If the “Check Charge System” light turns on in your Honda Accord, take the vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible. This light indicates a fault with the charging system, which could cause your vehicle to lose power suddenly.
Like any other vehicle, a Honda Accord needs electrical energy as well as fuel-generated power to operate. Normally, your Accord’s alternator charges the battery as you drive, leaving you with a constant supply of electricity. But if any of the charge system components break, you could be stranded when you use up the power already stored in the battery.
To prevent this, check out our car repair
guide for tips to identify the source of the charge system problem and resolve the issue quickly! Honda Accord check charge system: what does it mean?
An illuminated “Check Charge System” light on a Honda Accord indicates a problem with the vehicle’s charging system: the battery, the alternator, the electronic control unit (ECU) and the wiring connections that link them all together.
While it’s possible that your car battery is at fault, this light doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new battery—you might just need to clean the terminals, swap out a fuse, or replace the alternator belt. But no matter what the source of the problem is, the result is the same: if the check charge system light is on, you’re likely driving on a limited battery charge and could lose power unexpectedly unless the issue is fixed.
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Common causes of charging system problems
So what’s causing the check charging system light to turn on? While there is a wide range of problems that could trigger this particular warning light, here are the most common for the Honda Accord.
Bad alternator
When you’re experiencing battery problems, it’s often the alternator
that’s actually at fault. While the battery is what starts your car, the alternator converts mechanical energy into electric energy while you’re driving to power electrical components. It’s also what charges your battery as you drive—so a faulty alternator is a quick route to inconsistent battery voltage or a total loss of battery power. If you notice that your dashboard and interior lights seem weak or accessories like the radio aren’t working normally, you may be dealing with an alternator problem. Another reliable sign of a faulty alternator is a car that runs briefly after a jump start
and then fails again. If you’ve got a multimeter or voltmeter, you can test the alternator
and the voltage regulator connected to it by disconnecting the battery. Battery problems
If your alternator isn’t at fault, you could be looking at a bad battery. That’s especially likely if your battery is more than three to five years old—which is about how long a Honda Accord battery
is expected to last. Before you jump to buy a new part, open your Honda’s hood and check the battery terminals
and battery cables. Corrosion or a loose battery connection could cause the battery light to switch on, and this is typically an easier fix than replacing the entire battery. If you drive a 2013-2016 Honda Accord, be especially aware of your car’s battery health. This particular generation of Accords is subject to a recall for a faulty battery sensor, which can lead to the Check Charge System light turning on.
Drive belt issues
Besides a dead battery or faulty alternator, another explanation for your charge system light could be a problem with the serpentine belt
that powers the alternator. Like any engine belt, it’s subject to wear and tear—and if it’s worn or loose, or if the belt tensioner is faulty, your alternator might not be charging the battery properly. 4.717k Ratings 5M+Drivers Joined
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Wires, fuses, and connections
Any time you have an issue with your car’s electrical system, it’s worth checking the fuse box and any wiring connections to make sure there’s no wiring issue. If that’s the case, you might also be seeing issues with other car components, such as the brake lights.
Faulty ECU
Finally, the check charge system light on a Honda Accord—especially a newer one—can sometimes be related to a computer issue. Though it’s less common than other causes, a faulty electronic control unit (ECU) can trigger the battery light along with the check engine light.
How to reset the check charging system on a Honda Accord
Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for this warning light. Because it indicates an issue with your Accord’s charging system, you need to get the entire system checked out and repair any issues before the light will turn off.
Bring your Accord to a Honda dealership or trusted auto mechanic for diagnosis and repair. You’ll pay less to get it examined at an independent repair shop, and aftermarket auto parts can also lower the cost of repairs.
Can I drive with a charging system warning light?
You may be able to drive your Accord for short distances with the charging system warning light on, but don’t count on being able to drive for long. Any issue with the charging system could cause your car to lose power suddenly, leaving you stranded—or, worse, lead to a dangerous accident.
As soon as you notice the “Check Charge System” light, bring the car to a repair specialist as soon as possible. If you need to drive before you can take it in—or if the shop you’re headed to isn’t close—a portable battery charger and jumper cables can help you make it safely to your destination.
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