When the engine is started, a lot of all sorts of lights come on on the dashboard, one of them is the battery charging light. Ideally, it lights up as soon as you start the engine and goes out after a while.

This suggests that the generator and all its circuits are fully operational and the battery is charged with a voltage of 13.7-14.3 Volts, that is, it is being charged.

However, various breakdowns often occur due to which the lamp continues to glow, glows dimly, or does not burn at all.

To deal with such malfunctions, you need to understand a little about the generator device and the principle of its interaction with the battery.

A bit of theory

On our website, we have already described the device in detail car generator... Let's just say that electricity is generated in it by rotating the crankshaft.

With an increase in revolutions, the voltage value also increases, but it must be within the above limits, otherwise the battery will be overcharged, which threatens with boiling of the electrolyte and sulfation of the plates.

To prevent this from happening, a relay-regulator is installed in the rotor excitation circuit, thanks to which a stable voltage is supplied to the battery.

The signal from the generator to the signal lamp is transmitted through a fuse, which is also located in the generator itself. Accordingly, the light is on until the generator starts to work and transfers voltage to the battery.

The charge from the generator passes through:

• Diode;
• Regulator;
• Generator brush;
• Slip rings;
• Winding and wiring.

Thus, if at least one of these elements does not work correctly or breaks down, the readings of the light bulb can be distrusted, although charging can be supplied to the battery.

Why is the battery charging light on?

There can be many reasons. So, if after starting the engine the warning lamp continues to burn in full heat, most likely the alternator belt is stretched and needs to be replaced. At the same time, you can hear characteristic sounds from the engine.

The second common cause is poor contact at the battery terminals or at the terminals of the generator. The contacts oxidize over time and need to be cleaned.

Breakdowns in the mechanical part of the rotor: a bearing crumbled, bushings "flew". You will have to completely remove the generator, disassemble it and replace broken parts. Fortunately, on sale you can always find a repair kit of three bushings for a VAZ-2107 or other domestic cars.

Breakdown of the diode bridge, relay-regulator. In this case, you need to check them with a multimeter, or contact a specialist. Repairs are often more expensive than buying a new generator.

Over time, graphite brushes also wear off and need to be changed regularly. When they are worn out, the charge is not transferred to the winding, respectively, the lamp starts to glow dimly, although the charge is transferred, but very weakly.

Be guided by a voltmeter. If the brushes are not changed on time, the battery will constantly undercharge, which is fraught with gradual shedding of the plates.

Generator diagnostics

First of all, the voltage is measured at the battery terminals.

If it is lower than required, you need to check the entire circuit step by step:

• Belt tension level;
• Measure the voltage at each of the generator terminals - at each of the terminals it should be half that of the battery;
• Check fuses, relays, diodes;
• Check the resistance in the dashboard, the quality of the soldering of the wires.

If it turns out that the breakdown lies in the generator itself, it will have to be removed and also checked. In particular, the relay-regulator is checked first, then the resistance of the rotor excitation winding is measured using an ohmmeter. It should not be lower than 4.5 ohms. Also, using a tester, you can determine the open circuit of the winding.

It is clear that such malfunctions cannot be avoided.

However, there is simple tipsto help extend generator life:

• First of all, regularly check the quality of its fastening - constant vibrations lead to mechanical damage;
• Clean the outer surfaces from time to time;
• Check the belt tension, tighten if necessary;
• The quality of the rotor bearing - remove the belt and spin the rotor, it should rotate smoothly, without play and clicks.

You also need to control the quality of the wire connection with the generator and voltage regulator.

Thus, a lit battery charging lamp with the engine running is a serious reason to diagnose. Please note that it may burn even if you have installed many additional equipment - subwoofers, lights, lights.

By cars domestic production the dashboard is not informative enough. However, it has all the main indicators of the operation of the main units and systems. vehicle... Sometimes a situation occurs when something fails, but it is impossible to determine the malfunction at the initial stage.

From this article you will find out why the battery charging lamp is constantly on or a weak indication appears. Why this is happening and what to do, read on.

The main purpose of the battery warning lamp

The indicator in question is intended so that the driver knows whether the battery is charging or the entire power grid is powered directly from the battery while driving.

When the ignition is turned on, all warning lamps come on; during the start of the internal combustion engine, all indicators should go out. In this case, the battery charging system is working and there is nothing to worry about.

Otherwise, if the battery lamp is still on, then you should look for a malfunction.

The battery lamp is on - what does this mean

There can be only one reason that the battery warning lamp lights up during engine operation - this is the lack of voltage supply from the generator or its value is insufficient.

The main malfunctions that lead to this:

1. Lack of quality contact on the battery terminals.
2. Damaged alternator belt or loose tension.
3. There is no "minus" contact with the mass.
4. Open circuit in the rotor excitation circuit or wear of the brushes in the generator.
5. Diode bridge failures are usually accompanied by a dim burning of the battery light on the dashboard.
6. Fuse defective.
7. Malfunction of the relay regulator.

Before you start troubleshooting, pay attention to why the lamp is on. If the voltage is not supplied to the battery at all, then the lamp is on correctly. In a different situation, the operation of the signal indicator when charging is present greatly complicates the problem.

First of all, determine if there is voltage on the battery. To do this, take a voltmeter (multimeter), start the motor and measure the required characteristic at the battery terminals.

If everything is in good working order, you will see readings in the range of 13.6 to 14.2 V. In this case, the battery is charging properly. If the results are significantly different from normal, then there is some kind of breakdown in the system.

Bad contact at the battery terminals

Diode bridge faults

The electrical circuit is designed to convert AC voltage to DC voltage. If at least one of the diodes breaks down, the functional unit ceases to perform its duties. The consequence of this is the supply of voltage, which does not correspond to the required indicators.

The rectifier must be checked when the battery charging lamp is on, but there is charging.

You can determine the breakdown by using a multimeter. Take a tester and connect the red probe to the positive of the bridge, and the black one to one of the contacts marked AC.

The throughput voltage for diodes (silicon) is 400 to 1000 mV. If the tester shows different values, then the bridge needs to be changed. Such a unit cannot be repaired.

Fuse failure

The battery charging circuitry is protected by a fuse. This element is located in the vehicle mounting block and is marked as F10. However, before checking for a malfunction in this place, it is better to first familiarize yourself with the operating instructions for the car, in which you will find out the exact designation of the required element.

If the fuse fails, the battery is not charged at all. However, there are times when the warning light comes on and there is charging.

You can check the element using a tester (the part is removed from mounting block). If the multimeter shows that the fuse is unusable, all you have to do is replace it.

Breakdown of the relay-regulator

A malfunctioning relay regulator is another reason why the battery charging lamp comes on. This node is responsible for turning on / off the alarm indicator.

The principle of operation of the device is as follows: when the ignition is turned on, a current flows through its closed contacts, which comes from the battery and feeds the indicator signals. When the internal combustion engine starts, the generator starts working, which supplies the already rectified voltage to the relay and the contacts of the unit open. At this time, the light should go out.

You can check the part yourself. Disconnect both wires from it and short-circuit together. Start the engine and look at the dashboard. If there is no indication, you need to change the relay.

To keep your car from experiencing battery charging problems, follow these tips:

1. Don't ignore the signals from the car dashboard. In this case, you can solve the problem at the initial stage of its development.
2. Inspect the alternator belt regularly. The correct operation of all electrics on board directly depends on it. If it is defective, replace it as soon as possible.
3. Check the voltage from the alternator to the battery. If you notice a discrepancy, diagnose the on-board network.
4. Periodically pay attention to the condition of the battery terminals. If you notice oxidation, eliminate this defect. They can be processed with the WD-40.
5. Isolate the generator and battery from water ingress to prevent short circuits. Trust the engine wash to professionals.
6. Do not use cheap replacement parts to repair the battery charging circuit.

Summing up, we note that the battery is the most important element in the car's electrical network. Therefore, timely maintenance of the charging circuit should be performed and the necessary parts should be replaced if necessary. In this case, you will ensure a proper system of work. In the article, we told you about the main malfunctions from which the battery charging lamp can light up and what to do about it. We hope our recommendations will help you solve the problem under consideration.

A battery lamp located on the dashboard informs the driver about problems with electrical system car. In this article we will talk about:

• why the battery light comes on;
• what to do if it catches fire;
• how to prevent damage to electrical equipment, leading to the inclusion of a light bulb.

Why does the battery light come on

The inclusion of the battery light indicates that the battery for some reason does not receive voltage from the generator. Indeed, while the engine is running, the generator generates a voltage that charges the battery, which has lost some of its energy during the operation of the starter. When no voltage is supplied to the battery, the battery does not receive energy to charge, so it will soon be completely discharged. A full discharge will damage the battery plates and drop its capacity, after which this part will need to be replaced, otherwise the energy will not be enough to start a cold engine.

What to do if the battery light comes on

• If the battery light comes on, it is advisable to stop the car and turn off the engine so that it cools down.
• After that, check all the wiring connecting the generator, stabilizer (on many older cars, these parts are installed separately) and the battery. The excitation wire may have come off the generator, so it is not generating power.
• If all wires are intact and all terminals are in place, connect a voltmeter to the battery, record its readings and start the engine.
• As soon as the motor starts up, the voltage on the battery should rise by 1–2.5 volts. If this does not happen, it is necessary to look for poor contact or wire breakage, and also check the operation of the generator and stabilizer.

The check must begin with the fuse box, for this you need electrical circuit cars. Find the battery fuse and check it. If it is okay, start the engine and remove the excitation wire from the generator and measure the voltage across it with a tester or voltmeter - normal values \u200b\u200bare 11.9-13.9 volts. When there is no tester, you can get by with a 12 volt light bulb to which the wires are connected. If the light is on, the excitation voltage is in order, if not, you need to look for an open circuit or poor contact.

To check the generator, disconnect the positive lead from it. To do this, unscrew the nut, then remove it, the washer and the terminal. Insulate the terminal and start the engine, then check the voltage at the alternator with a light bulb, tester or voltmeter. If there is no voltage, the problem is in the generator and it needs to be repaired or replaced. If there is voltage, then the problem is in a separately installed stabilizer or poor contact between the generator and the battery. If you do not know how to fix such problems, then contact an auto electrician.

Sometimes it is impossible to stop to perform the checks described above. In this case (if possible) turn off the headlights and all electrical appliances, including the radio tape recorder, to reduce the load on the battery. In this mode, he will be able to keep the engine running for several hours, during which you need to find a car service or auto electrician.

How to prevent malfunctions that cause the battery light to turn on

To prevent the battery from being left without charging voltage, it is necessary to clean all contacts at least once every two years. You can do this yourself using the tool KONTAKT 60, KONTAKT 61 or their analogues. For such work, you must be well versed in electrical engineering and the peculiarities of working with electrical appliances. If you do not have such knowledge, then contact an auto electrician or a car service. The specialists will clean your contacts in 10-15 minutes, after which you can go about your business.

Modern cars are equipped with powerful diagnostic tools, with the help of which many breakdowns and malfunctions can be detected in a timely manner. These systems include a battery charging lamp. If it does not go out, you need to take action.

What is a battery charging lamp and what is it for

When you insert the key into the ignition and turn it, the indicator comes on. If everything is in order, starting the motor will turn off the light. This is due to automatic diagnostics engine systems. The car is testing the ABS function, Check Engine (check), ESP, Airbag and other components. These include accumulator battery... If this part of the car passes the test, the indicator goes out. If there are problems, it stays on.

The battery is constantly being charged while driving. If there is an increase from small to high speed, the generator starts to supply a higher voltage, which negatively affects the condition of the entire system. To prevent this from happening, a relay is built into the components of the generator for regulation, which reduces the current to a certain indicator, regardless of how the power unit is used. The result of the system's functioning is the maintenance of the battery voltage at the level necessary for the operation of electronic components.

If the light is on, then the battery has stopped charging from the generator.

Why the indicator can light up

• Alternator belt problems. It can be damaged or weakened.
• Generator fuse defective.
• Oxidation of contacts, problems with the mounting block.
• Problems with the diode bridge or additional diodes, as well as the relay-regulator.
• Open circuit of the excited generator.
• Problems with battery terminals or generator lead.
• Deterioration of the condition of the generator brushes (usually as a result of wear).
• Faulty ground wire contact.

A generator is a part of a car, thanks to which mechanical energy is converted into electrical

Emergency help

If the indicator in your car is activated and does not want to turn off, you need to stop the car (without turning off the engine!) And get out of it. Then use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the battery terminals without removing the clips. If the battery is charging, you should see a voltage between 13.6 and 14.2 volts. If something is wrong, the voltage will be around 12 volts or less.

How to understand what the problem is

1. The light is on continuously. There are several reasons for this phenomenon. The most common is that the battery does not receive charging while driving. Most often this occurs due to a break in the alternator belt, due to wear on the alternator brushes, or when the regulator relay burns out. In all cases, you just need to replace the failed component.
2. The light comes on when the turn signal is turned on. Common problem domestic cars... May indicate problems with the diode bridge or other malfunctions. To detect a problem with the turns, it is better to conduct a detailed diagnosis or contact a specialist.
3. The indicator lights up halfway. This state of the light bulb indicates problems with the diode bridge of the generator or insulation problems on the diodes. Replacement of the diode bridge may be required to eliminate the malfunction. In especially difficult cases, you need to change the generator. Sometimes a dim light on the light occurs due to the fact that the key in the ignition lock does not turn completely. In this case, it is recommended to pour a drop of WD-40 into the lock.
4. The lamp periodically lights up on idling... Most likely, the problem is in the belt, regulator or diode bridge of the generator. If at idle speed the indicator lights up half-light, then there are problems with the diode bridge. If it is bright, the problem is in the relay regulator.
5. The indicator is on high revs... The most common cause is wear on slip rings. There may also be problems with the tension of the alternator belt, bearings or brushes. The damaged element must be replaced.
6. The light is flashing. The malfunction may lie in the wear of the copper rings on the anchor - they will need to be replaced. This state of the indicator often indicates wear on the brushes.
7. The indicator works on a "cold" engine, and then goes out. The malfunction is often caused by a weak tightening of the nuts, with which the contacts are attached to the diode bridge. Contact oxidation is also possible. Check the condition of the elements, eliminate the malfunction.
8. The light comes on when the headlights are on. Possible breakage of diode bridge contacts, wear of brushes or collector.
9. The indicator is activated when the ignition is off. Most likely, the matter is either in the generator malfunction, or in the switched on unload relay +15. This is due to problems with the contact group of the ignition switch, malfunctions with the alarm and breakdowns of the unloading relay +15.
10. Charging is in progress, and the light is on. Often this problem occurs when the contacts on the car body oxidize or rust. It may be necessary to transfer mass from the battery to the starter.

Self-diagnosis of the battery charge lamp

Tools

• Control light for 12 volts.
• Flat and Phillips screwdrivers.
• Pliers and knife.
• Sandpaper.
• Multimeter.

What needs to be done if it blinks, lights up frequently, does not turn off, barely burns, etc.

1. If the battery is charging, the warning light on the dashboard is off, there is almost no charge left in the battery, and the readings from the terminals are about 12 volts, use sandpaper to strip the contact points of the wires leaving the generator. If this does not solve the problem, check the voltage at terminal "30". One working element of the multimeter should be placed on it, the other on "ground". If the voltage indicator here is much higher than on the battery, you need to clean the thirteenth terminal. It may be necessary to replace the wire connecting the battery to the generator.
2. If a multimeter and other measuring instruments show that there is a charge, but the battery is still discharged, check the alternator pulley belt. If it is loose, tighten it. If damaged, replace. Also, the problem can arise due to damage to diodes and malfunctions with the stator winding. Check the diodes with the ignition off, replace damaged ones. Measure the brushes. If they are shorter than 5 millimeters, replace these components.
3. If, when the ignition is turned on, the battery charge indicator does not activate and the battery does not charge, then the fuse is blown. It needs to be replaced. If the problem is not solved by this, examine the lock and ignition relay for breakdowns.
4. If you turn the key and the car starts up, and the lamp is still on, the problem may be the insufficient quality of the wire connection with dashboard, as well as in the breakdown of the relay-regulator. To test the regulator, apply voltage from the battery to its contacts. The brushes should show a voltage of 12 V. If something is wrong, you will have to replace the relay.

At the moment when we start the engine, in almost every car a pair of indicators on the instrument panel light up (more details are written about them). We are talking about indicators of oil pressure in the engine, as well as the battery. After starting the engine in a working car, both lamps stop burning. But sometimes it happens that the battery light on the panel is still on. What is the problem?

The answer to the question of why the battery light is on, interests many motorists.

You need to understand that the battery light is on because it is not receiving the required charge. It is known that a generator recharges a car battery. In progress power unit The generator generates energy that is used not only to power various devices, but also to recharge the battery. Usual electrical engine, that is, the generator axis rotates, as a result of which electrical energy is generated. The axis of the generator is connected to the drive gear. During the operation of the motor through a belt drive to this gear, the generator axis rotates. If the alternator belt breaks, the shaft will stop rotating, as a result of which the battery light on the panel will turn on, since it will not be charged. Hence, the first reason that battery light is on, consists in breaking the alternator belt.

Sometimes the battery light may be on due to worn out generator brushes. Graphite brushes are located on one side of the generator shaft to help generate power. Like any part of a car, they wear out over time. As a result, no electricity is generated, the battery does not receive the required charge, and an indicator on the instrument panel comes on. In this case, it is necessary to replace the generator brushes.

Battery light comes on - generator relay malfunction

The generator uses a relay regulator, which is responsible for supplying the current of the set voltage. In the event that this relay fails, the battery will not receive a charge. To solve the problem, we buy a new relay.

Battery charging lamp is on - stator winding

The generator shaft, called the stator, must have an intact copper winding. If it breaks down, the generator can no longer generate such important energy. As a result, the battery light comes on. The generator may appear to be in good working order, but it does not generate electricity. Replacing the stator is quite difficult, since the generator will have to be disassembled. We recommend in this case to use the help of specialists.

We have listed the most common reasons that can lead to the battery light on the dashboard.

You can identify a malfunction in the generator using the following methods:

• With the engine running, the battery terminals must have a voltage in the range of 14.2 - 14.7 volts. If it is lower and the battery charging lamp is on, the problem is in the generator.
• With the engine running, we put on rubber gloves, after which we remove one terminal from the battery. If the engine stalls, this indicates that the generator is not performing its function.
• If all the devices, not just the battery light, are lit too dimly in the car, this is a sign of a faulty alternator.

Using the tips in this article, you were able to understand why the battery light is on and how to solve this problem.