Yes had the same problem with my 2017. Honda Tech said to replace the fan, which they did. No codes so far, one day after repair. Will update within a week or two.
Battery Fan responsible for AWD and Charging System Warning Lights?
New to the club so apologies if I've missed the answer to my question within another post. 2017 sport built 11/16. VIN 18928 so not specifically in harness recall. Out of the blue the charging system and AWD lights came on. AWD definitely not working but no issues discernible with charging system (I've had alternators go bad so I know what that looks like). And I've been driving it for the last few days without problems. Took to dealer today and was told the battery fan failed and it's the root cause of both. Anybody heard of that?
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The battery cooling fan has three connections - ground, power, and communication. The fan receives power whenever the ignition is on. The PCM turns the fan on by sending a command over a LIN line (Local Interconnect Network) line which is shared with the alternator. If there is a short between power and ground within the fan or wiring, ignition fuse C28 will open. If the LIN line is shorted or open, you'll get a charging system warning light because the PCM can no longer communicate with the alternator and the AWD system will be disabled to reduce power consumption as a precaution in case the alternator may be unable to charge the battery.
If that's not it, I would suspect a loose B+ sensing screw on the alternator per TSB 18-010.
I am brand new to the forum, but your post above seems plausible. I have a 2019 Ridgeline and got it serviced two weeks ago. I travelled about 60 miles to go kayaking. When I got ready to return, I got the “AWD Drive System Problem” warning. I called the dealer, and they said I could drive it.The battery cooling fan has three connections - ground, power, and communication. The fan receives power whenever the ignition is on. The PCM turns the fan on by sending a command over a LIN line (Local Interconnect Network) line which is shared with the alternator. If there is a short between power and ground within the fan or wiring, ignition fuse C28 will open. If the LIN line is shorted or open, you'll get a charging system warning light because the PCM can no longer communicate with the alternator and the AWD system will be disabled to reduce power consumption as a precaution in case the alternator may be unable to charge the battery.
If that's not it, I would suspect a loose B+ sensing screw on the alternator per TSB 18-010.
Here is the thing I noticed. When I start the truck, there are no warnings. As soon as I shift it to Drive, boom it’s back every time. I have an ODBC scanner and noticed it said the battery voltage was 11.8 or 11.9. Isn't that getting close to the point where starting the truck could be an issue. The battery is the original but spent time in Indiana, Iowa, and Texas. That combo could be real bad news for the battery.
While driving home tonight on the highway (during a heavy rainstorm) I had both of these messages pop-up at the same time. I have a 2017 RTL. My guess it that it is not a coincidence that both popped up at the same time, one message is most likely influencing the other. Any ideas?
Thanks for the help!
Thanks for the help!
I had the same problem happen this evening while getting gas on my 2017 Sport. 'Not sure why both came on at the same time but before going to Honda ($$) I'll check the battery and alternator.
Others have reported this error being caused by a failed battery fan.
www.ridgelineownersclub.com
Battery Fan responsible for AWD and Charging System...
New to the club so apologies if I've missed the answer to my question within another post. 2017 sport built 11/16. VIN 18928 so not specifically in harness recall. Out of the blue the charging system and AWD lights came on. AWD definitely not working but no issues discernible with charging...
www.ridgelineownersclub.com
Battery fan is common. And with them all getting older we'll all see that error eventually. Fans don't last forever.
Big Upps To ZRoger!
I Got the “Charging System Problem” and “AWD system Problem” notifications yesterday driving back from Delaware.
ZRoger posted the part number I needed and today I installed a new Battery Fan ( yes there is such a thing) and all systems GO!! $111 USD and an Honest 30 minutes from start to finish.
I just might drive to Texas and Buy that Man a Beer!!
Cheers,
Truar
PS ZRoger, I have Honda Care Extended warranty, do you happen to know if that fan would have been covered?
I just knew it would be WAY easier for me to replace it than to sit at a dealership for 4 hours while they “Diagnosed“ the problem.
I Got the “Charging System Problem” and “AWD system Problem” notifications yesterday driving back from Delaware.
ZRoger posted the part number I needed and today I installed a new Battery Fan ( yes there is such a thing) and all systems GO!! $111 USD and an Honest 30 minutes from start to finish.
I just might drive to Texas and Buy that Man a Beer!!
Cheers,
Truar
PS ZRoger, I have Honda Care Extended warranty, do you happen to know if that fan would have been covered?
I just knew it would be WAY easier for me to replace it than to sit at a dealership for 4 hours while they “Diagnosed“ the problem.
Sure - as long as it's not another Bud Light - I'm already catching enough heat for owning a Ridgeline, a Miata, and an EV. 
Birds of a feather……I also own a Miata and a Ridgeline……on the hunt for a Model T
Seriously Z, thank you for all your help!! do you ever get to Boston?
Seriously Z, thank you for all your help!! do you ever get to Boston?
I've never been up that way before. There are several Ridgeline-Miata owners on here.Birds of a feather……I also own a Miata and a Ridgeline……on the hunt for a Model T
Seriously Z, thank you for all your help!! do you ever get to Boston?
A friend of mine is Ford enthusiast and collector - he's restoring a Model A which he prefers over the Model T since the latter is much more complicated to drive.
2nd the Model A. Have a friend who restored one with his brother. Even he said it's really not that bad to drive. More like a regular car.
Does every RL have a battery fan, on only certain years?
All 2017-current Ridgelines.
61 - 73 of 73 Posts
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