Toyota Charging System Malfunction Demystified

One of the most worrisome problems with the RAV4 is the annoying Toyota charging system malfunction. Whether you own a Plug-In Hybrid/Prime or a simple Hybrid, this malfunction is the King Kong of EV problems since it can leave you helplessly stranded on the roadside. But how can we resolve it when the notification suddenly pops up while driving?

Let’s discuss the nitty-gritty details of resolving this problem and ways to prevent its future occurrence. Don’t get too worried though. Just keep reading. I promise you a worthy solution!

Immediate Dealing with the Malfunction

The first thing I would say to you is if you notice you are using the following few electrical systems of RAV4 that use the battery, you need to turn them off. Start by turning the key in the on position instead of the ACC (Accessory) or off position. Keep the engine on as turning it off may risk difficulty restarting. Here is a list of the systems doing this will turn off:

• Headlights (dimming/flickering)
• Radio
• Phone Charging USB port 
• DVD Player
• Electric Wipers (If your RAV4 has them)
• Air conditioner (compressor is electrically run) 

After you do this, you need to try to get to a safe place away from traffic as your car won’t take long before shutting down. If you have the contact of a tow truck, call them up to take your vehicle to home or a mechanic’s shop.

What does the Toyota charging system malfunction imply?

The charging system malfunction message can come up for a variety of reasons. While the list might give you a headache as you’re trying to figure out the root cause, but, remember knowledge is important. Understanding the potential problems is the best way to get closer to the crux of the issue and deal with it. Here are the typical problems you need to be looking out for:

Poor Battery Connection

A battery connection is responsible for the safe traveling of electrical charge from the positive terminal for the battery to the components that need it.

Cause: These issues are usually due to corrosion (causing weak connection) or unsecured/loose wiring. Remember, wiring can be brought into stronger suspicion if the charging malfunction is accompanied by the battery light as well.

Solution: Remove the corrosion by mixing baking soda and water to clean it off with a wire brush. Alternatively, you may use anti-corrosion sprays as well. The corrosion is more likely to occur on the terminals and clamps so make sure to look at those first. Also, look for the wires having shifted around the terminals. Use a multimeter to ensure all connections are tightly secured until electricity is flowing smoothly.

Faulty Alternator

An alternator is considered the heart of the charging system as it is responsible for charging the battery. If it malfunctions the battery won’t pick any charge.

Cause: If the drive/serpentine belt that powers the alternator is loose or worn out, this can bring up the warning. If this is the issue, you should also see the air conditioner not working as well as the engine overheating.

Solution: Visually inspect the belt and make sure it is strong and in place. If it happens to be broken or loose, replacing it is the only solution. It might cost about $100-$150 for purchasing a new belt and getting the old one replaced. 

Faulty Voltage Regulator 

The fluctuating charge produced by the alternator needs regulation. The voltage regulator is responsible for ensuring that a stable electrical supply is sent to the battery and other electrical systems of the car. It also prevents the battery from overcharging.

Causes: You may see a malfunction in the voltage regulator sending several electrical systems mentioned above into a state of frenzy. You may also see a binary situation with the battery either overcharging or undercharging. This might also turn on the battery light on the dashboard.

Solution: A voltmeter can be extremely useful here as a healthy level of voltage in a running battery is between 13.5 to 14.5 volts. If this is not the case, given that it’s positioned inside the alternator, the alternator as a whole needs to be replaced. The cost of replacement is between $374-$405. Ouch!

Old Battery

A healthy battery can seamlessly power the ignition and smoothly support the vehicle’s electrical systems. 

Causes: If you notice your car is older than 3-5 years, you may notice it dies unexpectedly needing frequent jump-starts. Alternatively, it might give off an odd smell like that of rotten eggs. Leaks, buildups, and irregular shapes of the battery case are also signs of an aged battery.

Solution: If your battery is too old you will have to replace it. This might cost you between $1,036-$1,043. 

Blown Fuse

A fuse is responsible for protecting the circuitry which connects important components like the alternator, battery, and voltage regulator. 

Cause: If the voltage rises above a certain level, the fuse can blow up. To see if this is the case, you will have to inspect the fuse in the fuse box.

Solution: To solve this problem, you will have to replace the fuse. This will cost you about an average of $5. You can also DIY. 

Faulty Sensor

The sensor is responsible for recognizing malfunctions in the charging/electrical system of the vehicle. It is what detects an error and turns on the malfunction warning.

Cause: If there is a fault in the sensor, the malfunction will pop up front. But this won’t be accompanied by any other hurdle nor show any signs of disruption in the other electrical components of your car.

Solution: If the sensor is faulty, you will have to replace it with a newer one. This will cost you between $145-$686. especially if it is at the extreme.

Harsh Weather

The surrounding weather is important for the functions of a vehicle. Weather that keeps the atmosphere close to room temperature helps provide a better environment for the proper functioning of all automotive systems. 

Cause: If the temperature is too cold, the engine might show trouble starting. This is because the spark that initiates the consumption of fuel and hence the running of the vehicle’s system, is not lighting. Alternatively, if the temperature is too hot, it may overheat the alternator, damage the battery, or cause wiring issues.

Solution: If the temperatures are too low, you may use a battery warmer around the battery or jump-start it a few times while allowing time for thawing. If your vehicle is too hot instead, let the engine cool down for a bit and turn off any unnecessary electrical systems as they can produce heat in the engine compartment.

Other Solutions 

The battery requires a lot of different components to function well in order to power the vehicle. This is why the error message can be a stubborn warning message to deal with. 

OBD-2 Scanner 

Trying to put your finger on exactly what is causing the issue can be perplexing. But it is better to start checking these issues with an OBD-2 (if you have experience) than sitting at the roadside and throwing darts in the dark. 

An OBD-2 scanner will help you rule out which exact area is causing the issue so you can save your time and money. It is arguably the most promising way to solve this problem. But, you will need to have prior experience to do this.

However, one thing to keep in mind is modern Hybrids tend to be equipped with the latest and most complex technologies. Therefore, tweaking with the system can be unfruitful or even dangerous due to potential exposure to battery acid, flammable gasses, and electric shocks. This is why even if you know how to run the scanner on them, you might not be able to solve the error yourself.

Seek Mechanical Help

Better yet, you may call a local gas station to come for urgent help. Also,  a certified mechanic from authorized service centers can ensure a proper solution. Alternatively, you may also choose to go to the dealership for a thorough run-through of the issue and a solution to the problem.

Note: Check the Toyota warranty for your engine. If your vehicle is under warranty, the problem should be fixed by the dealership for free.

Toyota Battery Maintenance Tips

The maintenance of the battery is hugely necessary as the mental strain of being stranded, the overmuch repair cost, and towing service fees are too big of a hassle to face. So, here are a few tips to keep your vehicle running optimally and keep the stubborn charging system malfunction warning at bay.

• Regularly inspect the alternator, drive belts, fuse, and battery
• Monitor battery health with voltmeter (12.6 volts when the engine is off and 13.5 volts-14.5 volts when it is off)
• Keep an eye on how old the battery is (3-5 years is considered old)
• Don’t overload the voltage capacity by using too many electrical accessories at once
• Inspect the battery for signs of wear and tear like bulging, corrosion, leaking, etc.
• Keep roadside assistance included in your insurance
• Get regular mechanic checkups

I hope these tips are useful for saying goodbye to the charging system malfunction error. Other than these tips I would recommend you keep the following things at your disposal as your safety toolkit for next time:

• Voltmeter
• Multimeter
• Jumper cables
• Extra Fuses
• Contact of tow truck man

Common Misconceptions

There are a few common misconceptions that go around the battery system malfunction warning. The misconceptions need to be dispensed with so the underlying problem can be dealt with without wasting time or resources.

Battery Replacement Will Solve All Problems 

 that replacing the battery is the ultimate solution for solving all charging-related malfunctions. While this solution can help deal with an old or dead battery, for example, if the fault is in the alternator among other components, the issue may persist.

New Toyota’s Don’t Experience This Malfunction

The second misconception is that newer vehicles are unlikely to run into such problems. Newer vehicles have a lower chance of showing this error, but the risk is not zero either. Besides, a lot of older vehicles if properly maintained tend not to develop this issue. 

FAQ

Sources

The information shared in the article can be found in RepairPAL and Toyota’s official owners manual.

Conclusion

The charging system malfunction is a problem but keeping in mind the potential trouble areas and their solutions as outlined in the article will help you solve it. Ensure you give these a thorough read and follow accordingly.

With proper care and maintenance, you can avoid this dreadful scenario from arising again. Wishing you luck in solving the issue.