Toyota Highlander Charging System Malfunction: Top 3 Issues

The Toyota Highland has a charging system that works in conjunction with the vehicle’s electrical supply. This system is linked to the vehicle’s battery inside the engine. If there is an issue with the charging system, the vehicle sends a warning to notify the driver accordingly. 

If you own a Highlander and notice a charging system malfunction, address the problem immediately. You can consult with a Toyota dealership or the car dealer where you purchased the vehicle for assistance. Or, you may be able to diagnose and fix the malfunction on your own. 

Charging System Malfunction on Toyota Highlander: What You Need to Know

A charging system malfunction notification on your Toyota Highlander may appear from out of nowhere. At first glance, you may believe your Toyota SUV alert is minor. Yet, the problem can be serious. 

Here are three of the biggest issues that can cause a Highlander charging system malfunction light to illuminate.

1. Wiring Issue

The charging system consists of many wires and cables. It only takes one defective wire to impact the entire system’s performance. If a charging system wire gets damaged, it can lead to a malfunction. 

2. Defective Alternator

Your Highlander needs a working alternator to transform mechanical energy into electrical energy. Without it, your Highlander’s engine cannot power its battery. Thus, if your alternator is defective, expect to see the charging system malfunction light appear on your dashboard. 

3. Faulty Sensor

There are sensors located around your Highlander’s battery and alternator. One or more sensors can stop working at any time. If this happens, your charging system malfunction light will shine. 

What Does Charging System Malfunction Mean on a Toyota Highlander?

A charging system malfunction means that your Toyota Highlander’s electrical charging system is not working properly. The root cause of the malfunction varies. In addition, the impact of the issue can range from minor to serious. 

Your Highlander may continue to run even though the charging system malfunction light is illuminated. Regardless, the problem should be addressed. If you let a charging system malfunction linger for an extended period of time, the issue can impact your vehicle’s performance long into the future. 

Ultimately, if a charging system malfunction is happening, your Highlander’s battery will lose power. The battery will reach a point where it runs out of power, which can happen when you are behind the wheel. In this scenario, you may be unable to start your vehicle. 

What Does It Mean When It Says Charging System Malfunction Toyota?

If you see a charging system malfunction Toyota notification, pay attention. This means there is a problem with your Highlander’s electrical charging system. Rather than let the problem persist, you should take action to address the issue. 

Initially, you can troubleshoot a charging system malfunction. For example, you can check your vehicle’s battery, drive belts, and alternator. If you identify a problem with any of these components, you may be able to repair or replace them to fix your charging system malfunction. 

Of course, even if you troubleshoot a charging system malfunction, you may struggle to address the issue on your own. If this happens, you can bring your Highlander to a Toyota-certified technician. Next, the technician can examine your vehicle, find out why the charging system malfunction light is illuminated, and correct the problem. 

How Do I Fix My Toyota’s Charging System Malfunction?

A simple repair may be performed to fix a Toyota charging system malfunction. Some of the things you can do to address this issue include:

1. Replace the Battery

A Toyota Highlander’s battery typically lasts three to five years, depending on how frequently you drive and other factors. If your battery is approaching the end of its life, it can fail to hold a charge. At this point, replace your vehicle’s battery before it runs out of power entirely. 

2. Replace Defective Battery Wires

There can be times when battery wires are frayed or rusted. At these times, the wires may stop working. Fortunately, you can pick up replacement wires and use them to switch out your defective ones.

3. Replace the Drive Belts

Your Highlander’s drive belts spin around and charge your vehicle’s battery. If the drive belts are damaged, a charging system malfunction can occur. In this instance, you can replace your Highlander’s faulty drive belts with new ones. 

4. Replace the Alternator

If you check out the battery and drive belts and find they work correctly, the alternator is likely causing your Highlander’s charging system malfunction light to illuminate. If you can, test your alternator to see if it is working as expected. You can also bring your Highlander to a certified technician to complete the testing for you. 

5. Go to a Certified Technician

Along with the aforementioned Highlander issues, a computer system glitch can cause your charging system to malfunction. To find out if this is the case, bring your vehicle to a certified technician. This allows you to receive the help you need to correct your malfunction and prevent it from recurring. 

Why You Need to Address a Toyota Highlander Charging System Malfunction Right Away

If you notice a Toyota Highlander charging system malfunction, it is in your best interests to resolve the problem. You should not expect this issue to disappear on its own. Instead, the problem can worsen to the point where it leads to an accident. 

A charging system malfunction is a sign that your Highlander may soon lose the ability to hold a charge. If you are driving and your charging system stops working, your vehicle may stop running. Thus, your Highlander can stall out, which can put you in danger of getting into an accident. 

When it comes to a charging system malfunction on a Highlander, be proactive. You can monitor your charging system’s performance and bring your Highlander for regular maintenance. On top of that, you can consult a certified technician if you experience any charging system malfunctions to get the help you need to instantly address such issues.