Normal Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The charging system warning indicator is used to indicate when the generator output is insufficient to maintain the battery state of charge. When the key is in the RUN position and the engine is off (KOEO) or there is a low charging system concern, the instrument cluster supplies voltage to the charging system warning indicator, which is grounded internally within the instrument cluster. When the engine is started, the generator supplies a ground path on circuit VDC42 (GN) to redirect voltage away from the bulb, turning off the charging system warning indicator.
Possible Causes
- Circuit VDC42 (GN) open, short to ground or voltage
- Charging system
- Generator
- Instrument cluster