"Check charging system" with ignition on, but not running.

When I turn ignition on, like to roll the windows up or down, without actually starting the engine, I see "check charging system."

Is this just one of the normal warnings you get like all the other idiot lights that come on? I've never noticed it before but I guess I'm not in the habit of turning it on without starting it either.

It starts fine, 12.3-12.7V on the battery, just shy of 14v on the alternator. Seems good to me.

 

It's normal.

 

It just means that the ECU is detecting a continuous drain from the battery. It is a non-issue as long as you are aware.

 

Thank you. I was deep in the national forest the first couple times I saw it. Everything seemed OK to me but it was bugging the hell out of me not knowing!

 

It's not charging because the engine isn't turning the alternator.

 

But don't make it a habit of course..

 

On the new cars it gives you a “check seatbelts” warning. And if you have a push button start it tells you “press brake pedal to start”.Signs of changing times.

 

Time to part it out.

 

When you and your friends are being chased by a bear, you do not need to be faster than the bear ... just faster than your friends.

 

technically, there's always a continuous drain on the battery. the ecu just doesn't see the alternator charging voltage because the engine isn't spinning the alternator.

older vehicles had a battery light indicator that performed the same function.