Vehicle Parts & Accessories Logo

Related Topics:

Keith Mcgraw Posted on Feb 23, 2016

Why does 'check electrical system' light keep turning on?

1 Answer

lbrac

Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

Habit-Forming:

Visited the website for 3 consecutive days.

New Friend:

An expert that has 1 follower.

Corporal:

An expert that hasĀ over 10 points.

  • Contributor 5 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 01, 2019
lbrac
Contributor
Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

Habit-Forming:

Visited the website for 3 consecutive days.

New Friend:

An expert that has 1 follower.

Corporal:

An expert that hasĀ over 10 points.

Joined: Nov 29, 2009
Answers
5
Questions
4
Helped
967
Points
10

You don't say what vehicle you have, so specific info isn't possible. A "check electrical system" indicator on the dash would normally mean the voltage is too low for some reason.
You could try cleaning the battery cable connections and make sure cable connections to be sure they are tight. If the battery isn't a sealed type, you could check the liquid level in each cell. If the level is low, add (preferably distilled) water to low cells. A significantly low liquid level in one or two of the cells could indicate a bad cell(s) requiring a replacement battery.

Also, check the alternator drive belt for condition and tension, as the belt could be slipping on the pulley and not charging the battery properly. If you have no training in using a volt/ohm meter and these prior mechanical checks indicate no problem, you can take the vehicle to a chain type auto parts store (if it is running) and get the electrical system checked for free. If it isn't running, you could remove the battery, and they can check it. Some parts stores can also check the alternator without it being installed in the vehicle.

If testing indicates a problem with the battery, alternator, or alternator drive belt, after replacing the failed part, it would be good to take the vehicle to the parts store to get them to check the entire system for proper operation. Testing the system could help avoid future problems.

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

2helpful
1answer

Mercedes 2001 C200 Kompressor. External lights will not go out, the light switch is of course in the 'off'position.

Check the Light Switch Position: Ensure that the light switch is indeed in the "off" position. Sometimes, it might appear to be off, but a slight misalignment can keep the lights on. Double-check by toggling the switch a few times.

Faulty Light Switch: Even if the switch seems fine, it could be faulty. Over time, switches can wear out or develop internal issues. Consider having a professional inspect and replace the switch if necessary.

Electrical Issues: There might be an electrical fault causing the lights to stay on. Inspect the wiring and connections related to the external lights. Look for any loose wires, damaged insulation, or corroded connectors.

Stuck Relay or Module: Modern cars use relays and control modules to manage various functions, including external lights. A malfunctioning relay or module could keep the lights on. A mechanic can diagnose and address this issue.

Faulty Light Sensors: Some vehicles have light sensors that automatically turn on the lights when it gets dark. If these sensors are malfunctioning, they might keep the lights on even during the day. Check if your car has such sensors and have them tested.
Battery Voltage Issues: Low battery voltage can cause electrical anomalies. Make sure your car battery is fully charged and in good condition. A weak battery might not provide enough power to fully turn off the lights.

Ignition Switch or Key Cylinder Issues: Faulty ignition switches or key cylinders can sometimes affect the electrical system. If the lights stay on even when the car is off, consider having these components inspected.

Remember that diagnosing electrical issues can be complex, especially without proper tools and expertise. It's advisable to consult a qualified mechanic or an auto electrician to pinpoint the exact cause and resolve the problem. They can perform diagnostic tests.
0helpful
2answers

I need help with my scotter you turn the key and the lite keeps flashing you turn the key the battery is charged but the lil green light keeps flashing

It could be many things. If you just bought the scooter, it could be a loose wire in the electrical system. Did you check the battery terminals to make sure they are tight?
0helpful
1answer

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited all wheel drive with159, 960 miles. The ESP light and Service Electrical Brake System keep coming on. The indicator lights only come on while the vehicle is driving. Then...

check the bearing adjustment and brake pads for worn out check condition or brake rotors. Have the fault codes read and replace faulty items.
0helpful
1answer

Engine fuses

Check al electrical wire connections and test fuel injection system and coils dryed.
1helpful
1answer

Car stuck in anti theft mode. theft light keeps blinking. it's a 2003 Ford Taurus.Car wont turn on when key turned.

NEED TO RUN THEFT CODE CHECK TO VERIFY WHAT PART OF THEFT SYSTEM IS FAILING .COULD BE JUST KEY ,IGNITION SWITCH OR AN ELECTRICAL PART
0helpful
1answer

Side marker lights keep flashing/car seems to need batt charge

You either have bad terminal connections on your battery or the anti-theft system has a system or sencor problem . I would really recomend that honda/acura check your electrical system and anti-theft system
2helpful
1answer

All the dash warning lights lit up for about 10 seconds

I think you got this one! An electrical short for those systems would have all read as failures during the time of the short. A relay controlling dash lights going bad could also be responsible.

Keep an eye on things and see if the problem manifests itself again.

You may also want to keep a spare relay around just in case! Although, in a pinch, one of the accessory relays that is the same can be swapped to keep you running till you find a parts store.

Good luck and be careful.
0helpful
1answer

1994 Pontiac Grand Am Its sat about 2 months now. I went out to start it. It was dead. So I jumped it. Well I got it started and the check engine light and abs light was on. Well I put my foot underneath...

If the battery is bad and not holding a charge, every time you push on the brake's. The break lights come on and puts a load on the electrical system and if the voltage drops below 10.5 volts, the ECM will shut down fuel injector and ignition system. The other thing to is that the fuel pressure may be dropping due to the electric fuel pump not getting enough volts every time you put on the brakes. You cold always try keeping the jumper cables connected to make sure it's the voltage drop that is causing the engine to stall. Keep me posted, be glad to help you get your car running 1005 again soon.
0helpful
1answer

Drying light keeps flashing

You said,
Drying light keeps flashing and beeping. dishwasher will not start. turned off circuit breaker and turned back on same thing happened again.

It seems you have an electrical fault in the dishwasher and it will not permit the start of the motor,
as a safety guard.
You must have the electrical system checked for shorts .
Otherwise the motor is dead!


huuum,happy to assist you!



How old is the appliance?

If the appliance is 10 years old or more you may not be advisable to put good money into bad! New appliances are so much more efficient today that they can save you a lot of money in energy.
Therefore they pay for them selves in only a few years.
You can buy New and save today.

Find the small privately owned and operated appliance store and you will get better service and good treatment! They also will be the best informed!

Bless You, let me know how it goes.
huuum

Please give me a good rating for my fine advice before you sign off.
Thank You


Not finding what you are looking for?

242 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Vehicle Parts & Accessories Experts

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

john h

Level 3 Expert

29494 Answers

Brad Brown

Level 3 Expert

19187 Answers

Are you a Vehicle Part and Accessory Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...