Because the on-board electronics don't think that the battery is getting charged properly.
Normally this means the alternator is defective.
Keep the car light on
The car light? YES! Leaving your car light on WILL make your battery run out. Things like leaving your car door open if the light is on because it is open will cause the lgiht to Mae your car battery run out. There is a big difference between shorted out a car battery and running the battery down. Lighting in itself won't short a battery out but will run it down.
the battery light means that your battery is being charged properly. so let it light.
The the alternator is defective.
its the alternator if the car is running with a battery light on. but check fuses first
there are lots more amps in a car battery eg there about 1.5 in a flash light and in a car battery there about 300 A car battery is a wet cell battery and a flashlight battery is a dry cell battery.
If your 1997 Mercury Tracer has a battery light that blinks on and off while the car is running, it most likely means that the battery is not charging. This could be an issue with your alternator.
That light doesn't mean that your battery needs to be replaced. It means that your battery is not being charged while the car is running. Have your alternator tested.
Reasonable chance of an alternater and/or battery.
If the ashtray light is not working it will not drain the battery.
It means you need to charge the battery.
YES