Getting the “Battery Charging Fault” coming up on the dash can be extremely frustrating, but it’s not something that you have to put up with.
In this article, I’ll be going over what causes the battery charging fault on your Renault and how to fix the problem based on my personal experience as an auto technician. Let’s get to it.
What Does Renault’s “Battery Charging Fault” Mean?
In layman’s terms, a battery charging fault on your Renault means the Battery management system (BMS) has detected that the battery is no longer charging as it should and/or able to hold a charge.
When this happens, it will display the warning message “Battery Charging Fault” on your dash to let you know that there is a problem with the battery or charging system.
Battery Charging Fault on a Renault Common Causes
Now, that you know what this fault message means, let’s take a look at the main causes behind it.
1. Faulty Battery
From my experience, a bad battery is the most common cause of this fault message.
It could be that the battery is simply old and needs replacing, or it could be a result of damage caused by something like acid spilling on your car’s electrical system.
Over time the condition of your Renault battery can deteriorate, and in most cases, it needs to be replaced.
Typically your battery will last three to five years.
If the battery dies then it won’t be able to charge properly, and a “battery charging fault” message will appear on your dashboard.
2. Dirty Battery Terminals:
Another common cause for a battery charging fault on a Renault is a dirty or corroded battery terminal.
If the terminals are dirty or corroded, then they won’t be able to properly connect to your car’s battery and charge it up.
Battery terminals can become dirty or corroded in a number of ways, including:
- Not regularly cleaning your car’s battery terminals.
- Exposing your battery to extreme heat (e.g., leaving it in the sun for an extended time)
- electrolyte vapors that rise from the top of a battery
3. Loose Battery Terminals
Loose battery terminals can also cause your car to not charge when it is plugged in.
If the terminals aren’t tight enough, then they won’t be able to effectively transfer electricity from the outlet to your vehicle’s battery.
As a mechanic, I often see loose battery terminals.
This is especially common if someone has recently installed a new battery in their car and they haven’t tightened the terminals properly.
4. Worn Alternator Belt
A worn alternator belt can also prevent your car from charging when it is plugged in.
When you have a bad alternator belt, it won’t be able to spin the pulley that turns the alternator.
A damaged fan belt will cause the alternator not to function as it should and as a result, the battery and the electronics will receive less power than it requires.
This will cause a “battery charging fault” to come on.
5. Faulty Alternator
The fifth and final possible reason why your Renault is showing a battery charging fault message is due to a damaged alternator.
The alternator on your Renault is responsible for charging and maintaining your car’s battery.
The alternator also powers many of the electrical systems in your vehicle, including lights, radio/stereo system, and air conditioning.
When these components aren’t working properly, it can cause a “battery charging fault” message to come up on your dashboard screen.
If your battery is in good condition then chances are the alternator is failing or failed and is no longer charging the battery.
How to Fix Battery Charging Fault on a Renault
Now, let’s look at what you should do in order to fix and reset the “battery charging fault” on a Renault.
Check the Battery and Change it
The first thing you should do is check the battery and change it if it’s old or damaged.
If the battery is in good condition but low on charge, then you simply need to get it charged and that should solve the problem.
I recommend that you go to a garage and ask them to check the battery for you. If it’s not charging, then ask them to change it.
Check the Alternator
Next, you should check the alternator and see if that is causing your battery charge problem.
If the alternator is failing or has failed, then there will be no power being produced by it and this means that your battery will not be charged by any means.
Then you will need to get it replaced/or fixed.
How to Prevent Battery Charging Faults Coming up in the Future
Prevention is always better than cure and as a Mechanic, I certainly believe that. Here are some tips to prevent battery charging faults from happening in the future:
- Check your alternator belt regularly and make sure that it is not worn out or broken. If you find that it is, then replace it immediately.
- Change your battery every 3-5 years – this is to prevent the battery from losing its ability to hold a charge.
- Check your battery terminals and cables regularly, as they may be loose or corroded. If you find that they are, then tighten them up/or clean them with an appropriate solution.
I have a new batery but my car still display a batery charging falt I’ve tested my betery isin Google condition, what might be the problem with it?
Hi, did you test the alternator as well?
New alternater fitted and battery okay,all been checked but still faulty battery light coming up and low battery start engine light aswell as a few other messages.
Hi , I had a battery charging message on a 2012 Grand Megane. The battery was down so I changed it. The fault message still appears on the dashboard. Do I have to reset the message or might there still be a problem ? Thanks.
Hey Seamus,I believe you need to reset the message. If you have an access to an obd scanner plug it in and clear all codes and it should go away.