Getting the “Check Charging System” fault on your Ford Taurus is a pretty common thing on these vehicles.
It can be quite frustrating to get this message, especially if you have no idea what’s wrong with your car.
Fortunately, as a mechanic, I have seen this problem many times before, and In this article, I am going to explain what this message means and how you can fix it.
Ford Taurus Charging System Explained
The charging system is one of the most crucial components of a car.
It is responsible for keeping the battery charged and supplying power to all of the electrical components inside your Ford Taurus.
It mainly consists of three main components which are the Alternator, Battery, and Voltage regulator.
The alternator is part of your vehicle that generates the electricity needed to keep everything running smoothly.
The battery is where all of this power is stored and regulated by a voltage regulator which makes sure it doesn’t go over or under what is needed.
What Does “Check Charging System” Mean in a Ford Taurus?
Now, that I have promptly explained what the charging system is and how it works on your Taurus let’s talk about what it means when your car says “Check Charging System.”
In short, when the fault comes up on the dash it means the Powertrain Control Module(PCM) detected is an issue with your charging system and it needs to be checked by a professional.
When this happens, then your Taurus won’t be charging its battery properly and the car will be running solely on stored. battery power
Main Causes of Ford Taurus Check Charging System Fault
There are many causes for a charging system fault to appear on your Taurus, but from my personal experience, almost all of them can be narrowed down to the following things:
1. Bad Battery:
As time goes by the battery on your Taurus deteriorates and eventually it will need to be replaced.
If you have a bad battery, then the car won’t be charging properly or won’t hold charge as it should.
This is will cause the charging system fault light to come up on your dash.
The battery Ford typically lasts 3-5 years and if your Taurus is more than 5 years old, then it’s probably time to replace the battery.
2. Faulty Alternator:
The Alternator is the device that charges your battery and provides power for all of your electrical components in the car.
If this device fails, then it will cause the charging system warning to come on. Alternators are typically very reliable but can fail due to various reasons.
Other common signs of a faulty alternator include:
- Dim Interior Lights
- Dim Exterior Lights
- Battery Discharging
- Trouble starting the car
- Flickering Headlights
3. Loose Battery Cables:
Battery cables also known as battery terminals are the devices that connect your car’s battery that transfers the voltage from the alternator to the battery.
If these devices become loose, then they will not be able to transfer power efficiently.
This can cause a variety of electrical problems in your Taurus including dimming headlights, flickering interior lights, and dead battery as well as the “check charging system fault”
The terminals can get corrosion as well as wear out over time and need to be replaced.
4. Worn Serpentine Belt:
a worn Serpentine Belt (Drive Belt) is another common cause of the “check charging system” fault on your Ford Taurus.
A Serpentine Belt is responsible for driving the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor.
If the belt becomes worn out or breaks, then it won’t be able to turn the pulleys that drive the Alternator.
How Do You Fix the Ford Taurus “Check Charging System” Fault
The first thing I recommend is to check the battery terminals and make sure that they are clean and tight.
If the battery terminals are corroded or loose, then it could be causing your charging system to not function properly.
If the Terminals are fine then, I recommend that you get the battery and the alternator tested. you can do that at most Autozones, car Battery Shops, auto repair garages, or Ford dealerships.
If the Alternator or battery is bad then you should replace it.
It’s possible that the Alternator is bad, but I suspect that it’s more likely to be a problem with the Battery or its cables.
Additional Sources
https://www.socalforddealers.com/5-signs-of-a-battery-in-need-of-a-replacement.html
https://www.mysonoraford.com/serpentine-belt-replacement/
https://auto.howstuffworks.com/5-signs-alternator-problems.htm