Dashboard warning lights?

KIRSTENGURLIN

MEMBER
2003 HYUNDAI SONATA
127,511 MILES

Two days ago, I was driving, and my battery light started flashing. I drove for 25 minutes. Then the next day I drove again the battery was on still but no longer flashing. The front windshield blower also stopped working. I drove for 20 minutes that day. Today while I was driving the battery light was still on and then the TCS and ABS lights came on as well. I drove for 10 minutes. Right now, I need to get home and I was wondering what is wrong with the car and if you can drive ten minutes home safely

1 Reply

AL514

MECHANIC
4,677 POSTS

Hello, it sounds like the charging system or battery is failing. Warning lights for different components are coming on due to low voltage, Eventually the vehicle will stall out and not restart. You can maybe make a 10min ride home but it's a risk and if you make it home, it will need to be repaired before anymore driving.
Is this a V6 or a 4-cylinder engine and is it an Automatic Transmission?

To check if it's just the battery it will need an attempted recharge and then a load test. The Alternator will need to have its voltage output checked as well. Since you've made it this far, it sounds like the Alternator is probably about to completely fail and is just charging enough to do the driving you have already.
You may want to get it to a shop, or the vehicle may get stuck in your driveway.
Is this a Canadian vehicle?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test