I'm getting this warning frequently and apologize if it has been discussed before? I am getting it after the car has returned home, in the garage and the engine shut off. The battery is about 2 1/2 ys old and the car has 20,000 mi on. I've found some sketchy info about "please turn the ignition off or start engine". What's going on? Do I need a new battery? Thanks in advance.
Hi littleneil. Yes, it is possible your vehicle needs a new battery. However, there are many variables to consider, so more information would be needed to even begin offering any accurate help.
For starters:
- Is this message on your dashboard, or on the LincolnWay app on your phone...or both?
-When you say the vehicle is "shut off", that means not still in the "ignition on" or accessory mode?
- What
exactly does the message state?
- When exactly does it occur (only when you turn off the vehicle?)?
- How soon after you "shut off" the vehicle does it occur...etc. etc.
- How long are you sitting in the car with the engine off and the ignition or accessory selection still on?
The message could be normal, and in most cases will be. For example...you state it happens "...after the car has returned home, in the garage and the engine shut off."
If the vehicle is actually off, there would be no message on the dash. So are you sitting in the vehicle with the engine off but the ignition or accessory drive system still? Perhaps listening to the audio system? If yes, then the vehicle is not actually off.
Also...since modern vehicles are very electrical/electronic/computer intensive, batteries do not last as long as they did in the old days. 3-4 years is the average lifespan of a battery nowadays. So it is entirely possible the battery may on the way out. However, only a battery load test (or it completely dying) can accurately determine that.
This is why it would be helpful to post back with more information.
I am sure others will also jump in to help, so keep us updated and good luck.
