Charging System Error Message

[Cobblecrazy]

In my first few months of ownership I have had a few issues that I hope was fixed when a crack in the fuel filter housing was found and replaced. During those issues I had the check engine light come on, but at the time it occurred I wasn't able to see what the issue was. When I returned home I logged onto the Mopar site and found a "vehicle charging system" error. The battery connections appeared to be fine, and a check of the fuse box revealed no issues as well. The next morning I went back out to the Gladiator (now with a code reader in hand), but the check engine light was not on and the Mopar site was saying everything was fine. No stored error messages, or any other information to indicate what happened.

Now, a few thousand miles later, I'm getting the same error message on the Mopar "dashboard" under "Vehicle Health Report", but no check engine light. When you click on the dashboard error message it gives an explanation of what you should see upon startup sequence - the main one is the battery dash light should come on momentarily then go off - and some suggestions on getting in touch with an authorized dealer if those things don't occur. I've noticed the battery light does not come on during startup (the ETC light comes on momentarily and is in the same general location at the battery light), but, again, no other error lights or messages.

I drove around yesterday after seeing the issue on Mopar's site, and I pulled up the page showing the battery charge gauge. At several stops the gauge moved into the low 13's, while driving it was in the mid 12's. Once again I've checked the battery cables, the fuse box, and some of the general wiring connections I can easily access, but nothing seems out of sorts.

I have taken two 12 mile drives up to 8900 ft (from about 4500) with no loss of power, hiccups, or any other "issue". I have considered the possibility of the battery itself being bad. I know that extremes in temps can put more strain on a battery that is less than optimal, and it's been in the high 90's to just around 100. I have yet to try my tester out of the battery, but that is probably the next step.

Anyone had similar problems?

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[Mr._Bill]

Take it to the dealer and show them the message. They can test the batteries and check for any TSB's, Updates, or Recalls for the vehicle. Unless there are stored codes indicating a problem, there's not much else they are likely to do.

 

[FutureOdin]

Yes, I've had the Vehicle Health Report via UConnect tell me that there is a charging system error without seeing a light on the dashboard. I believe it's related to some threshold while towing for the charging system. I think there was a TSB out for it?

I haven't had a chance to take it to the dealer yet.

 

[jeepin48]

I had the same vehicle health report battery charging issue as well at the same time my "service throttle control" and derate issue happened. Dealer updated the ECU and forced an exhaust regen and both still happen.

 

[rchandler341]

I have had the same issue on the Mopar Vehicle Health Report. "Immediate Action" Charging system. This happened about 17 days ago and it is still showing in my health report.

It showed up just after I helped a stranded family at a Trailhead in Colorado. They left an interior light on and their battery was dead enough it would not start the Subaru. I jumped them then noticed the report.

I checked my battery and it is showing normal. The alternator is charging and I have never seen the "Charging System" light on.

I am just watching it.

 

[Kbuente]

I too have the warning in my health report. I do not notice any anomalies in gauges or performance of the alternator. I have been towing and did jumpstart one other car.

Is there a way to clear the warning in the health report?

 

[Rubiman]

Same issue any updates?

 

[jeepin48]

Mine went away with ECU update.

 

[abndaddy77]

I had a simular issue. Brought it to the dealership and the service tech told me that running around rown in start stop traffic doesnt allow the secondary battery to start charging correcty and to turn it off or it will drain the battery. I leave it off in the city and havent had the issue return yet.

 

[DesertDog]

Same thing on my diesel Gladiator. Normal driving. Then my health report popped up regarding the charging system. No warning lights on the dash at all. Everything seems to be charging normally.

 

[FutureOdin]

There's a post somewhere outlining some threshold that needs to get set properly via an ECU update. I don't think it actually causes any drivability issues, but probably wouldn't hurt.

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