The service battery charging system is connected to other systems like the ignition system, the navigation system, and the lighting system, among others. Does your car’s dashboard have an illuminated service battery charging system indicator? Do you have any questions about what it means or what to do about it? Read the article and learn more about the service battery charging system.
What Is Battery Charging System
Depending on the age of the car, different battery charging systems are used. The electronic control unit, also known as the computer, the battery, the alternator, and the wiring, all make up the charging system in the majority of automobiles.
For the charging systems in pre-1990 automobiles to function at their best, an alternator needed to be fitted with a voltage regulator.
The voltage then traveled through the vehicle’s electrical system once the engine of the vehicle began to run, generating electricity through the alternator. This system’s battery light illuminates whenever there is an imbalance in the voltage.
Automobile manufacturers discovered that replacing voltage regulators with computers that provide precise voltage readings is a solution as vehicles become more sophisticated.
When a change in voltage is detected by the computer in modern battery charging systems, the battery light will turn on.
The Alternator
The engine’s mechanical energy is transformed by the alternator into electrical energy that powers the vehicle’s accessories and recharges the battery.
The Electronic Control Unit
By managing the distribution of the vehicle’s electrical power, the electronic control unit manages the electronic system.
In essence, it regulates the electricity produced by the car’s alternator. It also monitors the energy flux of the vehicle and determines when the battery needs to be charged.
The Battery
More or less acting as a bank for the electrical energy produced by the alternator, the car’s battery stores electrical energy. The energy needed to start the car’s engine is delivered from its energy reserve.
Additionally, it keeps the car’s accessories running when the engine is off or the alternator is malfunctioning.
The Wiring
The wires that connect the three parts of the battery charging system are referred to here.
What Can Cause Service Battery Charging System To Come On
The service battery charging system’s placement on the dashboard lacks a straightforward justification. However, any skilled mechanic can find the issue that activates the warning and fix it.
Several factors include the following that could cause the service battery charging system to activate:
Alternator Problems
The service battery charging system indicator frequently has the alternator as its source. You should therefore take it to your mechanic so that they can check the alternator voltage.
If he detects a voltage below normal, you will need to replace your alternator because the current one is broken.
Battery Problems
Your service battery charging system indicator could turn on if your battery is weak or low. Your mechanic will be able to test the strength of your car battery more effectively.
Drive Belt Troubles
The service battery charging system indicator may turn on if the condition of your driving belt is such that it interferes with the alternator’s proper operation.
Your drive belt will be inspected by a mechanic for any problems; if it is damaged, it needs to be replaced.
Corroded Wires & Connections
Another factor contributing to the service battery charging system indicator turning on is corroded wires and connections.
Again, make sure that all of the inner alternator’s wiring and connections are examined. Also, check each fusible connection for burnt spots. Repair any damage if there is any.
Faulty Computer System
If the service battery charging system indicator is on and the alternator or battery is not broken, a malfunctioning computer system is most likely to be to blame. After addressing every other issue, take your car to a mechanic to have the computer system inspected.
How To Check The Service Battery Charging System
Checking the charging system on your own is one way to handle the battery charging system light coming on. It would be a step in the right direction for you to take.
So, regardless of the type of car, here’s how you can examine the charging system on your own. Here’s what to do if you want to service a battery charging system, say on a Chevy Cruze.
Check The Battery
The goal is to make sure the car battery is healthy and fully charged. In order to determine whether a green eye is visible in the battery’s hydrometer, check it.
Additionally, make sure the battery terminal connections are securely fastened and free of any corrosion-related residue. If you notice any stains or corrosion, remove them from the battery terminal.
For voltage, also check the battery terminals. When there are no loads attached, it ought to be around 12 volts.
In order to confirm that the battery is operating at its maximum potential, you can also test it using a test light or multimeter. Here’s how:
- Turn your battery tester to the “OFF” position.
- Next, set the multimeter selector switch to DV volt.
- The next step is to secure both tools to the positive battery post. Please connect the negative test leads to the negative battery post. Additionally, you want to confirm that the tester clips—not the multimeter clips—touch the battery posts.
- Set the load control knob to a right-handed direction so that the ammeter reports about half of the battery’s cold-cranking amps
- You then look at the multimeter reading. Accurate measurement of 9.6 volts at 21 degrees Celsius indicates a healthy battery capacity. Any reading below that indicates a defective battery. To verify the battery’s condition, you may want to charge it.
Check The Alternator
To make sure it is in good working order, you could also test the alternator of the vehicle. For example, if you want to service the battery charging system in an Impala, follow these steps:
- Put OFF all electrical accessories
- Check to see if the parking brake is engaged and the transmission is in “NEUTRAL.”
- The No-Load Test and Load Test should then be implemented.
- the Battery Tester’s ammeter setting should be selected.
- The positive and negative leads of the battery tester should be connected to the appropriate battery terminals.
- Connect the current probe to the output lead of the alternator’s B+.
- The alternator output should have a greater output when the car engine runs at 2000 rpm
- Set the voltmeter settings on the battery tester.
- While connecting the voltmeter’s positive lead to the alternator B+ terminal, ground the negative lead.
- Continue to keep all electrical accessories off.
- At 2,000 rpm with the engine running, the voltage ought to be between 13.5 and 15.0 volts.
Check The Other Components
The other components of the battery charging system should be checked to make sure they are in good working order once the alternator and battery have been determined to be in good condition.
For instance, a Serpentine belt inspection to determine whether it is damaged or loose should be part of your charging system check. The wiring is another thing you should examine.
Make sure the terminals, connections, and fuses are securely fastened and undamaged. Additionally, make sure the alternator’s support harness connector is tightly fastened.
How To Fix Service Charging Battery System
- Perform repairs on the alternator; if necessary, replace it.
- Replace the Serpentine Belt.
- Replace the Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
- Change the wiring setup.
