Service Battery Charging System (Causes & Fix)

Is the service battery charging system indicator on your vehicle’s dashboard illuminated and you are wondering what it means and what to do about it?

Do not worry, because we have the answers to your questions.

This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about the service battery charging system light, what it means, what causes it, and how to fix the underlying issues.

Let’s get started!

Ignoring the service battery charging system warning or battery signal light is dangerous. This is because the service battery charging system indicator tells you that the car depends on the stored battery power alone to power each of its electronic systems.

Service battery charging system also indicates that the vehicle cannot travel far before it halts due to a lack of electrical power. Several cars tend to show service battery charging system  in any of the following ways;

1. The light may appear in red or amber color and show the “CHG” or “ALT” icons.
2. The indicator light appears in red and shows the “BATT” anytime a key is in the ignition and the engine is off.
3. The most common sign is displaying a red color icon that stands for a vehicle battery.

What Can Cause the Service Battery Charging System Light to Come On?

You won’t find any obvious explanation as to why service battery charging system is on the dashboard. Nonetheless, any experienced mechanic can identify and resolve whatever the problem is that causes the warning to come on.

Below are some of the reasons why the service battery charging system come on:

1. Alternator Problems

Often, the alternator is at the root of the service battery charging system indicator. Therefore, you should take it to your mechanic, who can check the alternator voltage.

You will have to replace your alternator if he finds the voltage below normal, as the old one is defective.

2. Battery Problems

If your battery is low or bad, it could also cause your service battery charging system indicator to come on. Your mechanic will know better how to test your car battery’s strength.

3. Drive Belt Troubles

If you have issues with your driving belt to the extent that it prevents the alternator from functioning properly, it can make the service battery charging system indicator come on.

A mechanic will check your drive belt for any issues, and if it is damaged, it needs to be replaced.

4. Corroded Wires & Connections

Corroded Wires & Connections are another reason why the service battery charging system indicator comes on.

Again, ensure that every inner alternator’s wirings and connections are checked, and inspect every fusible connection while looking out for any burnt one. If there is any, repair them.

5. Faulty Computer System

If the service battery charging system indicator is on and the alternator or battery is not faulty, the likely cause is a faulty computer system. Take your car to a mechanic for computer system inspection after every other problem has been checked and rectified.

How to Check Battery Charging System

To solve your vehicle charging system issue, you should check it yourself, and you should do it the right way as well.

With the following step, you can conduct a proper check and service on your vehicle’s battery charging system yourself, irrespective of the car model.

Here are the steps:

1. Check the Battery

Before you proceed with anything, you have to first ensure that the car battery is in a good state and completely charged. Inspect the battery’s hydrometer to know whether it is indicating a green eye.

Also, check to ensure that there is no residue from corrosion in the battery terminal connections and make sure they are properly tightened. If you find any residue or corrosion, clean them up.

Again, inspect the battery terminals and ensure it is up to 12 volts without loads. Additionally, examine the battery using a test light or multimeter to ensure it is full. You can test it through the following steps;

1. Position your tester towards the ‘OFF’ area.
2. Then, position the multimeter selector switch towards the DV volt position.
3. Ensure that the multimeter clips are in contact with the battery posts rather than the tester clips. Join both parts to the positive battery post. Then, allow the negative battery post to connect with the negative test leads.
4. Arrange the load control knob towards the right side to enable the ammeter to release up to half of the battery’s cold-cranking amps.
5. Inspect the multimeter reading. If it reads up to 9.6 volts at 21°C, it means the battery has good capacity. When it reads under that, it means the battery is defective. But you might have to power or charge the battery to be certain of its condition.

2. Check the Alternator

Inspect your vehicle’s alternator to make sure that it is working properly. For proper servicing of the battery charging system, you can take the following steps;

1. Make sure all electrical parts are off
2. Put the car in the NEUTRAL and activate the parking brake.
3. Then, activate the No-Load Test and Load Test.
4. Position the Battery Tester towards its ammeter operation.
5. Proceed towards connecting the battery positive and negative leads to their respective battery terminals.
6. Position the current probe towards the alternator B+ output lead.
7. Ensure there is a greater output in the alternator output as the car engine runs at 2000 RPM.
8. Position the Battery Tester towards its voltmeter settings.
9. As you are arranging the voltmeter’s positive lead using the alternator B+ terminal, grind the negative lead.
10. Make sure every electrical component is off.
11. Keep the voltage within 13.0 to 15.0 volts while the engine runs at 2,000 rpm.

Also Read: How To Test An Alternator (3 Best Ways)

3. Check the Other Components

If there are no issues with the alternator or battery, you can inspect the other components of the battery charging system for any probable issues.

For example, you can check your charging system by inspecting the Serpentine belt for probable damage or unfastened issue.

You can also inspect the wiring system to ensure that its connections, terminals, and fuses are properly fastened and in a good state. Also, check if the harness connector that holds the alternator is much secure.

Also Read: Car Stutters When Starting (How To Fix)

What to Do When Service Battery Charging System Warning Comes On

Since your car depends on a reliable electricity supply to power all the vehicle’s electrical parts, the service battery charging system won’t be an issue that would be resolved easily over time.

Therefore, you’ve to employ the services of an experienced mechanic for inspection and servicing.

If the service battery charging system indicator suddenly comes on while driving at night, locate a mechanic workshop to prevent the engine from dying down.

To gain sufficient time, you can turn off all the electrical accessories that are not being used at that time, like the air conditioner, the heater, the radio, and so on. The only thing left before the engine is silenced might be just a few miles.

Try to stop by a well-secured and bright area that is bright and employ the towing services. If the battery light comes on as you’re driving in the daytime, it means there is enough time for you to figure out the solution since you aren’t relying on electrical devices such as headlights.

For a proper check-up and servicing, you can also move your car to any good mechanic as soon as possible. However, it is not advisable to leave the electrical devices you’re not using on.

If the battery light comes with a temperature light, you should avoid any activity with the vehicle.

The water pump usually uses the same belt that powers the alternator. Therefore, if the water pump stops working, it will cause the engine to overheat, thereby leading to severe damage and costly repairs.

The cost of fixing service system failure in your car depends on the component in the charging system that requires fixing. It also depends on your vehicle brand and makes and the location.

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