Charging system fault/failure
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 1
From: Torrance California
Charging system fault/failure
Started the car. Started fine but after starting the displayed showed charging system fault/failure for about 10 seconds and I haven't seen it since?? Any ideas?? Should I take her in??
Had that happen twice in 2 years......charged battery because it sits so much.......
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
If you have a meter, put it across the battery when the car is off. You should see a minimum of 12.5vdc. If lower than that and if the car is driven regulary, then your battery is probably due for replacement. But, always check the battery cables, alternator cable and down at the starter on the solenoid as that is the electrical center of the car. Don't forget down there that its electrically hot.
Back to the alternator, once all the connections have been verified and if the battery is showing the proper static voltage, start it up and put the meter across it again. You should see between 13.8 and 14.1. Try turning the HVAC off, so that radiator fans shut down (unless temp is high, they won't) and see if the battery voltage maintains. It might change a bit but should come back real fast. When the HVAC comes on, therefore the fans too, does the voltage drop and then come back?
Back to the alternator, once all the connections have been verified and if the battery is showing the proper static voltage, start it up and put the meter across it again. You should see between 13.8 and 14.1. Try turning the HVAC off, so that radiator fans shut down (unless temp is high, they won't) and see if the battery voltage maintains. It might change a bit but should come back real fast. When the HVAC comes on, therefore the fans too, does the voltage drop and then come back?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 1
From: Torrance California
The car is really only driven on the weekends and when its not driven i have a CTEK charger attached to it. I'll do the other checks and see if anything shows there. Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I have seen that before and what I think happens is that when the computer go through the checks the alternator isn't at full output soon enough, I would just keep an eye on it, I wouldn't take it in as of yet.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 2
From: Outer banks North Carolina
If its a 99 it could be because in mid 99 they went from a 110 amp unit [alternator] to a 140 amp. Something about changing supliers from france to mexico or something. I know my 99 ocassionaly shows this message [charging system fault] an it is because the computer is programed for the 110 and not the replacment 140.
if i'm wrong please correct me?
Still learning Dave
if i'm wrong please correct me?
Still learning Dave
