You turn on your vehicle and see a message that says battery saver active on your dash. What does it mean? In this article, we are going to be exploring this issue, its possible causes, and how to fix it.
In short, Battery Saver Active means that your battery charge has gone down to critical levels and needs to be attended to immediately. A sensor connected to the negative terminal of your battery is responsible for monitoring this.
When it picks up that there is an insufficient charge on your battery, it will shut off all none essential things such as the entertainment system, aircon, and others and diverts the limited power to critical things.
Possible Causes of Battery Saver Mode Activation
There are several things that could lead to the notification being displayed and we will look into that next.
Bad Battery
One possible cause could be that your battery is no longer functioning properly. When this happens, you will notice your car becoming leggy.
It’s one of the symptoms of a bad battery. The normal operating range of a battery is between 13 to 14 volts on most vehicles. When the charge goes below 11.7 volts, the sensor will pick it up and activate the battery-saving mode.
When activated, it cuts off all none essential functions leaving only those that are necessary for the smooth running of your car.
To diagnose this particular issue, you can use a test meter first. Establish the voltage to see if the battery really is the problem. If you are doubtful, you can have it looked at to establish whether or not you need a new one.
Bad Alternator
If you get the battery saver mode activation while driving, it most likely means that your alternator is faulty and not charging the battery. A test meter will also come in handy in this situation. If it is the problem, then it needs to be replaced. This is not uncommon in situations where your vehicle has packed on the miles.
Bad Cables
Bad battery and alternator cables are also a potential cause. They need to be tested as well to ensure that they are passing on current as they should.
Faulty Sensor
In some cases, the sensor may be faulty or not installed properly after a battery or alternator change. It will pick up the wrong information and make the false conclusion that the battery is not operating at optimal levels.
How to Fix Battery Saver Mode Active Problem
There are several courses of action that can be engaged when looking to fix this error. We will look into each possible cause and the prescribed remedy for each.
Bad Battery
If you have indeed established that it’s the battery that is the cause, it needs replacement.
Depending on your vehicle and location, you will spend at least $120 on a new one. If you are in fix financially and can’t afford that at the moment, you can buy a good used one.
You can still get good use from a second-hand battery but only do it with the view of it being a short-term measure.
Faulty Alternator
When it comes to the alternator, you need to have a good mechanic look at it to establish whether it is faulty before opting to replace it. An alternator is a key part of your vehicle and you need to ensure that it’s functional.
Bad Cables
What may seem like a bigger problem may sometimes be due to bad or loose cables. Sometimes, all it takes is tightening some nuts and bolts around your battery terminals and alternator and you are good. In other cases, these cables may need to be replaced.
Faulty Sensor
Your sensor may be faulty or not installed properly. If you are seeing the battery saver mode activation message after you have had your battery or alternator replaced, chances are the sensor was not reinstalled properly. Your sensor should be on the negative battery terminal and alternator cable in order to record accurately.
Conclusion on Battery Saver Active Message
In conclusion, the battery saver mode is a necessary function of your vehicle to ensure that you get to where you are supposed to get to. Now you know why it appears and how to troubleshoot the problem.
Robert Anderson is a world class motorhead who rebuilt his first carb at age 10, his first engine at age 15, and completed his first full hotrod build when he was just 18! Previously, he has ran a part warehouse, delivered pizzas, and managed the service department for a $20 million/year revenue dealership. Robert knows cars like few others and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge.
