What “Check Charge System” Means in a Ford Edge
The “Check Charge System” light illuminates on your Ford Edge if there’s a problem with the battery, alternator, or electronic control unit.
Written by Jessica Gibson
Reviewed by Amy Bobinger
The “Check Charge System” light on your Ford Edge is an important warning. It means there’s a problem with the charging system and that you’re running on limited battery power. Take your SUV to a mechanic as soon as possible so your battery doesn’t die.
Some vehicles display the words “Check Charge System,” but on a Ford Edge, this warning appears as an illuminated battery on your dashboard. When your SUV is operating correctly, the system works in harmony—the alternator charges the battery as you drive, so your
Ford
always has the power it needs.However, if some part of the system isn’t working right, it triggers the Check Charge System light. In this guide, we’ll help you figure out possible reasons the light comes on and offer steps you can take if your Ford Edge needs
car repairs
. You’ll be on your way in no time!Ford Edge check charge system: what does it mean?
This dashboard warning light tells you there’s a problem with the SUV’s charging system, which is made up of the alternator, battery, wiring, and electronic control unit (ECU).
The charging system is what keeps your vehicle’s battery charged! It’s hard to overstate the system's importance—it powers your lights, radio, and electrical components while your engine runs.
The light comes on if your Edge is running solely on battery power and there’s a problem you need to fix. If your charging system fails, the battery will stop working, and—you guessed it—you’ll be stranded.
Think of the Check Charge System light as an important warning—you’re driving on a limited battery charge, and your car could die if you don’t fix the underlying problem.
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Common causes of charging system problems
Now that you know what a charging system is, what makes the Check Charging System light come on? There’s no easy answer—there are many problems that can make this light come on. Here are some of the most common reasons your Ford Edge Check Charge System light illuminates.
Bad alternator
When battery troubles begin, the first place to look is usually
the alternator
. You probably already know that the battery is what starts your car, but it’s the alternator that turns mechanical energy into electric energy while you drive. This energy is needed to power your SUV’s electrical components and charge the car’s battery.You’ve probably guessed that if the alternator is bad, it will set off the check charge system. You can usually tell something is wrong with the alternator if the interior lights or dashboard lights are dim or your radio isn’t working properly.
Have you recently had to jump-start your Edge? If you did and the battery fails again, it’s a pretty good sign that the alternator is faulty. You can
test the alternator
if you’ve got a multimeter or voltmeter, or just take it to the mechanic. They’ll check the voltage coming from the alternator and replace the part if it’s weak.Battery problems
The next place to look is the battery. Most
Ford Edge batteries
last between three to five years. Yours might need to be replaced if it’s older, but they can sometimes go bad even if they’re newer than that. Ask your mechanic to check the battery strength. They’ll tell you if it’s low and needs to be replaced.Before you spend between $160 to $210 to get a new battery, check the battery connection! Sometimes, corrosion or a loose battery connection will trigger the Check Charge System light. Reconnecting the battery cables or cleaning the corrosion with a baking soda mix might be all it takes to fix the problem (and it’s certainly cheaper than replacing the whole battery).
Drive belt issues
Moving down the list of potential problems, next check the serpentine belt that powers your alternator. Since it’s a belt, it will wear out over time, and it can tear or slip. Fortunately, if that’s the cause of your Check Charge System light, it’s a simple fix that will cost you around $100 bucks.
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Wires, fuses, and connections
If the alternator, battery, and drive belt look okay, it’s time to investigate the wiring, starting with the fuse box. The wiring connections might be causing the problems if you also have issues with other electrical components, like your brake lights.
A mechanic can check all the internal wiring connections and clean them. If they spot any burned links, they’ll have to repair them, but this should get the Check Charge System light to turn off.
Faulty ECU
One of the last things to check is the electronic control unit (ECU), which can trigger the Check Charge System and Check Engine lights. Basically, this is a computer issue, so it’s really important to get a mechanic to diagnose the problem. If needed, they’ll replace the unit (at the cost of around $1,000).
How to reset the check charging system on a Ford Edge
Because so many issues could trigger the Check Charge System light, there’s no way to disable or reset it. You’ve got to get the whole charging system inspected and fix any problems before the light turns off.
Take your Edge to a Ford dealership or your trusted mechanic. Let technicians diagnose and repair the problems they find. To save a little money, work with an affordable repair shop or ask them to use aftermarket auto parts.
Can I drive with a Charging System Warning light?
You can drive (for a little while, at least) if the Check Charge System light is on. Remember, since you’re driving on just the power in the battery, you can’t plan on driving for long. Plus, whatever problem triggers the warning light could suddenly cause your SUV to lose power. No one wants to be stranded (or end up in a serious accident)!
The best thing to do is to head to a mechanic or repair specialist as soon as possible. If your mechanic is far or you have to wait a little, bring along a portable battery charger and jumper cables just in case.
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