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Did the “Check Charge System” light turn on in your Ford Fusion? You’ll want to take your sedan to a mechanic immediately to check for charging system failures such as an issue with the battery or alternator.
Like all vehicles, the Ford Fusion depends on a functioning charge system. The battery, alternator, and electronic control unit (ECU)—along with wiring connections that keep them all together—help power your vehicle on the road.
If one of these key components fails and leaves you stranded in the middle of nowhere, look to our
car repair
guide for pointers on identifying underlying issues with your charge system and remedies for the Ford Fusion. Ford Fusion check charge system: what does it mean?
If the “Check Charge System” light appears on your Ford Fusion, there could be an issue with the charging system, which includes the alternator, battery, and electronic control unit (ECU), plus the wiring connections that secure these parts together.
Typically when the check charge system light comes on, it means that your vehicle is running solely on battery power. If your vehicle is running on its battery alone (without the help of the alternator and ECU), your battery will start to drain quickly to the point of no return. But there’s also a chance this warning light could mean you just need to replace the alternator belt or clean out the terminals in your Ford Fusion.
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Common causes of charging system problems
Is your check charging system light not going away? While there are plenty of reasons why this warning light could pop up, here are the most common causes for the Ford Fusion.
Bad alternator
When it comes to battery issues, it’s usually
the alternator
that’s causing the ruckus. Even though the battery starts your vehicle, the alternator transforms mechanical energy into electric energy while you’re behind the wheel to boost electrical parts. It charges your battery as you drive, therefore a bad alternator can quickly lead to a loss of battery power. Other warning signs to look out for with faulty alternators include a diminished dashboard and interior lights or accessories that no longer work properly, such as your radio. Another telltale sign of an issue with your alternator is a vehicle that starts for a few moments after
a jumpstart
before failing again. But if you have a voltmeter or multimeter, you can simply disconnect the battery to test the alternator
and voltage regulator. Battery problems
If your alternator seems to be in good shape, then you might have a bad battery on your hands.
Ford Fusion batteries
typically last between four and seven years, so if you’ve passed this mark, a faulty battery might be the culprit. Before you dash out to buy a pricey new battery, check your Fusion’s
battery terminals
and battery cable first. More often than not, a loose battery connection or even corrosion might trigger your battery light to come on. Drive belt issues
Alternator and battery check out? Then you could be experiencing a problem with the
serpentine belt
that powers your alternator. If this belt becomes worn or loose, it might prevent your alternator from charging your battery properly. Wires, fuses, and connections
If you’re having a problem with your vehicle’s electrical system, make sure there are no wiring issues by checking out the fuse box or wiring connections. If there are wiring issues, then you’ll also notice issues with other components, like your brake lights.
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Last but not least, there may be a computer-related issue with your Ford Fusion if the check charge system light keeps popping up. While this is the least common cause, an issue with your electronic control unit (ECU) can prompt the battery light and check engine light.
How to reset the check charging system on a Ford Fusion
Sadly, there are no quick solutions to fix the check charging system light without finding out what the underlying causes are for this warning light first.
If the check charging system light comes up on your Fusion, then you need to take your sedan to a Ford dealership or a reputable mechanic to get the entire system checked out. You may save on repair costs by opting for an independent repair shop and aftermarket auto parts.
Can I drive with a charging system warning light?
You might be able to get away with driving for short distances on your Ford Fusion, but it won’t be sustainable for too long. As with any charging system issues, your car may abruptly lose power which could leave you stranded or even cause a terrible accident.
For the sake of your safety and the safety of others on the road, you should take your vehicle to the repair shop as soon as you can once the “Check Charge System” light is triggered. Make sure to bring a portable battery charger and jumper cables just in case you have trouble on the way to get a diagnosis and repair.
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