Turn off your accessories when the battery warning light on your Toyota Corolla comes on to prevent further battery depletion. The warning light typically indicates a problem with the alternator, which forces you to run entirely on battery power.
In This Article...
What triggers the illumination of the battery warning light?
A frayed or corroded battery cable, another wire joining parts of the charging system, a problem with the alternator or voltage regulator are all potential causes of the battery light. The electricity that is stored in the battery is produced by the alternator. You will have a dead battery if the alternator malfunctions or the auxiliary belt that powers the alternator is damaged or loose. This is because a defective alternator won’t be able to recharge the battery.
Can I operate my car safely with the battery light on?
Driving while your car’s battery light is on is dangerous. Your car may lose power if problems with the battery or alternator that trigger the battery light exist. Your car won’t work normally under certain circumstances.
You must make sure the battery is always functioning properly because it is a crucial piece of automotive equipment. Investigate the issue if you’re unsure of why your battery light is on. Additionally, if the issue continues, have your automobile checked out and fixed by a licensed mechanic.
Fix Auto Capital City, a renowned industry professional and collision repair facility serving Sacramento, Arden-Arcade, Natomas, North Highlands, Rancho Cordova, Rio Linda, Rosemont, and other nearby cities, contributed to this blog.
What does a 2013 Toyota Corolla’s battery light mean?
Turn off your accessories if the battery warning light on your 2013 Toyota Corolla appears while you’re driving to prevent further battery discharge. The warning light typically indicates that the alternator isn’t functioning properly, leaving you solely dependent on battery power.
When my battery light illuminates, should I be concerned?
When you start the car, if the car battery light illuminates, you’re good to go! When you turn on your car for the first time, this light should appear. A short while later, the light will go out.
But if the light remains on while you’re driving, be alert. Other symptoms of a low battery charge include power windows that are difficult to open or a stereo that won’t switch on.
Several problems, such as the following, could cause a battery light to illuminate:
- The electric charging system in the car has faulty wiring.
- an issue with the voltage regulator or alternator
- damage to the battery’s plates or cells
- a battery cable that is rusted or loose
Basically, a battery charging issue is indicated by a dashboard battery light. The automobile battery isn’t providing your car with enough voltage for it to run correctly. More “juice” is required!
How can you identify if the problem is with the battery or alternator?
In its most basic form, starting and operating an engine is a 3-step procedure. The battery first jolts the starter with power. The alternator is then activated when the engine is started. The alternator then charges the battery to end this cycle.
Bypassing the battery’s function and jump-starting your vehicle, you can use the process of elimination to identify the offender. The alternator is probably not keeping your battery charged if the engine starts but soon shuts off. If your automobile can be started and maintained by a jump start, but it won’t restart on its own power, you most likely have a dead battery.
How can I tell if my alternator is defective?
As was already noted, if your engine is difficult to start, your alternator may not be charging the battery. As a result, when you turn the key in the ignition, all you’ll hear is a clicking noise rather than your engine’s purring sound.
On the other hand, if your car repeatedly stalls out while you’re driving, it can mean that the alternator isn’t supplying the spark plugs with enough power to keep the engine running.
How much does a Toyota Corolla alternator cost?
Alternator replacement for a Toyota Corolla typically costs between $390 and $477. Between $68 and $86 is the expected range for labor costs, while $322 to $391 is the range for part costs. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account.
How long does the battery in a Toyota Corolla last?
Batteries for 2020 Toyota Corollas typically last 3-5 years, however this might vary based on factors including weather, battery type, driving style, and more. The exciting thing about starting your 2020 Toyota Corolla normally is that you can extend the life of the battery.
How long can you use a battery-operated light?
The fact that the battery light is still on may not indicate that you require a replacement battery. Shutterstock/Bjoern Wylezich
Today, a 12-volt rechargeable battery is present in every gasoline-powered or hybrid vehicle. Everything electronic, including the radio, the headlights, the ignition system, and the engine control computer, is run by this battery. The battery is therefore essential for the car to function.
The 12-volt battery in your automobile has a built-in charging system because, like all batteries, it would ultimately run out of power if it wasn’t recharged. When the engine is operating, the alternator and voltage regulator charge the battery and power the car. When required, a conventional alternator may produce 5001,000 watts.
Any automobile with a combustion engine and a 12-volt battery has a light on the dashboard that alerts you if the recharging mechanism fails because your car is so reliant on the battery. It appears to be a small battery, or it may just state “Battery.” A straightforward circuit checks the voltage the alternator is generating and, if it is low, activates the battery light. Your alternator is therefore not correctly charging, the light is informing you. Your battery is not being warned that it has to be replaced right away. You don’t yet have adequate knowledge.
When you turn on your automobile, the battery light illuminates and may remain on for a few moment, but it normally goes off quite quickly. If it remains on while the car is operating, the alternator most likely has a problem. It might also indicate a minor issue with the battery, such as corrosion. In either case, it’s something you should investigate.
You can safely drive the car on whatever amount of charge is left if there was enough electricity to start it, but it won’t last longprobably 30 to 60 minutes at most. Electrical systems will start to malfunction if the battery isn’t being charged.
Get to a safe location, such as a garage or your house, using the battery’s remaining power. It’s possible that the engine won’t start again after you turn it off. Turn off as many electronics as you can to conserve every last bit of power: the radio, the air conditioner, the heated seats, even the headlights if it’s daylight. Also unplug your phone since every volt counts.
How much does replacing an alternator cost?
I’m sorry to hear about your automobile issue. A new car alternator typically costs $400 to replace, including labor and supplies.
Your bill will probably be higher than $500 if you visit a dealership. They often employ OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts rather than aftermarket ones, which explains why. Additionally, they typically charge more than your neighborhood auto shop for services.
So that you’re prepared to discuss this service with a mechanic, let’s break down that $400 average cost.
The average time required to replace an alternator is two to three hours. Depending on the mechanic’s hourly rate, the labor charges come to around $200.
A new alternator should cost between $200 and $350 if you use OEM components. You could spend between $100 and $200 on a new part if you don’t mind purchasing aftermarket parts.
Finally, it’s crucial to be aware that alternator issues frequently coexist with other issues. During the servicing, your mechanic might find that additional components like the battery or the serpentine belt need to be changed. This can raise your charge by an additional $50 to $150.
By using aftermarket components, you can cut costs, but watch out for subpar brands.
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If your alternator is damaged, will your automobile start?
If your car’s engine stalls nearly immediately after receiving a jump start, your alternator is probably the issue. Regular engine stalls while driving could also be a sign of an alternator issue.
However, if your engine won’t start but your headlights are in perfect working order, there can be a defective starter motor under your hood.
How long can a damaged alternator keep a car running?
Numerous elements must be present for an automobile to be able to operate without an alternator. These factors include the kind of vehicle you are operating, the battery charge at the time the alternator fails, the quantity of electrical equipment you are utilizing, and whether or not the car is running.
Expect up to two hours of runtime and as little as five minutes for the majority of vehicles, though. This may be just a few miles away or, if you’re lucky, up to 100 miles away, depending on how fast you’re moving!
What is the typical price of an alternator?
An alternator replacement typically takes two to three hours. That provides you an initial labor budget of around $120-$200. The price of your alternator will determine the remaining expense. The majority of alternators may be bought from auto parts stores for a lot less money than an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement through the dealership, but the buyer needs to exercise caution in this situation. Electrical components that are of poorer quality than the original equipment on a new automobile are sold in some inexpensive auto parts retailers. It is not a bad idea to get an alternator from the aftermarket; however, make sure the part is of high quality. It is a wiser choice to get a new alternator from the OEM, the business that produced the old one. Depending on the make and model, alternators can cost anywhere from $100 to $350 on average. If no other parts need to be changed, replacing an alternator will typically cost between $350-400 for most automobiles. If the serpentine belt is used in the process, your bill will increase by $20 to $50. Expect the cost to exceed $500 in many circumstances if you want to use dealership components and labor. You should budget between $350 and $900 for an alternator replacement because the overall cost varies depending on the vehicle.
What noise does a failing alternator make?
Your car’s alternator might be failing if you hear a grinding noise while driving. A worn-out bearing could be the source of the grinding noise. When the voltage regulator instructs the alternator to charge more than is required, your automobile may also whine.