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Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles

If the Battery Light Comes On, It Might Be the Alternator's Fault

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Warning light – error code

If the battery light comes on in your vehicle, it is not a battery problem, but it means that the charging is inadequate. How is the battery charged in a vehicle? Attached to the engine is a component called the alternator - a fairly simple component - made up of a stator and a rotor, which together generate current and electricity. This component is connected to the auxiliary belt, and as the crankshaft turns, it spins the stator and creates a magnetic field generating electricity. As long as this component works, it keeps the battery charged, allowing us to use the electrical services of our vehicle. So, when we see this light, it could mean that the auxiliary belt has broken and the alternator is not charging, meaning the car will run until the battery is depleted. If the auxiliary belt is intact, then the problem lies with the alternator itself.

Updated on 15 July 2026 by ScegliAuto

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How to Open the Bonnet on the Lancia Y

To open the bonnet on this vehicle, follow these simple instructions: first, open the driver's door and locate the lever positioned just below the dashboard, marked with an image of the vehicle with the bonnet open. Pull this lever towards you until you hear a "click" indicating the bonnet is released. Next, exit the cabin and stand in front of the bonnet to disengage the safety catch and complete the opening. To do this, slightly lift the bonnet, locate the yellow lever underneath, and pull it to the left to fully release and open the bonnet.

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by ScegliAuto

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