Battery and Brake Light On – Causes plus Solutions

Did both the battery and brake light on your vehicle at the same time? Don’t panic! It’s a very common problem. When this warning sign is seen, it might be difficult to identify the fault at once. Most likely it should be an alternator or battery-related problem. Through this article, we hope to solve the problems you may have in this regard well. Let’s see how this actually happens in your automobile. We hope to discuss such issues affecting this, and how these can be quickly resolved in great detail. If you are a car lover, stay tuned to get comprehensive details until the conclusion.

What Does It Mean when the Battery and Brake Light Come On?

Let us first recognize this as a simple definition. The braking system and battery system are two different systems. If both of these lights come on, it’s probably a fault with the alternator, or it is not charging properly. For example, the alternator may charge the battery and never operate below 13 volts. 

This may also happens due to braking system failures. A surge in power usage, a faulty connection, or a broken voltage regulator can cause the battery and brake lights to come on simultaneously. Otherwise, this problem can also be caused by faulty relays and sensors.

Another significant issue in some vehicle models is that both bulbs light up simultaneously, indicating no change in voltage. It means that the brake uses more power than the alternator produces. And a faulty brake circuit can cause massive drains.

Does a Faulty Alternator Cause the Battery and Brake Lights to Turn On?

As we discussed earlier, you know that a faulty alternator directly contributes to this problem. 

• Defective Alternator

Reportedly the most common fault you will find if you test drive a vehicle with the battery and brake lights on is a faulty alternator. Experts say that is important advice for you regarding this matter. However, you can check at home, and remember that it is very important to constantly take yourself to the experts.

Ok, let’s see how to test the alternator at home. First, get your voltmeter ready. Remember that the terminals of your battery must be dry and clean. Then attach your voltmeter to those terminals. There is no problem if it is between 12.5V and 12.8V while the engine is not running. Now check engine starts. Then, if you get between 13V and 14 V, it’s no problem.

Now, turn on the headlights, air conditioner, and other electrical components. If you get a low reading, your alternator is faulty. If the numbers are abnormally high, there is a problem too. It’s an overcharging alternator. As you can see, this is a straightforward method. You can even try it at home. But the experience and equipment of expert technicians will make the task very easy.

Why are My Battery and Brake Light on After Changing the Alternator?

If this happens even after you replace a new alternator, there are several things to note. The most important thing is that if the wires going from the alternator to the batteries are dirty and corroded, loose, or well-connected, there is a high chance of this problem. If you recognize something like that, check everything properly with an expert. The other concern is ensuring your serpentine belt is not out of the way and is properly tightened. Even after these tests, if the errors cannot be identified, you should pay attention to the following matters.

• Faulty Voltage Regulator

With a faulty voltage regulator, you will discover that both the brake and battery light turn on simultaneously. A voltage regulator maintains the voltage across the circuit properly. And also, a fault may cause the alternator to under-voltage or overload. It’s a tricky situation.

• Loose Wiring Connections or Damaged Wiring Connections

As mentioned at the beginning of this section, you should check the cables. Usually, the wires can corrode over time. The short circuits can damage the components.

• Faulty Braking System

This is the last point. This could be the reason your previous tests didn’t yield results. But even though this is considered a rare occurrence, it can happen, so check it out.

What to Do when the Battery and Brake Light Is On?

If you suddenly have to face this problem when you are going on a journey, you should not panic. Before doing anything, you have to stop your vehicle safely. Do not delay stopping your engine. It is the foremost thing you have to do in that situation.

Then you should check for any leaks. If you feel any burning sensation, you should give it some extra care. Because it would be a clue of a broken alternator. Then be sure to check the brake fluid level.

The next thing to do is something we’ve talked about before. Be sure to check the wires, paying attention to the battery connections. They must be connected properly. Also, Make sure to terminals are not corroded. 

Then you must take it to a garage after identifying the problem. Save your time as well as your vehicle. If the issues mentioned earlier are not diagnosed seriously, you can drive home or to a specialist. But if there is a leak, it is dangerous to start and run the engine.

Conclusion

Suppose you ever have to face the battery and brake light on at once phenomenon. In that case, the things we talked about today will undoubtedly be a great help. Now you know how to face it without any hesitation, even if you face that problem on the way on a trip. And sometimes, if you are new to driving, you may ignore this battery and brake light on the phenomenon. Needless to say about the damage it causes. Anyway, you understand how to check it in such a situation.

Remember to be careful to take the necessary measures as soon as possible when this danger signal comes. It is essential!

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