A battery is an integral component of the car. It helps with starting and powering some major components such as lights, horns and stereo among others. Although modern car batteries are far better than their predecessors, they still come with a running life. Other than the normal wear and tear, car batteries can also encounter some problems contributing to an affected driving experience. One of the common problems is a car battery not charging. There can be several reasons and causes behind it.
We will go through some common causes of a car battery not charging along with some effective solutions to overcome these problems.
Car Battery Not Charging
While electric cars rely on a car battery to start, petrol vehicles can run without a battery as well. However, it is advised to avoid doing so as some major safety indicators like car battery warning light among others may not function at all. Therefore, it is important to drive with a charged and functional battery at all times.
That said, a battery is prone to damage and several factors can cause problems such as a car battery not charging. These issues can also be caused by external damage or by normal wear and tear.
Let’s take a look at some car battery not charging problems and solutions to help drivers overcome such issues.
LOOSE WIRING
When driving over rough terrains or uneven surfaces, the car experiences shocks. This can at times lead to loosened wiring. Usually, this is an issue in older models. If any of the wires are loose, the electrical connection between the alternator and battery becomes weak – leading to a car battery not charging.
HOW TO FIX
Check the battery for any visible signs of loose wiring and reattach them properly. Additionally, adopt safe driving techniques and avoid driving on uneven surfaces. There are reasons to avoid potholes as they cause more than just battery damage.
BAD ALTERNATOR
An alternator charges the car battery when the vehicle is in motion. A faulty alternator may affect the battery’s charging. A car alternator usually has a long lifespan however, it can encounter premature damage. Some of the symptoms of a bad alternator include:
- The charging system’s warning lights turn on
- Car battery draining fast or vehicle stalling after a jump start
- Dimming headlights
HOW TO FIX
If you observe any of the symptoms of a bad alternator, it is better to replace the component. Take your vehicle to a professional if you are unaware of the process.
BATTERY AGE
If a car battery is past its running life, it may also cause charging problems. A car battery has a long-running life but bad driving habits. Also, excess usage may contribute to premature deterioration – leading to problems like a car battery not charging.
HOW TO FIX
Look for signs of corrosion and sulfation which is common in lead acid batteries. If detected early, such issues are rather easy to fix. There are some effective ways to clean corroded car battery terminals easily. However, if the issue is diagnosed at a later stage or if the battery has run its course, you would need to replace it.
HEADLIGHTS OR CAR ACCESSORIES LEFT ON
Leaving the headlights or car accessories on can also be one of the car battery not charging problem signs. Headlights and accessories such as Bluetooth or other devices left are some of the reasons why car battery drains. These usually drain the entire battery and at times lead to charging problems and battery failure.
HOW TO FIX
Be sure to check the headlights and additional accessories are turned off before you exit the vehicle. Malfunctioning devices may still run even after the engine is turned off. Therefore, do a thorough check before stepping out of the vehicle.
DAMAGED OR BROKEN ALTERNATOR BELT
In some cases of a car battery charging, the problem may lie in the alternator belt also known as the serpentine belt. It is responsible for driving the car’s alternator. At times, the belt may become frayed or loose – failing to keep up with the power the engine needs.
HOW TO FIX
Hold the car alternator and observe the tension. Tighten the bolts when the belt sits in the proper position. This repair requires precision and familiarity with the system. If you encounter a broken serpentine belt, you might need to replace it.
EXTERNAL CHARGER ISSUES
When looking for a car battery not charging symptoms, the problem may lie in the external source such as the charger. If you use an external charger, the connections may not be right. Additionally, some batteries require specific chargers and others might not do the job at all.
HOW TO FIX
When plugging in a charger, make sure the negative lead is connected to the negative terminal and the positive lead goes into the positive terminal. Moreover, be sure to use specific chargers to avoid causing any damage to the battery.
These are all the reasons for a car battery not charging along with some viable solutions. Driving without a car battery can be dangerous as some major safety indicators don’t work. Therefore, look out for the symptoms and fix them at the earliest. Additionally, you can follow the car battery maintenance checklist to ensure it runs smoothly.
Furthermore, batteries can also encounter some other problems. Such as parasitic battery drain among others. There are ways to deal with a dead car battery on your own. However, take your vehicle to a professional if you are unaware of the fixing process.
Modern vehicles come equipped with advanced batteries that are more durable and efficient. Browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and have your pick from a wide variety of cars listed.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog to learn how to fix a car battery not charging and other related issues.
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