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Checking and refilling levels
This driver indicator tells you that you must
start the engine so that the battery can re-
charge.
When the engine is running
Although the alternator generates electrical
power, the battery can still become discharged
while the vehicle is being driven. This can oc-
cur when a lot of power is being consumed but
only a small amount supplied, especially if the
battery is not fully charged initially.
To restore the necessary energy balance, the
system will then temporarily shut off the elec-
trical devices that are using a lot of power, or
reduce the current they are consuming. Heat-
ing systems in particular use a large amount
of electrical power. If you notice, for instance,
that the seat heating or the rear window heater
is not working, they may have been tempora-
rily switched off or regulated to a lower heat
output. These systems will be available again as
soon as sufficient electrical power is available.
You may also notice that the engine runs at
a slightly faster idling speed when necessary.
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
The increased idling speed allows the alterna-
tor to meet the greater power requirement and
charge the battery at the same time.
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