You know how it feels when the battery light pops up on your Dodge Journey’s dashboard. While this light helps you easily determine the underlying problem, it also means various parts need fixing or repairing. But worry not because we’ll help you address this issue.
Generally, the Dodge Journey battery light will appear on the dash to indicate issues with the charging system. But what causes the Journey’s charging system to malfunction?
Herein, I discuss the reasons for the Dodge Journey battery light on and ways to address them. You’ll also discover how to reset the battery light to keep your car running smoothly.
Answer: Reasons for Dodge Journey Battery Light Turning On
The battery light can appear on the dash while starting or driving your Dodge Journey. This happens when the ECM detects a drop in voltage below a certain threshold. You might notice that your vehicle struggles to start or shuts down after driving for a while.
So, why does the Dodge Journey battery light turn on, and what can you do?
Failed Alternator
The alternator is critical to your Dodge Journey’s battery health. It picks mechanical energy from the drive belt and converts it into electricity. Some electricity charges your car’s battery while the rest powers the onboard electrical system.
If your vehicle has a failed alternator, there’ll be no electricity to charge the battery or power the electrical components. The onboard electrical system will solely rely on the battery to function. As a result, the battery will drain quickly and cause the car to shut down.
The battery light will appear on the dash when the onboard computer detects a voltage drop. It’s best to test the alternator to see if it’s the culprit.
There are two ways you can test for a bad alternator.
First, start your car and leave it running for about five minutes. Then, disconnect the battery’s negative terminal. If the engine shuts off after disconnecting the terminal, the alternator might be faulty.
But to ascertain that the alternator is bad, use a multimeter to test for voltage. When the engine is running, a functional alternator should produce a voltage ranging from 13.5 to 14.8. However, if the voltage is below 13.5, you have a defective alternator that needs replacing.
Bad Battery
A worn-out or old battery is another potential cause for the Dodge Journey battery light on. A normal 12V auto battery will last 3-5 years. If the battery loses its ability to charge or hold power, it might have outlived its lifespan.
Car batteries feature lead plates and cells submerged in sulfuric acid. Over time, these plates and cells break down, causing the battery to fail to charge or hold power. A bad battery will cause the battery light on the dash to turn on.
You can test your Journey’s battery with a multimeter to know if it’s bad. If the voltage is below 12V, your battery could be bad.
You’ll usually notice a dead or bad battery when starting the engine. The battery might be defective if the engine is hard to start or fails to start. You can resolve this problem by replacing the battery.
Corroded Battery Terminals
Battery terminals allow power from the alternator to get into the battery. If the terminals have acid buildup, they won’t allow the battery to charge appropriately. The acid reacts with the terminals, resulting in corrosion.
Corroded terminals cause a loss of contact between the cables and the terminals. As a result, the current from the alternator reduces, and the battery fails to charge. Low voltage in the battery will cause the Dodge Journey battery light to illuminate on the dash.
Examine the terminals to check for signs of corrosion. You can clean the terminals with boiling water to remove the corrosion. Alternatively, use a wire brush or sandpaper to scrub away the corrosion.
Loose or Damaged Battery Cables
The Dodge Journey battery cables should fit tightly around the terminals to create a good connection. When the connection is tight, power will flow smoothly from the alternator to charge the battery.
But over time, these cable connections get loose and distort power flow to the battery. Rodents can also chew and damage the cables, preventing the battery from charging.
Loose or damaged battery cables make it hard for the battery to run at full capacity. The Dodge Journey battery light will turn on to indicate an issue with the charging system.
Examine the battery cable connections to see if they’re loose. Loose connections will rotate freely around the terminals. You can tighten the loose cable connections with pliers or a wrench. Then, inspect the cables for any sign of damage and replace them if necessary.
Bad Ground Connection
The ground wire/strap and connection complete the circuits of various components in your Dodge Journey. The wire connects the battery’s negative terminal to your vehicle’s chassis. If the wire and the connection are okay, electricity will flow smoothly around the car.
Unfortunately, the ground connection can go bad over time due to corrosion. This issue triggers several electrical problems, including the alternator not charging the battery. A malfunctioning alternator will eventually result in the Dodge Journey battery light on the dash.
A wire brush or sandpaper will help you remove the corrosion on the ground wire contacts. You may also need to replace a damaged or broken ground strap.
Bad Serpentine Belt
The serpentine/drive belt powers your Dodge Journey’s alternator and the AC compressor. If you have a loose, damaged, or missing serpentine belt, the alternator won’t receive power to charge the battery. The onboard computer will detect a charging problem and trigger the battery light.
A damaged drive belt can make a squealing noise while the engine runs. You might also see cracks on the belt or notice a burning smell. Replacing a damaged or missing serpentine belt will help solve this issue. If the belt appears loose, adjust the tensioner pulley to tighten it.
Answer: How To Reset Battery Light On Dodge Journey
Before resetting the Dodge Journey battery light, ensure you’ve solved the underlying problem. Failure to do this will cause the light to reappear after the reset. Solving the underlying issue should make the light disappear automatically.
If the light remains on the dash, drive your Journey for a few miles, and the light will disappear. If it doesn’t disappear, disconnect the battery and wait a few minutes.
Then, turn on the headlights and push the horn button several times. This will help drain any residual power from the car’s electrical components.
Allow the Dodge Journey to rest for 15-20 minutes before reconnecting the battery. This process will help reset the battery light.
Alternatively, you can use an OBDII scanner to clear the error codes causing the light to appear on the dash. Connect your diagnostic tool and erase all the codes related to your vehicle’s charging system.
Wrapping Up
Issues with the charging system can trigger the Dodge Journey battery light on. If this light appears on your vehicle’s dash, inspect the battery, alternator, ground connection, and serpentine belt for defects. You may also need to reset the battery light if it fails to disappear after fixing the problem.