Check Charging System Warning Message

Getting a warning message that says "Check Charging System" after turning the ignition to on, but not starting the truck. Manual just says immediately stop vehicle (assuming I'm driving) and contact Toyota. Anyone else getting this?

 

Does it show up and stay after you start the truck?

 

No, just seems weird to me to get a warning light after having the truck turned to auxiliary for maybe 5-10 seconds. Makes sense if I had it on auxilliary for 10 minutes where I'm risking draining the battery... But this comes on real quick.

 

Every vehicle will have a battery indicator on when in ACC mode....not sure how this is different...

 

Maybe you have a bad battery and it senses voltage drop in a quick fashion when you have the key on but engine off. Take it to the dealer and have them do a test on the battery and a charging system test if they determine the battery is good.

I agree though, that doesn't sound normal to be happening so soon.

 

Could be. He could always go back to the dealer and compare to another 2016 they have on the lot and see if it does the same thing.

 

OP, it's completely normal. You're truck is fine. It's just a fancy battery indicator that comes on when vehicle is in ACC mode....something every vehicle does.

/unsub
/thread

 

Haha ok, thanks!

 

As soon as BlueT sees this thread he will freak out and tell you your motor is a piece of crap. And make some comment about seatbelt Mike. I sat in one today on the sales floor at the dealer before I test drove mine. And it had the same warning. Just a warning thats on the truck so you don't run down your battery.

 

Hey I'm just giving the OP options so he can sleep better at night is all.

:flamingbanana:

 

I noticed it today while I was about to start the truck but was futzing with the 4WD- LO - sometimes my hubs don't lock in. Engine was off ignition on. I see why the OP is asking, the onscreen mgs looks like I need to take the truck in for service lots of pretty red lights on the display. Just a little weird is all. I suppose if my alternator went bad I'd like to see that but not when iggy is on for more than 10sec without starting. Just a little quirk with the software.

Figured out the 4WD-LO thing ... man this truck is BADASS in 4WD-LO - turns into a monster! Very nice. My wife and dog got scared again!!

 

Seriously??? So get the hubs locked in 4WD-HI and then stop and move the knob to 4WD-LO??? I did that not on purpose and it worked but I had no idea that was what works... A lot of clicking and such going on.. kinda makes me nervous hearing all that. I'm sure I'll get used to it and realize by the sound of things I'm hooked up. Thanks RL for the tip ... its not in the manual!! Not that I read the manual or anything!

 

Completely normal. The alternator isn't putting out voltage when it is not running, therefor it thinks it's not charging. Key in the on position is the same wether it's running or not.

4wd shifting goes easier if you put it in neutral and let the pressure off the drivetrain. It has to engage 4H before going to 4low.

 

Thanks for the reassurance, I'm all good with it now knowing it's normal. Just wanted to make sure.

/end thread.

 

Its fully normal, When you turn ignition key to ON before starting systems does electronic test. Thats why some lights will come On and than disappear, others will stay until you start engine because they check things while engine is running.
System test is needed because it checks if components are still there (you had not removed lets say alternator or MAF sensor) also it shows you that your warning lights on dashboard are still working (bulb or LED have not burned out)

 

Good Answer.

 

Seems like every new generation of Tacoma owners becomes less and less mechanically inclined or have any general sense of how vehicles work...

 

I think this is now in general. Kids think they know everything but get freak out by one light or tiny problem.
Their life tragedy is when they get flat tire and phone has no bars to call for dad or AAA.
The worst are internet/PDF/google mechanics who never held wrench in real life.
They will insist they know something in the meaning they are very useless.

 

All my answers are good even if people don't like them.