Charging System Dashboard Trouble Lights

Charge System

One of the original “idiot” lights, the symbol to the left indicates a serious problem with the Charging System. Seen in red, the vehicle should be brought to a complete stop as quickly as possible or the vehicle may simply stop running in the middle of traffic. Roadside assistance will be necessary.

• But, before we continue, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then read on.
• Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

In most cases, there are two possible scenarios: a bad battery, which will not allow itself to be charged, or a failing alternator, which is no longer sending enough charge to the battery. In either case, your vehicle will soon stop running. In some cases, a failing alternator will cause a weak battery to fail as well, and both will need to be replaced.

Audi and Rivian

Audi has begun using the same warning light in yellow/amber/orange in conjunction with messages on the instrument panel, including one that states that restart will not be possible if the vehicle is switched off. This would seem to warrant a red warning!

Regardless, pay attention to what the instrument panel is telling you. In one best case scenario, the battery is noted as low in charge and that driving will do a successful recharge.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) also use a 12-volt battery for start up, and this same symbol may be displayed. It is an issue with the low voltage battery (12-volt) not the high voltage battery and points out an issue either with charging the 12-volt battery or with the battery itself.

Rivian, which only makes EVs, uses the pair of symbols, noting that the yellow/amber/orange version points to a service required for the 12-volt battery, while the red version indicates that the battery needs to be replaced.

As a side note, when these symbols are seen in internal combustion engine vehicles, it only points to a low voltage situation and does not single out the battery itself. If Rivian can actually diagnose the 12-volt battery in-situ, the rest of the automotive world should license their technology!

Similar Symbol

Note that if the word Main is seen beneath the battery image, the light is actually a Hybrid Battery Trouble Indicator. The vehicle’s hybrid battery must be serviced by your dealer or qualified service professional as soon as possible.

———————————————————————

The information on this website is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

Disclaimer and Privacy Policy