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Can you drive with a charging malfunction?

Generally, you should not rely on a vehicle with a charging malfunction to complete long trips. If the battery still has some charge, you might reach a nearby safe location or service station, but continuing to drive can lead to a dead battery or stalling. Seek roadside assistance and have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible.

Gas-powered cars: when the alternator stops charging

In internal-combustion vehicles, the alternator charges the 12‑volt battery while the engine runs. If the alternator fails, the car can keep running on the battery for a while, but electrical systems will drain the battery quickly and the engine could stall. Common warning lights include the battery symbol on the dash, the check engine light, and dimming headlights or gauges.

What to do if you suspect a charging fault while driving

Before you attempt any actions, consider that the goal is to get to safety and have the car inspected. The following steps help preserve power and reduce risk.

Pull over safely and stop as soon as you can at a well-lit, safe location.

Turn off nonessential electrical loads (air conditioning, heated seats, high-beam headlights) to conserve battery power.

Check the dashboard for warning lights and listen for any unusual noises; note any changes in engine performance.

If the engine continues to run, drive only a short distance to a repair shop or service station. If the engine stalls, do not repeatedly attempt to restart and call for help.

Plan for a tow or roadside assistance if the fault persists or the battery charge drops quickly.

These actions reduce the risk of getting stranded and help you reach qualified help. A failed alternator typically requires repair or replacement by a technician.

Electric vehicles: charging malfunction and driving decisions

For electric vehicles, a charging malfunction can involve the charging port, onboard charger, or charging circuitry. The vehicle may display a charging fault, reduce performance, or limit the available range. While you may still be able to drive on the remaining battery, you should treat the situation as urgent and plan to reach a charger or service facility promptly.

What to do if your EV shows a charging fault

Before proceeding, note that the safest course is to minimize risk of being stranded and to get professional assistance. The following guidelines apply to most EVs, but always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific advice.

Assess whether the remaining charge is enough to reach a nearby charger or your destination. Use the car’s range estimator to decide if a stop at a public charger is viable.

Drive conservatively to maximize efficiency: use Eco/efficient modes, gentle acceleration, and minimize high-draw features such as aggressive climate control.

Limit energy use by turning off nonessential electrical accessories and preconditioning the cabin while you’re still connected to power if possible.

Use the in-car navigation or a charging app to locate the nearest charging station and plan your route accordingly.

Do not attempt to “force charge” or bypass the fault; if the fault persists or you lose significant range, pull over safely and arrange assistance.

If the vehicle won’t start or the battery is depleted, arrange a tow to a service center or charger rather than continuing to drive.

These precautions help you reach a charging point with the least risk. EVs with charging faults may still operate on existing charge, but reliability is not guaranteed and professional diagnosis is essential.

Summary

Charging malfunctions—whether in gasoline-powered cars (alternator problems) or in electric vehicles (charging port or onboard charger faults)—require caution and prudent decision-making. In most cases, you should limit driving and prioritize safety, aiming to reach a service facility or charger rather than continuing a long journey. Always consult your owner’s manual and contact roadside assistance if you’re unsure. Timely repair can prevent a total breakdown and keep you on the road safely.

Is a charging system malfunction serious?

Driving with your battery/check charging system light illuminated could leave you stranded. If your vehicle has a failing battery, faulty alternator or bad wiring, it could stop working at any time. Make an appointment with your mechanic before your car puts you on the side of the road.

What does battery charging malfunction mean?

A "battery failure" message on a battery charger means the charger has detected a problem and will not charge the battery. This can be due to the battery's voltage being too low, a dead cell, internal damage, or sulfation, all of which prevent the battery from accepting a charge. In essence, the charger is acting as a safety measure to prevent damage from a faulty battery.
This video explains what to do when a charger says a battery is bad: 59ssmallengineshopYouTube · Jan 28, 2013
Common causes of battery failure on a charger

Very low voltage: If the battery's voltage is below a certain threshold, the charger won't recognize it and will indicate a fault. This is a common safety feature to prevent charging a battery that is too far gone.
Dead cell: A completely dead cell can cause the battery to fail the charger's test.
Sulfation: If a battery has been left discharged for a long time, hard crystals of lead sulfate can form on the plates, preventing the battery from accepting a charge and a charger will often detect this as a failure.
Internal damage: The battery itself may be physically damaged, which can cause a failure mode.
Faulty Battery Management System (BMS): For some batteries, a failing BMS can prevent charging. This can be caused by overcharging or damage.
Charger failure: While less common, the charger itself could be malfunctioning.

What to do next

Check the voltage: Use a multimeter to get an accurate reading of the battery's voltage.
Try a different charger: If another charger works, your original charger may be the issue.
Jump-start the battery: You can try to "jump-start" the battery with a functional battery to raise its voltage enough for the charger to recognize it.
Consult the manual: Check the battery and charger manuals for specific error codes and troubleshooting steps.

You can watch this video to see how to jump-start a battery: 1mHome Battery BankYouTube · Mar 22, 2022

Can I drive with a charging malfunction?

If the alternator is failing, it could stop supplying the necessary charge to the battery, causing the battery light to come on. In such cases, you might only have 20 to 30 minutes of driving time left before your vehicle stops, assuming your battery was fully charged when the alternator failed.

How long can you drive with a malfunction light?

The most common question we get is how long can you drive with check engine light on? The answer is it is safe to drive from 50-100 miles. To maintain your car's health, it is always better to get it checked immediately when you see the check engine light.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.