The Honda CR-V’s red battery warning light can be perplexing to drivers. Most of the time, the warning light means that the generator isn’t working right, so you’re only getting power from the battery.
You can take action to resolve the problem or prevent it from occurring again once you understand what it signifies.
In this article, I’ll explain what the battery warning light signifies, why it appears, and how to get rid of it. Let’s jump right in!
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The Importance of the Battery on Your Honda CRV
If your Honda CR-V’s battery warning light is on, you should check that first. Recognizing the value of a fully charged battery is crucial.
The battery in your Honda CR-V is crucial since it provides energy for nearly all of the vehicle’s functions. You can’t start the car or even get in or out of the car without it.
What Does the Battery Light Mean on a Honda CR-V?
I hope that my brief description of your car’s battery has been helpful. Let’s take a look at the Honda CR-V’s battery light and see what it indicates.
When the battery icon lights up on your dashboard, it’s because the BMS and PCM in your CR-V are trying to alert you to a problem with the battery or charging system.
Possible indication of a dying battery.
However, it’s also possible that the battery light is on because of an issue with the charging system.
Components of Honda’s Charging System
Examining the various parts of Honda’s charging system can help us determine the source of your CRV’s battery warning light.
- Battery
- Alternator
- Voltage Control Device
- Batteries Sensor Fuses
Honda CRV Battery Light Causes
Let’s talk about what, in my opinion as a mechanic, typically triggers the car’s battery warning light.
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Bad Battery:
A worn out battery is the most common reason for the battery warning light to turn on.
The battery in your Honda is constantly working to power the many electronic systems, and as a result, it will eventually wear out.
The CRV battery has an average lifespan of three to five years. The computer in your car will detect a weak battery and alert you with a warning light.
Battery Low Voltage:
A low battery charge is the second most common reason for the battery warning light to turn on.
It’s likely that the alternator isn’t fully charged, limiting the car’s electrical output to things like the lights and radio if you’ve been driving less and then parking it.
In this case, you will need either a jumpstart or a portable battery charger to get your CR-V going again.
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Faulty Battery Current Sensor/Fuse:
The battery current sensor is connected to the negative terminal and reads the battery voltage.
A malfunctioning sensor in this area will fool the car’s computer into thinking the battery needs replacing.
These are available at any Honda dealership or online. This is a 38920-TR0-A02 replacement part.
Corroded Battery Terminals:
According to what I’ve observed, the battery terminals on the Honda CR-V are quite prone to the formation of corrosion.
This may result in the discharge of the battery’s charge. Because of this, the indicator for the battery will become active.
Faulty Alternator:
The malfunction of the alternator is the fifth and most common cause of the battery warning light to illuminate.
The charging of the CRV’s battery is handled by the vehicle’s alternator.
If it is not charging correctly, the battery won’t change to the voltage it needs to be charged to, and the battery light will turn on as a result.
How to Fix and Reset Honda’s CRV Battery Light
Last but not least, let’s have a look at how to fix and reset the battery light on a Honda CRV.
Check the Battery
Checking the connections is the first thing that should be done, since this is the first thing that I propose you do.
If they are too loose, you should pull them in. If you notice any corrosion on the battery terminals or on the cables, you should remove it using a wire brush, some WD-40, and either hot water or boiling water.
After you have completed this step, start your vehicle and allow it to run for a few minutes so that the battery can be recharged.
If the battery symbol does not go away after a few seconds, the battery may need to be replaced.
You should get a new battery for your CRV if the current one is more than three years old. If the battery is more recent than this and it still won’t retain a charge, then there may be another problem at play here.
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Change the Battery Current Sensor
Even if the battery isn’t too old, there’s still a chance that the current sensor is broken and needs to be changed. This is especially true if the battery is relatively fresh.
A current sensor in a Honda CR-V is responsible for monitoring the flow of electrical current from the alternator to the battery.
And if it determines that there are none, it will turn on the battery light in order to safeguard your vehicle from the harm that can be caused by an excessively charged battery.
This is found hooked to the cable that goes to the negative terminal of the battery.
Have the Alternator Tested
If following the instructions outlined above does not cause the battery light on your CRV to turn off, then it is probable that the alternator is defective and needs to be replaced.
If you are mechanically inclined and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you can perform this service on your own without the assistance of a Honda-trained expert.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the battery warning light on a Honda CR-V is an important indicator that should not be ignored. It typically signals an issue with either the battery itself or the charging system. The most common causes are a worn out battery, low battery charge, faulty battery sensor, corroded terminals, or a bad alternator.
To troubleshoot, first check the battery age and connections. Clean any corrosion and tighten cables. Let the car run to recharge the battery. If the light remains on, the battery likely needs replacement if it’s over 3 years old. You can also test the alternator and current sensor. These may need replacing as well.
Be sure to use Honda OEM parts when making repairs to maintain proper function. Resetting the light is as simple as fixing the underlying problem, so that the vehicle computer no longer detects an issue. With some basic maintenance and electrical troubleshooting, you can resolve the battery warning light and keep your CR-V’s electrical system in top shape.
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FAQs
There are a number of possible triggers for the car’s low battery warning light, but the most common include: A dead battery from an automobile. Corroded battery terminals on a car. Disconnected battery cables in a car. A failing alternator.
Several problems can trigger the battery warning light, including: A battery cable that is loose or rusted. An issue with the generator’s voltage regulator or generator. The internal battery cells or plates are broken.
Possible indication of a dead battery. The light could be triggered by something as simple as corrosion or a few loose clamps, both of which are easily remedied. If you want to troubleshoot the battery yourself, put on some protective gloves, look at the owner’s manual, and then carefully follow the steps below. Look for signs of corrosion.
There are a number of potential triggers for your battery indicator to light up. A dead battery, trouble charging the battery, an ailing alternator, defective wiring, etc., could all be to blame. It’s also feasible, though not advised, to drive with the car’s battery warning light illuminated.
The way the electricity works is in a closed channel. When one of the electrical parts stops working right, it can cause other expensive problems. When your car’s battery light is on, you shouldn’t drive. We also suggest that you always have a set of jumper wires in your car.
