Charging System Indicator Circuit Troubleshooting

Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Does the charging system indicator come on?
1. YES - Go to step 2.
2. NO - Go to step 12.
Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 2,000 RPM for 1 minute.
Does the charging system indicator go off?
1. YES - Charging system indicator circuit is OK. Go to the Alternator and Regulator Circuit Troubleshooting (see ALTERNATOR AND REGULATOR CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).
2. NO - Go to step 3.
Do the gauge control module self-diagnostic function procedure (see SELF-DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION ).
Does the charging system indicator flash?
1. YES - Go to step 4.
2. NO - Replace the gauge control module.
Turn the ignition switch OFF.
Disconnect the alternator 4P connector.
Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
NOTE: The charging system indicator may come on and then go off.

Does the charging system indicator go off?
1. YES - Replace the alternator (see ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ) or repair the alternator (see ALTERNATOR OVERHAUL ).
2. NO - Go to step 7.
Turn the ignition switch OFF.
Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the data link connector (DLC).
Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
NOTE: This step must be done to protect the powertrain control module (PCM) from damage.
Disconnect PCM connector B (44P).
Check for continuity between PCM connector terminal B42 and body ground.

Fig 1: Checking For Continuity Between PCM Connector Terminal B42 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?
1. YES - Repair a short in the wire between the alternator and the PCM.
2. NO - Update the PCM if it does not have the latest software (see PCM UPDATING AND SUBSTITUTION FOR TESTING ), or substitute a known-good PCM (see HOW TO SUBSTITUTE THE PCM ), then recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away with a known-good PCM, replace the original PCM (see PCM REPLACEMENT ).
Do the gauge control module self-diagnostic function procedure (see SELF-DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION ).
Does the charging system indicator flash?
1. YES - Go to step 13.
2. NO - Replace the gauge control module.
Turn the ignition switch OFF.
Disconnect the alternator 4P connector.
Connect alternator 4P connector terminal No. 3 and body ground with a jumper wire.

Fig 2: Connecting Alternator 4P Connector Terminal No. 3 And Body Ground With A Jumper Wire
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Does the charging system indicator come on?
1. YES - Replace the alternator (see ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ) or repair the alternator (see ALTERNATOR OVERHAUL ).
2. NO - Go to step 17.
Turn the ignition switch OFF.
Connect the HDS to the DLC (see step 2 on GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ).
Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
NOTE: This step must be done to protect the PCM from damage.
Disconnect PCM connector B (44P).
Check for continuity between PCM connector terminal B42 and body ground.

Fig 3: Checking For Continuity Between PCM Connector Terminal B42 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?
1. YES - Update the PCM if it does not have the latest software (see PCM UPDATING AND SUBSTITUTION FOR TESTING ), or substitute a known-good PCM (see HOW TO SUBSTITUTE THE PCM ), then recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away with a known-good PCM, replace the original PCM (see PCM REPLACEMENT ).
2. NO - Repair an open in the wire between the alternator and the PCM.