Code 53 System over voltage. WTF???
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,088
Likes: 0
From: Poop land
Code 53 System over voltage. WTF???
I was on the highway cruising home at about 80 mph and then the SES light suddenly pops out of nowhere. Car was stumbling a little and the SES remained on for about 1 minute, then off. Got scared and pulled over to the side and got out my handy paper clip. I was suprised to see a code 53. I guess my alternator is shot again but how can this happen when my alternator is only about 4 months old??? What a POS!!! When I started up the car again, the display read 15.9 volts idling, then back to cruising home again, I saw 16.3 volts and stayed up there for awhile without setting off the SES light, and settled back down to 15.5 volts back home. What could have suddenly cause a voltage spick out of nowhere?? Would 15.5 volts hurt any electronics?? My digidash is really bright too. I know I still have my lifetime warranty for this POS rebuilt Delco Remy... 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Voltage spikes are a bad thing.Alternators can last years or days.I read back some time ago about if the diodes go bad it will inject AC voltage into the system.I suspect your diode bridge went bye bye.I would not drive it till you replace it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati Oh
depends on if you need the extra amps or not. If you're pulling ~13.5+ volts at warm idle with the headlights and all accessories on - then the 105amp will be just fine. Basically you want the voltage to be greater than 13 volts so the car wont stall out from low voltage while idling.
At least, it sounds good to me.
At least, it sounds good to me.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
While 15.5 volts isn't ideal, you shouldn't have any long term problem there. Most of GM's electronics are rated for 16 volts continuous, and even 24 volts at cold temperature jumpstarts. The parts get warmer, obviously, when the line voltage increases, but they should be fine. If you ran the system at 15-16 volts for the life of the car, you could expect to see some reduction in lifespan of the parts.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,088
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From: Poop land
Just did an free exchange and handed back the core. Advanced Auto followed though with their warranty plan after I yelled at them for awhile and asked to speak with the store manager. I bet this new alternator will go before next year or so. Talk about quality, there isn't any!!!
Maybe I shall look into a 140 or 200 amp unit the next time this one breaks. I think something is causing me to eat the 105 amp ones, unless they are just normally very poor in rebuild quality.
Maybe I shall look into a 140 or 200 amp unit the next time this one breaks. I think something is causing me to eat the 105 amp ones, unless they are just normally very poor in rebuild quality.
