Does the ECM control the charging system?
The ECM controls and is constantly working to manage different areas of the vehicle to ensure that the vehicle is working at its best. One of these areas is the charging system which is made up of the battery, the voltage regulator, and the alternator.
Will a bad ground cause overcharging?
Poor ground connections are an often-overlooked cause of low charging output and alternator failure. Check for voltage drops at the positive and negative battery cable connections, the alternator BAT+ power connection and the engine ground strap(s). Voltage drops on the negative side can cause overcharging.
Can a bad ECM cause battery drain?
A failed ECM power relay can also cause a battery drain or dead battery. If the relay shorts it can leave power on to the computer, even when the vehicle is turned off. This will place a parasitic drain on the battery, which will eventually cause it to go dead.
Why is the alternator on my Toyota truck not charging?
It started when my turns signals stopped working. Then Hazard stopped working and the horn. After I shut the truck off, when I went to restart it, the battery was dead.
How can you tell if your car charger is in trouble?
Usually, the first sign that your charging system is in trouble is a “battery,” “ALT,” or “CHARGE” warning light illuminating on your instrument panel while driving. It means that for some reason, the alternator has stopped charging the battery and your car is running on battery power.
What causes the charge indicator light to come on?
You may notice: your ALT or CHARGE indicator light comes on, your engine is hard to start and cranks slowly, or doesn’t crank, your battery demands lots of water, your alternator makes noises, or your headlights suddenly go dim. These and other problems may be caused by a fault in the charging system.
What do I need to know about my car charging system?
These series of charging system checks help diagnose the general condition of your charging system. They can help you confirm that you actually have a problem in your charging system and locate the source of the problem. 1. Make a Visual Inspection of the System