Charging system light will not turn off?

Tiny
OLDGUYMECHANIC65
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 HONDA ODYSSEY
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 230,000 MILES
I have changed the alternator and the battery on this vehicle. I checked everything I could think of, but the check charging system light will not go off. I'm kind of thinking the negative battery sensor is the culprit. I can't get this part from anywhere but a junkyard or dealer. What do you think?
Monday, September 18th, 2023 AT 6:23 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,254 POSTS
Hi,

First, I attached the wiring schematic below specific to the charging system so that you have a reference. (see pics 1 and 2)

As far as the battery sensor is concerned, before you replace it, we need to make sure it is bad. Starting with pic 3 below, follow the test directions to confirm that is the issue. Note that the diagnostics indicates possible causes related to the condition found.

Last, if you look at the schematic, you'll notice at the alternator there is a black wire that provides battery voltage. Confirm that is present.

Let me know what you find. Also, let me know if the alternator is charging even though the light is on. If you haven't checked, here is a link that explains how to do it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Monday, September 18th, 2023 AT 7:54 PM
Tiny
OLDGUYMECHANIC65
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
I changed the alternator and the battery. The van started and ran very well with no problem. Well, the lady called me back telling me the van was completely dead. Nothing was getting power. I checked the battery it was reading 12.4 volts. There are 4 fuse boxes on this vehicle. The one closest to the battery has power but none of the others do. Does this vehicle have a battery fuse? I know some vehicles do some don't. Everything is completely dead. No power at all except the fuse box closest to the battery.
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Tuesday, September 19th, 2023 AT 6:56 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,254 POSTS
Hi,

There is a 120-amp main fuse in there that distributes power. Take a look at the pics below. Check to see if there is power to the main fuse. Power is direct from the battery to that fuse. If that fuse fails, you will lose multiple circuits.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Tuesday, September 19th, 2023 AT 9:26 PM
Tiny
OLDGUYMECHANIC65
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
When I got to the customer's house to see why the van was completely dead, the van started, ran and drove. I drove it a few miles, stopping the engine a few times. It started back with no problem. So I'd call that a fix.
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Thursday, September 21st, 2023 AT 6:16 AM

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