Charging System: Service Now

[UserHCC]

I have a 2020 Ford Ranger and for the past few days, this warning light frequently turns on: "Charging System: Service Now"

This happened 3-4 times. Each time, I checked the battery voltage with the engine off, and it was between 12.3 volts and 12.5 volts. I connected the battery charger and that brought the battery up to 13.1 volts. Then during the next trip, the same warning light comes on. Could it be the charging system is bad?

I then checked the voltage at the battery with the engine running and it read 14.1 volts. Does that mean the charging system is fine?

The vehicle is 4.5 years old and it still has the original battery.

What should I do? Replace the battery?

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[Waltztj]

I have a 2020 Ford Ranger and for the past few days, this warning light frequently turns on: "Charging System: Service Now"

This happened 3-4 times. Each time, I checked the battery voltage with the engine off, and it was between 12.3 volts and 12.5 volts. I connected the battery charger and that brought the battery up to 13.1 volts. Then during the next trip, the same warning light comes on. Could it be the charging system is bad?

I then checked the voltage at the battery with the engine running and it read 14.1 volts. Does that mean the charging system is fine?

The vehicle is 4.5 years old and it still has the original battery.

What should I do? Replace the battery?

Consider yourself lucky for 4 + years on the orginal battery, bite the bullet and get a new battery.

 

[JohnnyLightning]

The battery my not be todays problem, but its time is coming. How much longer do you think you could get out or it? So, change the battery and see what happens. Maybe it fixes it, maybe not.

 

[RangerBill]

I have a 2020 Ford Ranger and for the past few days, this warning light frequently turns on: "Charging System: Service Now"

This happened 3-4 times. Each time, I checked the battery voltage with the engine off, and it was between 12.3 volts and 12.5 volts. I connected the battery charger and that brought the battery up to 13.1 volts. Then during the next trip, the same warning light comes on. Could it be the charging system is bad?

I then checked the voltage at the battery with the engine running and it read 14.1 volts. Does that mean the charging system is fine?

The vehicle is 4.5 years old and it still has the original battery.

What should I do? Replace the battery?

What is the battery voltage with the lights and HVAC blower motor running on high? Reading the battery voltage with a load on it will give a better picture of the charging system. There is a 225 amp fuse mounted on the positive battery post buss-work that goes to the alternator and others have had this fuse bad causing the symptoms that you are having.

 

[Frenchy]

Unfortunately modern vehicles are very finicky. Got to love all the fancy electronics that can put on these. Because your battery is older I would go ahead and look at getting another battery. Because you did get more than 3 years I will say you did well. Obviously the battery is out of factory warranty. It's your call if you want to go back to the dealer and get a brand new battery or if you want to go elsewhere and get one. Just be aware you will have to do the BMS reset after you replace the battery.

 

[RangerBill]

This message is likely pointing to a charging system problem, not necessarily a battery problem.

 

[Frenchy]

This message is likely pointing to a charging system problem, not necessarily a battery problem.

You would be surprised as to how many issues a bad Battery can cause with Modern Vehicles today. Not saying the Alternator hasn't Failed, but the Battery being as old as it is I would say it is a Safe Start especially since it could be Dropping below a certain Voltage at Startup

 

[RangerBill]

You would be surprised as to how many issues a bad Battery can cause with Modern Vehicles today. Not saying the Alternator hasn't Failed, but the Battery being as old as it is I would say it is a Safe Start especially since it could be Dropping below a certain Voltage at Startup

I would rule out the charging system by testing it, before replacing the battery. The battery can be tested also. So many throw parts at an issue without doing proper troubleshooting. My 2019 Ranger still has the original battery in it (about 5 1/2 years) and still going strong.

 

[Frenchy]

I would rule out the charging system by testing it, before replacing the battery. The battery can be tested also. So many throw parts at an issue without doing proper troubleshooting. My 2019 Ranger still has the original battery in it (about 5 1/2 years) and still going strong.

As much as I will agree with testing the charging system, a bad battery will cause a charging system to act funky on the test alone.

 

[RangerBill]

As much as I will agree with testing the charging system, a bad battery will cause a charging system to act funky on the test alone.

That is why it is important to have many accessories on in the truck to provide a heavy current load to test the alternator in vehicle. The alternator can also be removed and bench tested. Many parts stores do this service, but it can be tested in vehicle with accurate results.

Also, get any DTCs to see why the message is displayed on the dash.

 

[5thranger]

I have a 2020 Ford Ranger and for the past few days, this warning light frequently turns on: "Charging System: Service Now"

This happened 3-4 times. Each time, I checked the battery voltage with the engine off, and it was between 12.3 volts and 12.5 volts. I connected the battery charger and that brought the battery up to 13.1 volts. Then during the next trip, the same warning light comes on. Could it be the charging system is bad?

I then checked the voltage at the battery with the engine running and it read 14.1 volts. Does that mean the charging system is fine?

The vehicle is 4.5 years old and it still has the original battery.

What should I do? Replace the battery?

Replace battery.

 

[seasprite]

Get a good scanner like Forscan and see what code is being set.

 

[seasprite]

Here's a couple of test you can do at home.

 

[got3fords]

Here's a couple of test you can do at home.

I think the shop did a quick 30 second test with whatever test equipment, and then prompted owner for a new battery. When I do a test with my tester, I can get vastly different results over 3 or 4 tests, adjusting the clamps every time.

 

[got3fords]

You can spend all the time and aggravation you desire, but at that battery's age, I would replace it, and go from there.

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