Last week, I got a warning on my Acura MDX - 2015 on the dashboard - "12 Volt Battery Charging System Problem".

I have searched Google and have not come across any conclusive answer regarding this message. I have driven the SUV about 200 miles after the message and there has been no issues so far.

I took it to the dealer and dealer wants to charge $190 for doing the diagnosis and more to fix the problem. I refused and am instead coming here to this forum to get advice.

1. What is the reason for this warning?
2. What is the fix for this? I came across some forum that suggested to replace battery charging module.
3. What is going to happen if I ignore this message? Will it impact alternator or battery in any way?

Thanks.

 

Bump for a answer

OP, if you dont get a answer here try taking it in for a diagnosis at a reputable Honda/Acura specialist. Shouldn't cost you more than $50-$60.

 

Many auto parts stores will check Your battery and charging systems for free.Call first.

 

Likely a battery foing bad or possibly a loose cable. Easy to check either way. If I let my Dosge Cummins sit over the winter I would get the dreaded light first time I would start it. Once the battery was charged it would go out.

 

Has the warning stayed on? Are you in Hot Weather?
I used to get a similar warning in my RLX after it had sat outside all day in 100 degree weather. It would come on after a few miles of driving, but go away some minutes later. Did not happen a lot, but probably a half dozen times
Nothing ever repaired and Dealer did not say that they saw warnings in diagnostics when I took it in for normal maintenance

 

Useful battery life is 3 to 4 years. If yours is original, it is the Prime Suspect.

 

Mine is original. Will get a new one today.

Thanks,

-Naveen

 

Changed Battery and the problem is gone. Thanks

 

I had the exact same issue. I have a 2015 MDX. Battery is maybe 6 months old. Went to Advance Auto parts to have the battery checked and everything seemed to be working fine (battery charging, alternator, etc.). I continued to drive it with the error message for about 3 months and decided to do a little more research.

Found an easy fix. Problem ended up being a faulty BMS fuse. There was an extra 7.5amp fuse in the fuse box so I didn't even have to buy one.

Check out this guy's video for step by step instructions.


It helped me a ton and save me money and headaches. Hope somebody else finds this helpful.

PAY IT FORWARD! Cheers!

Javier Soriano

 

I have just signed on to Acurazine. I am having a very difficult time figuring out how to navigate the website. I have seen MDX electrical issues similar to my '14 MDX. I believe mine has been solved and I want to pass it on. How do I do that?

My '14 MDX (68,000 mi) displayed an error message: “12 Volt Battery Charging System Problem”, which only showed up when using my iPhone Xr, but repeatedly. Several owners have suggested replacing the related fuse (did not solve problem), changing the battery (my battery is new). I visited the dealer service mgr who suggested they update the software first and then if that failed, they would change the battery sensor module (BMS ?)
I simply want to advise the community that the software upgrade solved my problem.
I am disappointed that I would need to do this for an Acura product but, just the same it worked. I would like to pass this on to the community. How do I do that?

 

this seems to be "common " life for acura batteries.

but my experience on all my other makes of vehicles is 3-4 years is VERY VERY short battery life. In the last 30 years I've yet to have a battery go bad in LESS than 8 years, usually 10 years or more life. And that covers the OEM batteries from the factory. GM, MB, Ford, VW and kids Dodges and Chryslers. Not sure why Acura seems to have such short battery life. I had a 96 Accord and the original battery lasted 10 years and the replacement was still fine 5 years later when I sold it.

Our 2019 MDX hybrid turned 52K miles has the OEM battery, will see how long it lasts. 4 years so far.