Charge System Fault on Startup
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1
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Charge System Fault on Startup
I have had two 'charge system fault' messages on startup within the past 20 car starts. Alternator guage reads around 14 v. What is considered a normal reading on the alternator gauge and when should I become concerned?
Battery was replaced under warranty within the past 12 months and 7,500 miles.
Any input would be appreciated.
Battery was replaced under warranty within the past 12 months and 7,500 miles.
Any input would be appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
From: Perry Hall MD
Good volt measurement is 13.8 to 14.3. I was getting that range when the car was running, but, the battery tested dead. Take the battery out and have it tested. If the car has sat for more then 2 weeks in the cold without being driven 1/2 hour, the battery may not be good.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
You haven't filled out your profile so its difficult to give advice. Do you have an older vette with an old AC delco? If so they are prone to leaks
I've heard guys have similar problem. I've seen a transitory DIC warning once myself. Any DIC codes?
Assuming your battery is reasonably new I wouldn't worry about it providing it keeps clearing; unless you get signs that the battery is suffering. That said, if it becomes more regular, it may suggest problems with the alternator.
I've heard guys have similar problem. I've seen a transitory DIC warning once myself. Any DIC codes?
Assuming your battery is reasonably new I wouldn't worry about it providing it keeps clearing; unless you get signs that the battery is suffering. That said, if it becomes more regular, it may suggest problems with the alternator.
Last edited by DeeGee; Apr 8, 2007 at 04:28 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Esher, Surrey
Hi
I recvently found the same fault.
When i start the car its 14.1V but as the car gets warm idle drobs to 600rpm and the charging drops to around 10.5 - 11 V. I checked with another meter and it`s right ( around 11V charging) When i`m driving it`s sometimes going back to normal but sometimes not :/
I noticed that there is a wissle sound usualy but now when charging drops it sounds like something can`t start.
I`ll check the wire beteen starter and alternator, but i think it might be alternator or battery(?) I have green light in battery so it looks fine.
I recvently found the same fault.
When i start the car its 14.1V but as the car gets warm idle drobs to 600rpm and the charging drops to around 10.5 - 11 V. I checked with another meter and it`s right ( around 11V charging) When i`m driving it`s sometimes going back to normal but sometimes not :/
I noticed that there is a wissle sound usualy but now when charging drops it sounds like something can`t start.
I`ll check the wire beteen starter and alternator, but i think it might be alternator or battery(?) I have green light in battery so it looks fine.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland FL
Just had mine fixed. It appears that it was related to melted wires that run close to the exhaust. Technician said it looks like it was delivered this way from the factory. They replaced a one of the wiring harnesses and moved the wires away from the exhaust.
