Has Skoda solved my issue with the charge system warning light?

Charge system warning

Just a few months ago, I ran a piece that was essentially a complaint about the industry’s use of the charge system warning light. While it is made to look like a battery, the light “fails” to warn of a fault in the battery itself.

In the piece, I recounted three instances of battery failures that occurred without warning. One resulted in a child being locked in a car that does not have a mechanical means of getting inside (Mustang Mach-E). Two other instances belonged to me, where with no warning indicator, my cars simply would no longer start.

We also noted a Tesla warning that did, in fact, indicate an issue with the 12-volt start battery, although the messaging can use “enhancement”.

Now, as we run through a Skoda symbols update, we find this: “A message in the display of the instrument cluster indicating a fault on the 12 volt vehicle battery or on secondary systems.” The traditional charge system indicator is illuminated as well as the master warning light are illuminated in yellow/amber/orange.

There is no explanation as to how their systems may know that the battery is failing, but regardless, if they’ve managed it, kudos to Skoda!

Now every other manufacturer must follow suit. Battery failures occur to everyone and, along with flat tires, are the leading cause of stranded drivers and driver frustration.

Spread the news!

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