Check Charge System Honda Accord Message [Detailed Guide]

Have you noticed the check charge system warning light flashes on your Honda Accord 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, or any other model? You’re not alone.

The problem is a common one that many Honda Accord owners encounter from time to time. As a responsible owner, you must immediately clear this error warning light and optimize your vehicle’s condition. 

I will provide a step-by-step guide to help you understand the check charge system Honda Accord issue. After understanding the potential causes, solutions, and diagnosis of errors, you can address and resolve the charge system issues promptly.

So, let’s fix the error quickly and optimize your Honda Accord performance.

What is the check charge system Honda Accord warning?

The ‘check charge system’ warning is not just a random light on your Honda Accord dashboard. It’s an alert that indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging or electrical system. It informs you about potential issues and keeps blinking messages on display to continuously attract your attention. 

The charging system of Honda consists of a battery, alternator, electric control unit, serpentine belt, wiring, and other electrical components responsible for charging the system and fulfilling electric needs. When any of these components become faulty or malfunctioning, then it can cause an indication of charge system issues. 

How do I know which component is causing the warning?

To know which component is causing the issue, you have to inspect various elements of the charging system. Here is a quick view of how you can pinpoint the exact faulty component.

Check charge system warning causes & solutions

Here are the five most common causes often detected when a Hond driver faces charging system problems.

• Malfunctioning alternator
• Faulty battery
• Broken fan belt
• Electrical system problems
• Sensor issues

Malfunctioning Alternator

Description: 

The alternator is vital in the charging system as it charges the battery. When you start your Honda car, and the engine begins running, the fan belt starts rotating fast, which helps the alternator generate electricity and optimize battery charging.

The battery functions correctly, and there is no fault, but the alternator fault can trigger the check charge system Honda Accord warning. Due to the alternator malfunctioning, the battery will not charge properly.

Symptoms:

After visually inspecting the alternator and its components and experiencing the critical signs of wear, you can determine whether the alternator is faulty. These symptoms include dimming headlights, whining noise, electrical issues, low battery charging, and engine stalling, which will help you identify faulty alternators.

Solution: 

After deeply diagnosing the alternator, when you ensure it is not working correctly, it’s time to replace it with a new, high-quality one that meets Honda specifications.

Faulty Battery

Description: 

A dead or dying battery that is too old, weak, or damaged and not holding a charge can be a cause indicating the check charge system warning light. Sometimes, the battery loses its charging power over time, and its terminals become loose or corroded, affecting its performance.

Symptoms: 

You can quickly determine whether the battery is faulty with the help of these potential symptoms like dimming headlights and interior lights, difficulty starting the engine, corroded or loose connections such as terminals, electrical malfunctions, and battery age.

Solutions:  

Conduct a test to check the voltage in the battery with the help of a voltmeter. The battery is faulty if it shows volts above 13 or below 12. You must replace the dead battery and install a new Honda manufacturer-recommended battery for longevity.

The corrosion-affected terminals should be cleaned with baking soda and water mixture, and the loose terminals should be tightened.

Broken Fan Belt

Descriptions: 

The fan belt drives the alternator and helps it generate electricity used to charge the battery, and it also keeps the radiator excellent while the engine is running. It can’t drive the alternator when it becomes loose, worn, or broken, resulting in low battery charging and dead over a few hours.

Symptoms: 

You can visually inspect the fan belt and look for faulty symptoms like signs of wear and tear on the belt, looseness, and hearing squealing noises from the engine when start mode is on. 

Solutions: 

When you’re sure the fan belt is broken or showing signs of damage, you must replace it and use a new one. Without a properly maintained and smooth running fan belt, the alternator can’t function, and eventually, the battery can’t charged.

Electrical System Problems

Description: 

Loose or damaged wiring, blown fuses, and faulty electrical components can also be culprits of illuminating the charge system errors in the Honda Accord.

If you’re not familiar with electrical system components, then it’s advised to avoid repairing or replacing the faulty component yourself because it’s complex to resolve the wiring issues. Contact your nearest expert mechanic, who will evaluate the problems existing in the electrical system and fix them accurately.

Symptoms: 

Electric components’ inconsistent working, blown fuses,  and decreased electrical performance are the symptoms of wiring issues or electrical problems.

Solution: 

Carefully inspect the wiring, tighten the loose wires or connectors, repair damaged components, run a diagnostic test to pinpoint the faulty part, and replace blown fuses.

Sensor Issues

Description: 

When a sensor in the engine becomes faulty or malfunctioning, then it can cause an indication of a check charge system message on the Honda Accord dashboard.

Sensors perform a vital role in detecting information from multiple actions like throttle control, oxygen sensor, coolant temperature sensor,  and brake sensors that perform different functions.

Solutions:

A diagnostic tool like an OBD-II scanner can identify and replace the malfunctioning sensor with a new one.

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How do you reset the check charge system Honda Accord Warning Light?

After successfully resolving the underlying issue, resetting the warning light is the next step. Here is the step-by-step guide that will help to reset the problem.

Turn Off the Engine

First, stop your vehicle in a safe and pleasant place to avoid distractions, then turn the engine off.

Disconnect the Battery

• Locate the battery and disconnect both terminals using a wrench or nut-loose tool. First, disconnect the negative and then the positive terminal.
• Now, wait a few minutes, up to 15 to 30, and allow the computer system to reset.

Reconnect the battery

First, reconnect the positive and negative terminals and securely tighten both.

Start the engine

• Don’t immediately start the engine; first, turn the ignition key to the “ON” position and wait a few seconds. 
• Now, you can start the engine and see whether the warning light has disappeared on the dashboard or is still blinking.

Professional mechanic assistance

If that warning light is not reset or reappears after resetting, you should visit your nearest certified technician or Honda dealership service center. It might be due to another complex problem that is not easily accessible.

The check charge system Honda Accord is a critical alert pointing to a fault in the charging system. Ignoring or not addressing it timely may result in severe electrical system damage and costly repairs.

After understanding the potential causes of battery failure, alternator malfunctions, broken fan belts, wiring issues, and faulty sensors, you can protect your vehicle by implementing the solutions and warning reset guide.

However, if you cannot reset the message and face difficulties, schedule an appointment and immediately visit the mechanic shop.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with the check charge system Honda Accord light on?

Driving with charging system issues is not recommended because it can lead to battery failure, and the vehicle may fail to start. So, when you encounter the charge system warning, immediately resolve it and drive confidently.

How often should I check the charging system?

You must follow the regular maintenance services to keep the charging system in top-notch condition. When the vehicle has covered a distance of 30,000 to 60,000 miles, ensure that the alternator is inspected and the fan belt is replaced.

Additionally, check the battery twice a year, and don’t forget to perform an annual charging system check.

What if cleaning the battery terminals doesn’t fix the warning?

If cleaning the battery terminals doesn’t fix the warning. You need to check other components, including the alternator, fan belt, battery, wiring &fuses, and consult a mechanic if the issue is still not fixed.