I have a 2013 Edge SEL 3.5L that has 172K on it and for the last month it has started alerting saying to "check charging system" and throwing a red battery icon on the screen. The first time it happened I immediately checked the voltage with the battery cables hooked up and engine idling, voltage was 14.1 and so I figured the alternator was fine. I unhooked the battery, which is a 1 year old Interstate AGM battery, and it had 12.6 volts so I figured that was good to go also. Since I couldn't see anything wrong and also found nothing conclusive online regarding this issue I just left it alone and continued to drive. It would still alert every day but the car ran fine and so we just considered it a nuisance, until last night. My wife called and said the lights were going dim and that all sorts of warning lights were displayed so she pulled over and cut the car off, after she let it sit for a minute it wouldn't crank back up so we left it overnight and I went back today to get it and it cranked right up and we drove it home. I found lots of stuff online about people changing battery and alternator only to have the battery light still keep coming on. Does anyone have any advice on what is going on? Don't want to just start throwing parts at it.

 

Since you did some checking already , you have some idea of what is there.

You might ,,,,,unplug and reinstall it back onto the alternator. They were known to have connection problems there that took techs for a real ride.

Also, if you decide to replace the alternator with a rebuilt unit, suggest you use a local electrical shop rebuilder or a dealership rebuilt unit, A lot of discount store rebuilders can't seem to get them right. They'll give you another unit, but you are still doing a lot of unnecessary work and running around.

 

This exact thing is happening to my car. The dealership is unable to figure it out. Have you figured out the problem?

 

If your dealership can't figure it out and correct it, time to find another dealership.

If you would,,,
Please explain as best you can EXACTLY what is happening and what you do to get it going if that is so..

A lot of what can be offered will depend on the info presented, thank you.

 

Everything that he started the thread with is what I'm dealing with. Same vehicle. The Check Charging System alert was showing up for 2 months but both battery and alternator tested fine. Then it completely died on me one day and I had to get it towed. The tow truck driver was able to turn it on and drive it onto the trailer though. They said it was the battery and replaced it, but then the error showed up again.

 

Maybe just the battery current sensors. One for positive one for negative attached on the battery cables. Check the wiring first.

 

I have similar issues with the 2013 Edge I bought last year. Apparently, if you ever swap in a new battery, you need to have a dealer reset the ECM so that the charging system is recalibrated. I had no clue about such issues as it replaced a '96 Ford with its blessed simplicity.