If the Check Charging System indicator light and message come on in a 2014 Honda Accord, keep the engine running and head straight to a Honda
dealer or trusted mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem. Your trusty Honda doesn’t run on engine power alone—you also need a properly functioning battery and electrical system to keep your Accord cruising down the highway. An error message paired with an illuminated indicator light is a sign that your battery may not be keeping a proper charge, meaning you could lose electrical power at any moment.
Before you go into a car repair
panic, check out our guide to the 2014 Honda Accord Check Charge System light and error message. We’re tackling the problems that could be activating this indicator system, as well as what to expect when it turns on. 2014 Honda Accord check charge system: what does it mean?
The 2014 Honda Accord charging system indicator consists of two elements: a “Check Charge System” warning message on your multimedia or information screen (depending on your trim) and an illuminated light in the shape of a battery on your instrument panel.
When the charging system indicators activate, it means a sensor on your battery has detected some sort of problem with its charging abilities, or there’s a different malfunction occurring in the electrical system of your car. This could also be linked to problems with the alternator, a blown fuse, a faulty electrical control unit (ECU), and more.
No matter what’s causing your charging system indicator to activate, one thing is fairly certain: Your battery is not charging properly and could run out of power at any moment. Turn off your Accord’s climate control, rear defogger, and any other electrical appliances that could be using substantial amounts of battery power, and head to a Honda service center immediately.
Common causes of charge system problems
Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes for a “Check Charge System” message and indicator light in the 2014 Honda Accord.
Bad alternator
Your car alternator
is responsible for converting mechanical energy from your engine into electric energy while you drive your car. This electric energy is then used to power electrical components and recharge your battery. A faulty alternator is the most common cause for a “Check Charge System” indicator. If this piece of equipment isn’t working properly, your car battery isn’t getting enough energy and won’t be able to hold a charge.
In addition to a charging system indicator message, you’ll probably see your lights, radio, clock, and other electrical accessories starting to malfunction. If you try to jump-start a car with a bad alternator
, it will only run for a brief moment before turning off again. If you happen to own a multimeter or voltmeter, you can test the alternator by disconnecting the battery
to see if this is the cause of your charging woes. Battery problems
You’ll typically need to replace your Honda Accord battery
every three to five years. Your charging system indicator light may turn on if it’s about that time. However, that’s not the only cause for this indicator that could be coming from your battery. Check the battery terminals
and cables, looking for signs of corrosion and loose wiring. These are considerably easier—and cheaper—to fix than a full battery replacement. The sensor on your battery that monitors its performance could also be malfunctioning, causing the “Check Charge System” message to go off when there aren’t any battery problems. Drive belt issues
Your alternator could be doing just fine, showing all the voltage a good alternator should, but that won’t matter if the serpentine belt
connecting it to the engine is worn down. This part is subject to wear and tear that can loosen its connection with the alternator and diminish the amount of energy it's converting. Wires, fuses, and connections
If all the big components seem to be working properly, you could simply be dealing with a blown fuse or a faulty wire. Check your fuse box and wiring connections to see if anything needs replacing or reconnecting. A blown fuse or faulty wire would typically cause other electrical problems like dim headlights
or malfunctioning brake lights. 
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Similar to a malfunctioning battery sensor, you may just be having a problem with your 2014 Honda Accord’s ECU. Though nothing may technically be wrong with your battery, your car’s computer is no longer able to monitor its systems effectively, and it will activate the charging system indicator—and usually the check engine light—until it's properly functioning again.
How to reset the check charge system on a 2014 Honda Accord
You can’t manually reset the charging system indicator on your 2014 Accord at home. The “Check Charge System” message and light will only turn off once your Honda has been serviced and the problem has been fixed. This is better handled by an automotive professional, so it’s likely time to take your car to a mechanic
. Head straight to your Honda dealership or a trusted mechanic once the charging system indicator light and message turn on.
Can I drive with a charging system warning light?
You’ll still be able to drive your 2014 Accord with an active charging system indicator light and message, but you’ll want to use this drive to head to your mechanic. Your battery could lose its charge at any moment, but there are a few steps you can take to maximize your driving time and get to the mechanic in time:
Turn off any electric accessories while you drive.
Avoid using electrical controls like voice commands or power windows.
Keep your engine running, even if you have to stop. It may sound counterintuitive, but turning your car off and on again will drain your battery faster than if you just head straight to the mechanic without cutting power to the systems.
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