Mazda 3 Dash Lights Flickering? The 127 Detailed Answer

You want to start your car, but when you turn on the ignition, your car won’t start – and your stomach sinks. When your car won’t start, it’s often due to a battery or alternator malfunction. If it’s one of those things, it can be relatively easy to tell which one.

Battery or Alternator: What Causes the Problem?

At its simplest, starting and running an engine is a three-step process. First, the battery delivers a surge of current to the starter. This starts the engine, which turns the alternator on. Finally, the alternator completes this cycle by charging the battery.

Use the process of elimination to find the culprit by bypassing the role of the battery and jump-starting your car. If the engine starts but dies immediately, your alternator is probably not keeping your battery charged. If a jump starts and keeps your car running, but the car won’t restart under its own power, a dead battery is likely your answer.

Signs of a bad battery

Look for these common dead battery symptoms:

Are the dashboard lights dimmed? First check the dashboard battery gauge. The battery should also be charged when the vehicle is switched off. If the dashboard lights are dim, there is probably something wrong with your battery. Try turning on your wipers, lights, or power windows. Then make sure these are all turned off and try starting the car again. Check for battery corrosion. If it still won’t start, use a rag to gently wipe any corrosion off the battery and have someone start it. After letting the engine run for a while, turn off the car. If you can’t get it to restart, that’s a sign the alternator is doing its job of keeping the battery running while the engine is running, but the battery isn’t holding the charge when the alternator has been stopped. The car battery could be old. As batteries age, they become less able to hold a charge because the metal inside corrodes. On average, car batteries last between 3 and 5 years. [4] Eventually, the battery state of charge will drop to the point where no matter how much current the alternator gives it, the battery cannot hold enough current to start the car. However, there are steps you can take to extend the life of your car battery. Your radio will not turn on. When your ignition is on, the battery should be able to power your radio, headlights, windshield wipers, and other electronic components. If you notice your radio display or headlights flickering or dimming, there’s a good chance your battery isn’t charging well. Your car starts and dies instantly. This can be for a variety of reasons, but checking your battery is the best place to start. This is a strange problem that usually only occurs on certain vehicles and is due to the battery only having enough voltage to start the car. Your battery is bloated. If your battery is swollen, you should be able to tell thanks to the manufacturer’s design: you’ll be able to easily spot bulges in the battery’s casing. This problem occurs when your alternator has overcharged the battery due to a bad voltage regulator.

Signs of a bad alternator

If the above steps show that the battery is working, it’s time to take a closer look at the alternator. There are certain bad alternator symptoms to look out for. Find out how to tell if your alternator is bad¹²:

Weak interior lighting. When driving the vehicle, pay attention to the brightness of the interior lights. If the dashboard starts to darken, the alternator is probably to blame. Weak or too bright headlights. Do you notice that your headlights get brighter when you accelerate and get dimmer when you stop? This is often caused by the alternator not keeping the battery sufficiently charged. growling sounds. Did you hear a growling noise before the problems started? This sometimes happens before an alternator fails. Smell of burning rubber or hot wire. Are there any signs of your alternator overheating, such as: B. the smell of burnt rubber or hot wires? If so, it’s time to replace it. Test the alternator. Some may recommend running the engine with the battery disconnected to test the alternator. However, this is not a good idea as it could damage your vehicle’s electrical system and cause major problems. Learn how to test an alternator.

Can you drive with a defective alternator or battery?

While your car can run with a faulty alternator for a short period of time, doing so involves risks and can be dangerous for you and everyone else on the road. Driving with a bad alternator can cause a variety of problems in other parts of your car, including the engine and electrical components. Also, your car’s battery will eventually discharge which will cause your car to die. Unless you have the resources to hop your car and find yourself in a remote area, this could leave you stranded. Your vehicle can also lose power from its power steering, which can cause you to lose control of your car. For these reasons, it is best to have your alternator repaired to protect yourself and other road users³

Repairing your battery or alternator can be an expensive repair. Learn how to find the right mechanic to work on your vehicle. Make sure you have roadside assistance so you can get help if your car won’t start.

Sources:

[1] “Is your car battery dead?” autozone.com/diy/battery/is-your-car-battery-dead Retrieved February 28, 2022.

[2] “10 Warning Signs Your Car Battery Is Dying”, valleyhondadealers.com/blog/10-warning-signs-your-car-battery-is-dying/ Retrieved February 28, 2022.

[3] “Can a car run with a bad alternator (Risks of Driving with a Bad Alternator)”, Jeffery Ekweghi, autovfix.com/can-a-car-run-with-a-bad-alternator-risks-of- Driving-with-a-bad-alternator/ Retrieved February 28, 2022.

[4] https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles/how-long-do-car-batteries-last

Additional resources on car issues:

Disclaimer:

The information contained is for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or other advice, nor does it replace such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to ensure that the information is correct, but it may be out of date or even inaccurate in some cases. It is the reader’s responsibility to comply with all applicable local, state, or federal regulations. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and their employees make no warranties about the information or any guarantees of results and accept no liability in connection with the information provided. Nationwide, Nationwide N and Eagle and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2022 Nationwide

If you’ve heard the term “alternator” before, you probably know that it’s an essential part of your vehicle. But what exactly does an alternator do? Simply put, your alternator keeps your car battery charged so you can turn on your car and use electronic accessories like your headlights and radio.

If you are having alternator problems, you may find that your car will not start or stay on for more than a few minutes. Before that happens, however, you’ll likely encounter one or more of these seven signs of a failed alternator.

7 signs of a bad alternator

1. Dim or excessively bright light

When an alternator fails, it delivers inconsistent voltage to your electronic accessories. Typically, these are under-performing or under-performing devices, such as headlights that are too weak or extremely bright. You may also experience flickering lights or lights that change erratically from light to dark and vice versa.

2. Battery dead

Sometimes a dead battery is just a dead battery – it has reached the end of its life after a few years of use – or maybe you accidentally left your headlights on all night. In other cases, however, a dead battery can be a sign that your alternator is not working properly.

A bad alternator will not adequately charge the battery when the engine is running, causing the charge to drain faster than usual. One way to test if the problem is battery or alternator related is to start the car. If you jump start your car and it keeps running, your battery may need replacing soon. However, if you start the car and it dies shortly after, it may mean your alternator is not delivering enough power to the battery.

3. Slow or faulty accessories

An alternator that isn’t providing enough power to your car’s electronics often results in slow or non-functioning accessories. If you notice that your windows are taking longer than usual to go up or down, or if your heated seats feel “off,” or even if your speedometer and other gauges start acting up, you may have an alternator problem .

Many modern vehicles also have a priority list of devices programmed into the car that tells the onboard computer where to cut power first if the alternator isn’t providing enough power. That way, if you’re driving with a failed alternator, you’ll lose power to your radio (or other unnecessary accessories) before you lose power to your headlights.

4. Problems starting or frequent stalls

As previously mentioned, having trouble starting your engine can mean your alternator is not charging the battery. This means that when you turn the key in the ignition, all you hear is a click instead of the purr of your engine.

However, if your car stalls frequently while driving, it may be a sign that the spark plugs are not getting enough current from the alternator to keep the engine running.

5. Growling or whining noises

Cars make a lot of strange noises – some are harmless while others can indicate serious mechanical problems. If you ever hear a growling or howling noise under the hood, you could have an alternator problem that should be checked by a professional as soon as possible.

This snarling or howling sound occurs when the belt that spins the alternator pulley is misaligned or rubbing against the side of the pulley. You can also hear this noise when the bearings that turn the rotor shaft go bad.

6. Smell of burning rubber or wires

A foul smell from burnt rubber or wiring could indicate that parts of your alternator are wearing out. Because the alternator drive belt is under constant tension and friction—and because it’s close to the hot engine—it can wear out over time and give off an unpleasant burnt rubber smell.

Similarly, if your alternator is overloaded or has frayed or damaged wires, you may smell a burning odor that is comparable to an electrical fire. A reworked alternator tries to force too much current through its wires, causing them to heat up unsafely. Damaged wires also create resistance to the flow of electricity, causing the wires to heat up and give off a foul odor.

7. Battery warning light on dashboard

When the battery warning light comes on on the dashboard, it is often mistaken for a battery-related problem. However, the low battery warning light indicates that there could be a problem with the entire electrical system in your car, including the alternator.

Alternators are designed to operate at a specific voltage, typically between 13 and 14.5 volts. If your alternator fails, its voltage can drop below capacity causing the low battery warning light to appear on your dashboard. Likewise, the battery light will also appear when the alternator exceeds its voltage limit, depending on how heavily it is being loaded.

Depending on the electrical loading from your car’s accessories (headlights, windshield wipers, radio, etc.) you may see the low battery warning light go on and off as the alternator fluctuates in and out of its designed voltage capacity. While this might seem like a minor annoyance, it’s better to take your car for an alternator check than to get stuck on the side of the road.

Alternator service with a smile

If you’re concerned about your car’s electrical system, it might be time to check the alternator. Firestone Complete Auto Care provides quality service aimed at keeping your battery and electrical system performing as it should! Book an appointment online or visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care today for affordable, quality alternator services.

We’ve probably all experienced a dashboard that no longer lights up. While you may find this frustrating and trying to forgo reliable dashboard lights, it can also discourage you from reading vital information about your vehicle while driving. If you’re looking to take matters into your own hands and perhaps find a fix for your dark dash, read on to learn how to check your dash light fuses. We want you and your vehicle to be safe on the road!

Repair dashboard lights: Find a blown fuse

Step 1: Find the appropriate fuse box

Use your owner’s manual to find out where the fuses for your dashboard are located. The instrument panel fuse box is usually located inside the vehicle and is usually on the driver’s side.

Step 2: Find out which fuse drives the lights

There should be a diagram in the fuse box (or owner’s manual) showing you what powers each fuse.

Step 3: Determine if the fuse is blown

Use needle nose pliers to remove the fuse and look inside the clear part at the end. There should be a thin piece of metal connecting the two prongs that are protruding. If the thin metal is broken, the fuse is blown. (If fuse is not clear, look for signs of burns or damage)

Step 4: Put things back together

Either insert a new fuse to replace the blown one, or put the old one back in place. If you replace the fuse, make sure that the amperage of the new fuse matches the previous one. Failure to use the same amperage may result in damage or even fire.

Read more: Free Online Service Vouchers

Dashboard still not working? Call the service center

If you’ve checked your vehicle’s fuses and the problem appears to be elsewhere in your vehicle, it may be time to call your local service center. Palmen Fiat’s experienced Kenosha team will answer all your questions and help you get the parts and service you need. Our goal is to help you get your car back on the road as quickly and easily as possible, so don’t hesitate to call or book an appointment online.

The dashboard gauges in your car tell a complex story about everything from your current speed to the health and condition of your engine and even whether or not things like your headlights are on. Different vehicles have different gauges and some instrument panels are much more complicated than others. But when the gauges in your car stop working, it’s not a situation you can safely ignore.

When a gauge stops working, the problem may be with the gauge itself or a bad sensor, while all the gauges go out at the same time, often indicating a blown fuse or a faulty instrument cluster.

The most common causes of non-working gauges in a car can be divided into three scenarios:

None of the gauges work. If none of the gauges work at all, the problem could be a blown fuse or a faulty instrument cluster.

If all of the gauges are low or erratic, there may be a problem with the voltage regulator that feeds the instrument cluster.

If all the gauges are set to their highest possible value, there could be a wiring problem or a bad instrument voltage regulator. An individual ad does not work. If the oil pressure, coolant, charge, or gas gauge does not work or works erratically, the problem is in the gauge, wiring, or transmitter.

Speedometers are unique in that some of them use physical wires instead of sensors, so a non-working speedometer can also indicate a broken wire or a stripped gear. One or more dashboard warning lights are not working. If one or more warning lights do not come on when the key is first turned on, this usually indicates a blown bulb.

If none of the lights come on at all, check the fuses and wiring to the instrument cluster first.

If a warning light comes on and stays on with the engine running, it usually indicates a problem with that specific system.

In-car displays don’t work at all

There are many different types of instrument cluster designs and configurations. However, when all the gauges in a car stop working at once, the problem is usually either a fuse or a wiring issue. The first step in diagnosing this problem is to identify the fuse associated with the instrument cluster or gauges.

The fuse should be live on both sides when the ignition key is on. You can check this with an inexpensive test light or multimeter, or take your car to a mechanic if you don’t have the proper auto diagnostic tools or don’t want to dig into a diagnosis like this.

If the fuse is good, the next thing you or your mechanic should do is check to see if each indicator has power. This usually requires removing the instrument cluster, which can be quite difficult and time consuming on some vehicles.

As a bare minimum, you’ll likely need to remove some trim pieces and unscrew the cluster to pull it out. The level of difficulty is usually the same as installing a new car stereo, so you can probably handle it if you’re comfortable with the job.

Jo Zixuan Zhou / Lifewire

What if the gauge and dashboard don’t work either?

If your gauges aren’t working, and your dash lights and gauges don’t come on either, that’s an indication that there may be a ground issue. This assumes you’ve already checked the gauges fuse and found it to be in good condition.

If an instrument cluster is not properly grounded, you will usually find that the gauges and dashboards do not work, or work intermittently. You may be able to check the bottom by looking under the dash with a flashlight, but in many cases you’ll have to remove the instrument cluster.

What if the gauges seem erratic or the needles are doweled?

If the gauges move erratically or are set to their highest possible reading, the problem is usually a bad component like an instrument voltage regulator or a bad ground.

Erratic gauges, or ones that seem consistently low, are usually caused by a bad instrument voltage regulator. In some cases, you may be able to remove the controller, clean the terminals, and reinstall it.

Gauges that keep filling up are usually caused by loose or poor soil. If you can locate the floor either visually or with the help of a wiring diagram, you should make sure it is securely fastened and free of rust or corrosion.

The problem with electronic instrument clusters

In some cases you may find that the entire instrument cluster is defective. For example, if you have an electronic instrument cluster that does not have separate gauges that receive independent input from individual transmitter units, a catastrophic failure of all gauges often requires replacement of the entire instrument cluster.

Early electronic instrument clusters had digital displays, much like an LCD alarm clock, while the modern equivalent often simulates analog gauges in a much more sophisticated way. Either way, diagnosing and repairing or overhauling this type of instrument cluster is outside the reach of the typical DIYer, unless you want to replace the entire thing and hope for the best.

What if only one gauge doesn’t work?

If a single meter stops working, the problem is either in the meter, in the wiring, or in the transmitter. If you are familiar with locating and removing connectors and sensors, you can diagnose this problem yourself. Otherwise you will have to take it to a mechanic.

Using your coolant temperature gauge as an example, the diagnostic procedure includes locating and disconnecting the transmitter unit. With the ignition on, the gauge should read cold. If you connect the transmitter cable to ground, the meter should switch to hot.

If the indicator moves as expected, you may suspect a faulty connector. If the meter doesn’t move when you ground the sensor wire, you may suspect a bad meter. Similar tests can be performed on all of the instruments in your instrument cluster, although specific procedures may differ from one application to another.

When the speedometer doesn’t work

While all gauges can be either analog or digital, speedometers are unique in that they can have either mechanical or electrical inputs. All other gauges connect to sensors or transmitters via wires, while your speedometer can use either a speed sensor or a physical wire.

On wired vehicles, the speedometer is physically coupled to the transmission via a cable. The cable is usually square on both ends, or square on one end and slotted on the other. If the cable breaks, the meter may not move or it may jerk a little at times.

The solution to this problem is to simply replace the speedometer cable by unplugging it from the transmission, disconnecting it from the instrument cluster and pushing it through the firewall. In many cases, the instrument cluster itself has to be removed for this purpose.

Malfunction of speedometers and speed sensors

Most modern cars and trucks use speed sensors instead of wires, and the transition began in the 1990s. Some vehicles even have both a speed sensor and a cable. In this case, the cable usually drives the speedometer, while the speed sensor or wheel sensor tells the computer how fast the vehicle is moving.

The only way to know for sure what your car has is to either look up your make, model, and year, or physically inspect the back of the instrument cluster. If no cable is connected to the back of the cluster, your vehicle has a speed sensor.

For vehicles with speed sensors, the easiest way to determine if the sensor or gauge is faulty is by the presence of a cruise control system. Since the cruise control also uses the speed sensor, it will not work properly or at all if the sensor is faulty.

If you find that your cruise control is working but your speedo isn’t, you should suspect a bad speedo. The opposite is also true, so if your speedometer and cruise control aren’t working, you may suspect a bad speed sensor or wiring.

In rarer cases, the electronic control unit (ECU) can also be defective. If you take your car to a qualified technician, they can connect to the ECU to read fault codes and other data. With special test equipment you can also test the speed sensor yourself.

What if the dashboard warning lights don’t work?

While many vehicles have gauges that display specific information on everything from the condition of the charging system to the temperature of the coolant, some cars and trucks have warning lights.

These warning lights illuminate when the input from a transmitter or sensor is outside of the expected range. Instead of a needle telling you your coolant is 230 degrees Fahrenheit and in the red danger zone, a similar red warning light flashes to let you know the coolant is hotter than it should be.

These lights, and others like your check engine and ABS light, are designed to come on when you turn the ignition key to the on position, which is called a bulb test. If one or more of the lights don’t light up, it usually means the bulbs have burned out.

If none of your dash warning lights come on, including your check engine light, it’s usually a fuse or ground issue. This type of problem is diagnosed in the same way as an indicator that is not working, so you will need to check the power supply on the relevant fuse and make sure that the instrument cluster ground is good. When these things are checked, the problem is usually a bad transmitter unit or wiring.

Find out why dash gauges and lights aren’t working

Regardless of whether you are dealing with gauges or lamps, the basic troubleshooting process is always determined by the number of errors occurring at the same time. So when just one gauge or light isn’t working, you follow one basic procedure, and you follow another when everything stops working at once.

If all gauges or warning lights in your car stop working at once, the problem is something that all gauges and lights have in common. First check the fuses. The backup may be labeled as ads, clusters, or similar. This fuse should be live on both sides when the ignition is on.

If the fuses are good, check for power at the cluster.

If the cluster has power, then check for ground. A bad ground connection can lead to a catastrophic failure or erroneous readings.

If all else fails, the instrument cluster itself may need to be replaced. If only one gauge or lamp stops working, the problem is either a bad sensor or gauge. In order to diagnose a single bad gauge or warning light, it is necessary to locate the sensor that is associated with it.

Disconnecting the sensor is usually the first step. Depending on how the meter works, you can test the meter’s operation by disconnecting the sensor or connecting it to ground.

The diagnostic process for gauges and sensors differs from one application to another.

In some cases, a loose connection may have caused the problem. If a physical cable speedometer doesn’t work, the problem is a broken cable or a bad speedometer.

It’s simple mechanics. Your car battery is what starts your vehicle. However, it is the alternator that keeps it running. For the unfortunate souls who realize that this vital part of the vehicle is failing, how long will a car run without an alternator and what can you do to prolong the vehicle’s operability?

Without this essential component, your car will only function for up to two hours and only five minutes. Those who have an older car model or a diesel-powered vehicle have the longest term. In addition, you can extend your battery life if you let the car run until you reach your final destination and make sure to turn off as many unnecessary electronic devices as possible.

What is an alternator?

An alternator is a generator that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy in your vehicle. In layman’s terms, this is the device that continuously charges your car’s battery. Without them, battery power will drain quickly, leaving you a little let down.

This crucial component of your car should last between 80,000 and 150,000. However, this depends on whether you perform routine maintenance on the vehicle.

Regular oil changes and making sure your fluid levels are kept topped up are both fantastic ways to prevent problems from occurring. Unfortunately, even with the utmost care, the ingress of debris, engine fluids, or other contaminants into the alternator can cause it to fail sooner.

How long does a car run without an alternator?

A car’s ability to run without an alternator depends heavily on a handful of factors. These include the type of vehicle you drive, how the battery charges when the alternator dies, the amount of electrical equipment you use, and whether or not the car runs when the alternator fails.

However, expect up to two hours of runtime for most vehicles and just five minutes. Depending on the speed you’re traveling at, this could be as little as a few miles or as much as 100 miles if you’re lucky!

vehicle information

The first determining factor in how long a car will run without an alternator is the age of the vehicle. Newer models tend to have shorter lifespans as they are equipped with advanced electrical systems that draw more energy from the battery.

Conversely, older model cars lack these bells and whistles, giving them a longer lifespan if this vital component of your car fails.

Another factor is whether your vehicle runs on petrol or diesel. Gasoline powered cars need spark plugs to start the engine. These parts draw current from the battery. Alternatively, diesel vehicles do not require this component. As a result, these vehicles can run longer without an alternator.

Interestingly, only the electric car drivers don’t have to worry about this problem. This is because these vehicles do not have an alternator. Instead, they use electric motors with rechargeable batteries. Therefore, they have to charge their vehicles between trips.

battery charge

According to the experts at J.D. Power “with the car off and the battery at rest, the multimeter should show a reading of 12.2 to 12.6 volts (full charge). This voltage range means the battery is in good condition to start the vehicle. If the reading is less than 12.2 volts, the battery’s open circuit voltage is low, which means it most likely needs to be charged or replaced.”

For those who find themselves with a bad alternator and need to replace their battery sooner rather than later, chances are you’ll only make it a few minutes before your engine dies. In contrast, those on a full charge can be on the road for up to two hours if not using other items in the vehicle.

Electrical exit

The nice conveniences of modern cars like the car computer, stereo, climate control functions, windshield wipers and headlights are all powered by your car’s battery. So if the alternator is dead and these components continue to be used, the battery will quickly drain.

This, in turn, quickly decreases the time you have to keep on the road. So if you start noticing signs that the alternator is failing, turn off these extra features. This extends the life of your battery and keeps your car running a little longer.

Engine – On or Off

The experts at J.D. Power also note that “the moment the vehicle is turned on is the moment when the battery is most stressed, as it takes more energy to power the starter motor… When it drops below 10 volts, that means that the battery does not have sufficient resistance to alternating currents and is prone to failure.”

With a working alternator, this energy is quickly replenished. However, when the alternator is out of order, it takes an exorbitant amount of energy to restart the engine. Therefore, it is best to save as much tension as possible. This will ensure you don’t need towing later.

Therefore, if your alternator fails while the car is still running, do not turn off the vehicle until you have reached your intended final destination.

How can you tell if your alternator is failing?

The alternator is the apparatus that keeps the main components of the car running. That means it’s actually pretty easy to tell when it’s starting to fade. First you will notice that it takes longer for the car to start. This may also be accompanied by stuttering or squeaking noises.

While the car is running, another sign of alternator problems is failure of the electronics. This could mean your turn signals aren’t working or the windows are slow to open. In addition, you may find that the radio turns off randomly or your dashboard lights suddenly look very dim. Other red flags of a bad alternator are a burning smell as well as your car stalling.

After all, the most obvious sign that something is wrong under the hood is when your check engine light comes on. This is not an indicator that should never be ignored. Remember, as mentioned above, other problems will occur before the alternator fails completely. Swift action is imperative.

What to do if your alternator fails?

When these things happen it is imperative that you get to a mechanic as soon as possible. Your car can run for two more hours without an alternator.

However, it is important to remember that without your alternator, other vital vehicle functions will quickly fail as well. If you wait too long to solve this problem, you risk your life. It could also get you stranded on the side of the road.

Additionally, driving at high speeds without properly functioning gear can be a recipe for disaster. Therefore, leave all major roads and avoid driving on overpasses or bridges. Also, avoid the stop-and-go traffic. This is a quick way to drain your car’s battery.

Also, keep in the far right lane until you can reach a car maintenance specialist. This guarantees that you, your passengers and the vehicle remain safe if your car suddenly stalls or shuts down completely.

Finally, it’s important to remember that if you can make it to a mechanic before the engine stalls completely, make sure they charge the battery after replacing the alternator.

frequently asked Questions

If I don’t have an alternator, is there a way to restart my car when the battery dies?

Your first option is to have someone jump start your car so you can get it to your intended destination. However, if you can’t find this kind of help, you can always buy another battery to keep going.

This can get you about an hour if you avoid using your electronics and keep the vehicle running. While this may seem like an expensive solution, sometimes it can be a cheaper alternative to towing the car.

Final Thoughts

A failing alternator is a very expensive problem, but this machine is also the heart and soul of your vehicle. So if you notice signs of failure, take the initiative to take your car to a mechanic before the problem gets worse.

Keep in mind that once these problems start appearing, your car will only run for up to two hours without an alternator. However, this scenario only occurs if you are strategic about what you use while driving.

Finally, the best way to avoid this problem is to take your car for maintenance regularly. Oftentimes, minor problems can occur that cause the alternator to fail before that seven years or 150,000 years have elapsed.

This could include wiring issues, a blown fuse, or the need for updates to your car’s computer. By identifying and addressing these issues early, you can prevent major headaches along the way.

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January 15, 2019

The dashboards in your car are important; Finally, a well-lit dashboard helps you keep track of your speed, engine operation, fuel level and more – including any warnings. So when the dashboard lights are dim, flickering, or just not working, it can be both inconvenient and dangerous. When there’s a problem with your car’s dashboard lights, it’s often best to leave it to the experts. However, a little diagnostic work can help you figure out what might be the cause so you can better communicate the problem. Listed below are four common causes of dashboard lights not working.

Many things can make you feel drained, like an unbalanced diet, a long day at work, or even spending too much time with others. And while your car battery probably doesn’t go to many social gatherings outside of business hours, there are plenty of other things that can leave it feeling just as drained.

What drains a car battery?

A dead car battery can be annoying, but it can also be avoided. To prevent a dead battery, you must first know what is causing it. So put those jumper cables aside and check out these seven things that might explain why your car battery keeps draining.

1. You left your headlights on.

If your car battery is constantly draining, the first thing you should do is check your lights. Many newer vehicles have headlights that are designed to turn off after a period of time. But if your car doesn’t have this feature, your headlights may stay on until you either turn them off or until your car battery is completely drained.

2. Something is causing a “parasitic draw”.

Even when your car is off, your battery powers things like the clock, radio, and alarm. These things shouldn’t affect your battery much. What can drain a car battery when it’s turned off are things like interior lights, door lights, or even bad relays.

While your engine is running, the alternator charges the battery – so you usually don’t have to worry about the battery draining while you’re cranking up the radio on your commute! But when the engine is off, the alternator cannot charge the battery, so small electrical glitches can completely drain your battery. The battery drain caused by these electrical whoopsies is called parasitic draw.

You can help prevent parasitic drafts by turning off every light and making sure the trunk, glove box, and doors are fully closed and locked before exiting the car.

3. Your battery connections are loose or corroded.

The positive and negative terminals connected to your battery can sometimes become loose over time. These connectors can also corrode. If your terminals become loose or corrode, you may have trouble starting the vehicle because your battery isn’t able to transfer its power properly! You could even stall while driving or damage the vehicle’s electronic components. You can prevent corrosion-related problems by cleaning your car’s battery terminals regularly! If you are unsure how to clean your battery terminals, visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care and have an experienced technician do it for you.

4. It is extremely hot or cold outside.

Frosty winter weather and hot summer days can cause problems with your vehicle’s battery. Newer batteries tend to be more resilient to extreme seasonal temperatures. However, as your battery ages, intense cold or heat can affect its performance or even cause death! If you find your battery is struggling to withstand the elements, come to Firestone Complete Auto Care for a free battery check – our auto technicians will help diagnose and fix the problem.

5. The battery will not charge while driving.

Your car relies on your battery when you start the engine. But when your vehicle is running, your battery relies on the alternator to keep it charged. If your alternator isn’t working properly, it won’t be able to charge your battery effectively, which can make your car difficult to start, even if you’re just driving!

If your car won’t start after driving, chances are it’s your alternator. Take your car to a Firestone Complete Auto Care for a diagnostic check to find out what the problem might be.

6. You take too many short trips.

Starting the engine takes an enormous amount of energy from your battery, but as mentioned earlier, the alternator charges your battery while the engine is running. However, if you frequently drive short trips, the alternator may not have enough time to properly charge your battery between pit stops – especially if you have an older battery. In the long run, frequent short trips can shorten the life of your car battery.

7. Your battery is old.

Nothing lasts forever, not even your car’s battery. In some cases, your vehicle’s battery can last up to five years, but that depends on where you live and how you drive. Extreme temperatures, frequent short trips, and general everyday use can shorten the life of your battery to two to three years. If your car battery is draining quickly even after a jump start, it may be time for a new one.

Check and replace your battery

Tired of pulling out the jumper cables every time you need to start your car? Have your battery tested for free at a Firestone Complete Auto Care center near you. We tell you how healthy your battery is and how much life it has left. Additionally, if something is draining your battery, our full battery and electrical system review can help pinpoint the problem. And when it’s time for a new battery, we’ll install a reliable replacement battery.