What to do when BYD cars display battery warning lights?

Battery warning lights are critical alerts in BYD electric vehicles, signaling potential issues with the high-voltage battery, 12V auxiliary battery, or related systems. For BYD owners—whether driving a Han, Yuan Plus, Dolphin, or another model—seeing this light can be worrying, but panicking won’t help. The battery warning light in BYD electric vehicles can indicate anything from a minor charging glitch to a more serious system fault, so knowing how to respond step-by-step is key to staying safe and avoiding costly damage. Let’s break down what to do when your BYD electric vehicle’s battery warning light comes on.

The first thing to do when the battery warning light illuminates in your BYD electric vehicle is to stay calm and gather information. Don’t slam on the brakes or pull over abruptly—instead, continue driving cautiously if the vehicle feels normal (no loss of power, strange noises, or overheating). Pay attention to other warning lights (like the power system light or temperature gauge) and how the vehicle behaves: Is it losing acceleration? Are the lights dimming? Is there a burning smell? These details will help diagnose the problem later. If the warning light is solid yellow or orange, it’s usually a “caution” signal—you have time to find a safe place to stop. If it’s flashing red or accompanied by a power reduction, it’s an emergency: pull over to a safe, flat area as soon as possible, turn off the vehicle, and avoid restarting it. Remember, BYD electric vehicles are designed with safety features to protect you, but proper assessment prevents unnecessary risks.

Many minor battery warning light issues in BYD electric vehicles stem from loose connections or charging problems. If you’re driving, pull over safely and turn off the vehicle (wait 5-10 minutes for systems to reset). First, check the 12V auxiliary battery—this small battery powers the vehicle’s electronics, and a low charge can trigger the warning light. Open the hood (refer to your owner’s manual for location) and ensure the battery terminals are tight, clean, and free of corrosion (white or greenish buildup). If corrosion is present, you can clean it gently with a mixture of baking soda and water (once the vehicle is off and cool). Next, if you were charging the vehicle when the light came on, check the charging cable and port: Is the cable properly plugged in? Are there any signs of damage to the cable or port? Unplug and re-plug the cable to ensure a secure connection. For public charging stations, try a different charger to rule out station malfunctions. These basic checks often resolve simple issues without needing professional help.

BYD electric vehicles are equipped with the DiLink intelligent system, which can provide valuable insights into why the battery warning light is on. After safely stopping the vehicle, access the DiLink screen and navigate to the “Vehicle Status” or “Fault Diagnosis” menu (the exact path varies by model). Here, you can check for stored fault codes or system messages—for example, “High-voltage battery temperature abnormal” or “12V battery low voltage.” The system may also offer suggested actions, like “Reduce speed and avoid rapid acceleration” or “Stop charging and restart the vehicle.” Take a screenshot or write down the fault code and message—this information will be extremely helpful for BYD service technicians. If the DiLink system shows no specific faults but the warning light remains on, it’s still best to proceed with caution, as some issues may not trigger a visible code. The DiLink system is a powerful tool for DIY troubleshooting, so familiarize yourself with its features before an emergency.

If the battery warning light stays on after basic checks, adjust your driving style to reduce stress on the battery system. Avoid rapid acceleration, high speeds (keep below 60 km/h if possible), and heavy use of electronics (like air conditioning or seat heaters)—these all increase battery load. If you’re far from home or a BYD service center, plan your route to avoid remote areas and prioritize roads with charging stations nearby. BYD electric vehicles have a “limp mode” that activates when a serious battery issue is detected—this limits power to protect the battery, so don’t try to override it by flooring the accelerator. If the vehicle loses power or becomes unstable, pull over immediately and call for roadside assistance. Remember, the goal is to reach a safe location (home, garage, or BYD service center) without straining the battery further. Driving cautiously and minimizing battery demand can prevent minor issues from turning into major failures.

If the battery warning light doesn’t go off after resetting the vehicle, checking connections, and adjusting your driving style, it’s time to contact professional help. Call BYD’s official customer service hotline or use the DiLink app to request roadside assistance—BYD’s service team is trained to handle battery-related issues for their electric vehicles. Provide them with details: your vehicle model, license plate number, location, the fault code from the DiLink system, and how the vehicle is behaving. If the issue is serious (flashing red light, smoke, or loss of power), do not attempt to drive the vehicle—ask for a tow to the nearest BYD authorized service center. Never try to disassemble the high-voltage battery or related components yourself—this is extremely dangerous and can void your warranty. BYD service technicians have specialized tools and training to diagnose and repair battery system issues, ensuring your electric vehicle is safe to drive again. After the repair, ask the technician to explain the cause of the warning light so you can prevent similar issues in the future.

In conclusion, when a BYD electric vehicle displays a battery warning light, the key steps are: stay calm and assess the situation, check basic connections and charging, use the DiLink system for fault codes, drive cautiously to a safe location, and contact BYD professional service. BYD electric vehicles are reliable, but battery warning lights should never be ignored—prompt action protects your safety, preserves the battery’s lifespan, and avoids expensive repairs. By following these steps, you can handle the situation confidently and get back on the road safely. Remember, regular maintenance of your BYD electric vehicle (like checking the 12V battery and keeping software updated) can help prevent battery warning lights from illuminating in the first place.