Pinpoint Test J: The Charging System Warning Indicator Is Never/Always On

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

J1 CHECK THE CHARGING SYSTEM OPERATION
- Check the charging system operation. Refer to CHARGING SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Is the charging system operating correctly?
Yes : GO to J2.

No : REFER to CHARGING SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION to continue diagnosis of the charging system.
J2 CARRY OUT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INDICATOR LAMP CONTROL ACTIVE COMMAND USING THE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL
- Key in ON position.
- Enter the following diagnostic mode on the scan tool: Instrument Cluster Active Command.
- Select the instrument cluster indicator lamp control active command. Trigger the charging system warning indicator active command on and off. Observe the charging system warning indicator.
- Does the charging system warning indicator illuminate when triggered on, and turn off when triggered off?
Yes : GO to J3.

No : GO to J4.
J3 CHECK FOR CORRECT PCM OPERATION
- Disconnect all the PCM connectors.
- Check for:
  - Corrosion
  - Pushed-out pins
- Connect all the PCM connectors and make sure they seat correctly.
- Operate the system and determine if the concern is still present.
- Is the concern still present?
Yes : INSTALL a new PCM. REFER to ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS - 2.3L , or ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS - 3.0L (4V) . TEST the system for normal operation.

No : The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.
J4 CHECK FOR CORRECT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER OPERATION
- Disconnect the instrument cluster connector.
- Check for:
  - Corrosion
  - Pushed-out pins
- Connect the instrument cluster connector and make sure it seats correctly.
- Operate the system and verify the concern is still present.
- Is the concern still present?
Yes : INSTALL a new instrument cluster. REFER to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER . TEST the system for normal operation.

No : The system is operating correctly at this time. The concern may have been caused by a loose or corroded connector.