The Risks & Costs of Ignoring Your VW's Battery Light

When the battery light is turned on, it can be quite intimidating. We are familiar with that feeling. So, we decided to have a comprehensive discussion about it. The battery light on a Volkswagen may begin flashing for a variety of reasons, some of which have been covered in this blog post. So, it is highly advised that you read this blog post in full.

Car Battery Light On? Here’s What It Means

The battery is the part around which a car's electrical system is built. Yet, it is something we often don't pay enough attention to… A defect in either the battery or the system designed to keep it properly charged can contribute to a slew of difficulties in a vehicle.

The notion of developing a warning system that warns the driver if a malfunction is discovered in the battery or any other component of the charging system was developed by automakers to avoid situations like this. Part of that setup is the battery light, which can be found on the dashboard.

Let's go on to the next section, which discusses the causes of this light's emergence, now that you are clear on the function of the battery light in a car.

What Causes The Battery Warning Light To Come On?

The list of potential causes for your Volkswagen's battery light to be on is discussed below, along with a rundown of the potential repercussions of ignoring such a warning sign;

Explanation #1- The battery is weak

A weak battery is one reason why your Volkswagen's battery light can be on. As we've already mentioned, the battery is the component around which your car's electrical system is built. It can eventually deteriorate, though, as it is made up of chemicals. The onboard computer may turn on the battery light if the battery weakens or approaches its maximum serviceable limit. So, as soon as you notice the battery light on your Volkswagen's dashboard, check the battery.

Explanation #2- Defective alternator

Your Volkswagen's battery light is on, and after checking the battery, you've determined that it's fine. So, what should you do next??? Well, your next step should be to check the alternator. After all, the component that maintains a proper charge in the battery is the alternator. And if it fails, the battery light will unquestionably turn on. Numerous issues can be exacerbated by an alternator that isn't working properly. The alternator in your car should therefore be handled with care.

Explanation #3- Bad wiring

Multiple wires are employed to deliver electricity from the alternator to the battery. The power supply to the battery will be cut off if any of those wires get damaged for any reason. The battery won't charge properly as a result, and sure... the battery light on the dashboard might turn on. So, the next time your Volkswagen's battery indicator illuminates, the first thing you should do is have someone inspect the charging system wiring.

Explanation #4- Faulty ground strap

The ground strap basically connects the battery's negative terminal to the vehicle's body. For the different electrical components of the vehicle to operate as intended, the ground strap must be in good shape. If the ground strap becomes worn or torn for any reason, the battery will have difficulty charging, and, yes, the vehicle's lights and other electrical equipment will not work properly. When the onboard computer becomes aware of the problem, the battery light will illuminate.

The Risks of Driving a Vehicle with the Battery Light On

As we previously explained, the battery light typically illuminates when a problem is found with the charging system of the car, particularly with the battery. If you don't do something about this light soon enough, your battery can die, leaving you stuck in the middle of nowhere. Thus, if the battery light on your Volkswagen is active, act quickly to identify and address the issue.

To Put In A Nutshell

The battery is the heart of a vehicle’s electrical system. If you don't want to deal with a slew of electrical issues while driving your Volkswagen, take care of its battery and other charging system components. And, if its battery light is on, reach out to a car service center to get the issue fixed.