The battery warning indicator light shows only low fluid/weak battery. It does not indicate the charging system status at all. From what I have read the sender in the battery picks up a very low voltage which is designed to turn out the warning light. I currently have mine disconnected and simply hit the warning button twice to disable the flashing red light each time I head out (the word bat stays on all the time). I check the fluid level visually and the charge level with a volt meter. I have no choking problem so I can´t comment on that, it could be as simple as your carborators are dirty. good luck