Every time your Honda Civic turns on, you’ll receive the “check system” alert.
The information provided in this article will assist you in understanding what this message means, what might be the cause, and how it can be resolved.
Honda Civic “Check System” – What Does It Mean?
Because the light “check system” is so vague, I understand why it is confusing.
Here are some simple explanations I can give you. When your Honda Civic’s engine control unit detects a problem, you will receive a check system alert.
There are a variety of possibilities
- Coils that do not work properly
- The leak,
- The spark plug is worn out
- Filters clogged
- Problems with injectors
- Battery that has died
It’s up to you. It’s clear that there is a problem with some systems.
These Japanese sedans and hatchbacks are known for their reliability, so that sounds like a bit of a headache.
You can usually fix it for a reasonable price. It’s not always a big deal if you see that check system light, even though it sounds ominous.
The “Check System” warning message on the Honda Civic
Honda Civic check system messages can have a variety of causes, as suggested by my experience as a technician:
1. Battery that is dead:
It is usually a bad battery that causes a Honda Civic’s check system warning.
Two things can cause this:
- An old battery can cause dead battery cells: It is likely that one or more of the battery cells will have died after your battery has been in use for more than three years. The check system light on your dash will illuminate because of this, causing problems with the electronics.
- Frequently driving your car leads to low battery charge: Your car’s battery loses charge slowly if you are not driving it frequently. In the case of a low battery charge, the computer will alert you when the battery voltage falls below a certain level.
2. Corroded terminals on batteries:
Secondly, corroded battery terminals can cause a Honda Civic’s check system light to illuminate.
The voltage can fall when the terminals are corroded (because electron transfer is less efficient),
The computer may display the “check system” alert if it perceives that the battery charge is low. If the battery charge is low, the computer may think there is something wrong and display this message.
3. Terminals that are loose on batteries:
Your Civic’s loose battery terminal can also cause this warning alert.
Getting loose terminals is common when you hit potholes, drive over bumps, or anything else jarring.
Depending on how the voltage fluctuates, the “check system” alert may also be triggered by this.
There can be several underlying causes for this message, as previously mentioned. Most frequently, but not exclusively, I see battery issues as the cause. The root cause can be quickly identified by using a scanner connected to the OBD.
Troubleshooting Table: Step-by-Step Guide
| Step | Action | Details |
| 1 | Examine the condition and age of the battery | Cracks and leaks should be checked on batteriesEnsure the battery has a date of manufactureCharge and voltage test the battery |
| 2 | Batteries and cables should be inspected | Verify whether any connections are loose or corrodedCorroded terminals need to be cleanedIf a connection is loose, tighten it |
| 3 | You need to reset the ECU | Wait 30 seconds before reconnecting battery cablesMake sure the batteries are connected again |
| 4 | Diagnostic codes should be scanned | A scanner for OBD-II should be usedKeep a record of any error codes set |
| 5 | Diagnostics and repairs to be performed | The manufacturer’s service manual should be consultedCodes indicate problems that need to be repaired |
Check System Message can be reset using these steps
The check system message means that something is wrong so let’s get to the point of how it can be fixed.
1. Look for corrosion in the battery:
Corrosion on the battery should be the first thing you check.
Baking soda and hot water can be used to clean any that you find.
If the terminals are rusted, it’ll cause the battery and cable to have a bad connection, so make sure they’re clean.
2. Tighten the batteries cables:
For a system reset, disconnect the battery cables and reconnect them if the terminals are clean and free of corrosion.
Use a wrench if necessary to gain a good grip on the cables when reconnecting. Tighten the cables securely, but not excessively. In this way, you can reset the electrical system and resolve the ‘check system’ message.
The issue may lie elsewhere, and further diagnosis is required if the message persists after tightening and reconnecting the batteries.
3. Check your battery and replace it:
It is recommended that you replace the battery terminals if the terminals are damaged or corroded.
Battery problems may be caused by a bad cell.
An auto parts store like Autozone or a Honda dealership can test your battery, or you can call a mechanic.
Changing the battery should fix the issue if the voltage is below 12 volts.
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4. Visit an independent repair shop or Honda Dealer near you
Your dash may still show a “check system” fault if you follow the steps above.
Identifying the problem with your Honda Civic’s computer will require you to take your vehicle to a Honda dealership or an independent repair shop.
You should no longer see the “check system” alert on your dashboard after the technician determines what needs to be fixed.
