my Volkswagen Golf Eighth Generation (2020-present) battery warning light keeps coming on

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather all necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked in a safe area and the engine is off.
• Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shock.

2. Inspect and Clean Battery Terminals

• Remove the battery terminals (negative first, then positive).
• Clean the terminals and connectors using a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water.
• Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly before reconnecting.

3. Test and Replace the Battery (if necessary)

• If the battery voltage is low (below 12.4 volts) or fails the load test:
  1. Remove the old battery carefully, noting the orientation of terminals.
  2. Install the new battery in the same position, ensuring tight connections.
  3. Reconnect terminals (positive first, then negative).

4. Test the Alternator

• With the engine running, check the alternator output using a multimeter.
• If the voltage is below 13.8 volts:
  1. Inspect the alternator belt for wear or looseness and replace if necessary.
  2. If the belt is fine, consider replacing the alternator.

5. Reconnect Battery and Clear Codes

• Reconnect the battery terminals (negative last).
• Start the engine and observe the dashboard for any warning lights.
• Use the OBD-II scanner to clear any error codes.