Battery indicator light

2011 Ford Fiesta 1.25
Car: Ford Fiesta
Year: 2011
Variant: 1.25
Categories: Electrics, ECU, Warnings & Lights
Battery indicator light on the dash board illuminates but intermittently, its the little red light in the shape of the battery.
When starting the car the indicator light is off, drive a few yards or even miles the light will come on, if one switches engine off and restarts the car this light goes out and stays out for another few yards / miles, its soooo annoying ! the car is five years old and still has the original battery on it, I am now thinking is the car telling me it wants a new battery ? If its the Alternator breaking down, would the ECU register a fault ? as this has been OK so far. Or do I wait until red light stays on permanently
Problem added: Oct 21, 2015 (8 years ago)
If you go to any fast fit centre or likes of Halfords or any good car accessory shop they will check battery condition and alternator output in minutes , usually FOC .After 5 yrs battery may be low / weak and need replacing as you suggest but get it checked out first .Also have a check at alternator connections and earth / battery connections .
Answered Oct 21, 2015 (8 years ago)
Good advice fro previous post BUT,
These fords run a smart charge system
Which if I boil down everything it does to whats important to you,
the engine management computer controls if,when and how much the alternator charges the battery.
So getting your battery/alternator checked is good advice I would have to check the ECU with diagnostics for the charge pattern.
Your problem "could" be caused by a faulty coolant temperature sensor for example.
That might sound a little nuts but the ECU decides the charge rate on the CTS output.
Answered Oct 21, 2015 (8 years ago)

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