side view mirrors?
Your car’s side view mirrors provide you with a view to the side and behind your car, ensuring that you’re able to change lanes without worrying about colliding with another car. However, you need to have them adjusted properly in...
How do I set the USB in repeat mode?
You can set your USB device o repeat mode by using the audio controls. To do so, press the Repeat button. If you hold the button for less than 0.8 seconds, the device will repeat the current song. If you...
OBD code P1399
On Honda vehicles the OBD code p1399 indicates that there is a random misfire occurring in the engine. In most cases a valve adjustment will correct this issue, however a blocked passage in the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system can...
Car alarm keeps going off in 2006 Hyundai Elantra
The alarm going off is most likely not related to the remote. You may have a door switch sensor going bad and intermittently causing your alarm to activate. Finding the problem may difficult to do on your own. The key...
Gas tank door burnt black.
The most common cause for a P0440 code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0440-obd-ii-trouble-code-evaporative-emission-control-system-malfunction-by-jay-safford_2) is the fuel cap seal. I suggest making sure that the fuel cap is tight by turning until it clicks. If you are sure that your fuel cap was tight, replace...
Smoke coming from blower/fan area
Hi there. The blower resistor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cooling-fan-resistor-replacement) and wiring is right there next to the blower and may be what is smoking. I recommend checking the blower wiring and check resistor and wiring to see if something is shorted out. If...
How much does it cost to replace 2008 Turbo 200 engine?
This actually could be as simple as replacing the idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement). Sometimes when the IAC fails, it can cause the car to lunge forward. I would recommend having your IAC valve tested by a qualified professional to...
I can't figure out why there's a leak coming out of the coolant reservoir tank
Hi there. Check the radiator cap to see if it is sealing. Put a pressure tester on the radiator cap and pump it up till the pressure spits out, then let it sit. If the pressure drops down, then the...
Headers that fit my car with a manual transmission? 1973 Ford Mustang
Check Cjpony, Jegs, or Summit Racing. They all carry headers that include your model.

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Dodge Ram
While While Chrysler has decided to give Ram its very own division, it seems impossible not to think of the Ram 1500 as a Dodge. After all, you’ll still buy your 2012 Ram at a Dodge dealer, and it remains...
5 Essential Things to Know About Roadside Emergency Kits
Whether Whether it’s summer or winter, spring or fall – you should always have certain items available in your vehicle’s roadside emergency kit. Dead batteries, flat tires, and overheated engines can occur at any time. While most people have a...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Battery Temperature Sensor
Common signs include engine surging, low battery voltage, and an illuminated Battery Light.