Check charging system warning

Hi all, I had the dealer install the tailgate lock and bed DEL factory lights before the delivery. Since the first day I got my Tacoma, I have the check charging system warning presented to me randomly (before starting the engine or after having stopped it). It happened 5-6 times in the last three weeks, the first time being when I arrived home after delivery. I booked an appointment at the dealer. They just checked the battery, etc. and said there was nothing wrong. Supposedly « they all do that and it’s just a warning because lights are opened when the engine is off ». Anyone has a clue? To me, it sounds like there’s an issue to correct.

 

To my knowledge this is standard if you put the ignition into accessory mode but don't start the engine. My truck has done this since it had 7 miles on it on the showroom floor and always has. Probably because the accessories are all on but the alternator is not running.

I'd only be concerned if it happened when the engine was on.

 

This^.

Nothing to worry about.

 

LOL, ok I guess they were right then. Thanks!

 

Yes, there is a problem with your charging system- the alternator is not spinning. Luckily, the alternator is not supposed to when the engine is off, but you will still get the error anyway. This is normal. Listen to your dealer.

The note you see in your manual means if you see this message WHILE DRIVING, then you have a problem.

 

Ditto - this -^^
My '21 TRD OR AC displays the same message under the same circumstances.
I never panicked thinking something was drastically wrong.

 

Normal when the key is on and the engine isn't running.

If you had any older cars the warning lights did exactly the same things for both the charging system and the oil pressure -- it was to verify that the bulbs worked.
Folks just get startled since it is now a message on a screen and not an old style light.

And welcome to the forum by the way

 

My 21 does the same thing in those conditions. Normal

 

Many old cars didn't have a temperature gauge, just a HOT light, some like my 66 Ford had a COLD light as well. It goes out when the engine gets to about 160 degrees.

 

@RustyGreen not just older cars, modern non high-performance Subarus have no temp gauge just a single led for coolant temp status; blue when cold, off when normal and orange / orange flashing when hot.

 

What is old is new it seems, the Tacoma is the newest thing I have, the Subaru is a 97, it has a gauge.

 

I hated that in the Outback I had. The blue cold light always made me think my high beams were on, so I’d instinctively hit the lever and flash oncoming traffic. Like, yeah no shit Subaru, I know the car isn’t up to temp yet because it’s only been running for a minute.