Hi all,

So I had some repair work done after an accident. A few days later, the "Check Charging System" message came on when I started the car, as well as the "Check ABS system" message. I know that the ABS gets switched off when there are other problems like the Check Charging System message coming on. So I thought that my alternator was probably toast, but it turns out that my battery and the charging system are just fine. I'm wondering if this is a sensor issue perhaps, or if anyone has experienced something similar to this in the past. If so, what kind of fix might be required and how much does it cost? Thanks in advance!

 

First of all, check the alternator, there are many videos on YouTube on how to do this

 

Thanks for your reply. Should have mentioned that I did check it and it's not the alternator. That was my first thought, too.

 

How’d you check it

 

Then you need to read the DTS to find out the reason for this message. Have you checked the alternator by disconnecting the battery from the running car?

 

No, I haven't checked with alternator with the battery disconnected. I will give that a try. Thanks!

 

Don't try it, it might fry the modules. .

 

so, what ever came of your situation? Sounds like what I’m facing right now! Would love to hear what happened….

 

Thanks for your message. I have been meaning to come back and post what we found out. So I took the car to a dealer for service because I was more confident they'd get the answer right. They replaced the alternator. Didn't fix the problem. I asked them to figure it out. Eventually they called me back and told me that the wire harness had been chewed by mice or some other critter. I live in a rural area in a cold part of the US and it isn't so uncommon for rodents to try to live in a car, and in fact, I have found dead mice in my car before.

Anyway, the cost of the wire harness replacement together with the alternator was truly eye-watering. They quoted something like $5400. Fortunately, I keep comprehensive insurance on my car (and you should, too!) and comprehensive insurance covers the cost of damage to a stationary vehicle caused by animals. Just as if a tree had fallen on your car.

And credit where due: it was the service rep who thought of the possibility of an insurance claim and it was he and the mechanics who persuaded the insurance company on the source of the damage. And they gave me a good deal on the alternator I probably didn't need.