Battery Warning Light; Voltmeter Gage - GMC 2006 Sierra 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual

Battery Warning Light

The battery display will also stay on while the key is in
RUN until the engine is started.
If the light stays on after starting the engine it could
indicate a problem with the generator drive belt, or some
other charging system problem. Have it checked right
away. Driving with this light displayed could drain your
battery.
If you must drive a short distance with this light
displayed, it helps to turn off all your accessories,
such as the radio and the air conditioner.
3-40
If this light is displayed
when the engine is running,
you may have a problem
with your charging system.

Voltmeter Gage

When the engine is running, the gage shows the
condition of the charging system. The gage may
transition from a higher to lower or a lower to higher
reading, this is normal. Readings between the low and
high warning zones indicate the normal operating range.
The voltmeter gage may also read lower when in fuel
economy mode. This is normal.
When your engine is not
running, but the ignition is
in RUN, this gage shows
your battery's state of
charge in DC volts.