Charge system faulty
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 120
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Charge system faulty
I have recently changed my battery( about a month ago). I'm now getting an a message stating the title above. My volt meter drops to 11 when it is usually around 13. I'm assuming it is the alternator. I just want to confirm with the experts on the forum that I am correct. Thanks in advance.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 98
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From: clovis ca
First of all I'm am no expert. But I did have exactly the same issue this week. I called a friend who is a little more knowledgeable than me and said it was probably the alternator. I checked around my local area and found one at Autozone for 174 bucks. I pulled it off and asked the counterman to test it anyways. It passed their test but I bought a new one anyways. New alternator fixed the problem. If you've got the time you can take it to a rebuilder they told me it would take three days to rebuild at 142 bucks. Since my car is a daily driver I needed it right away I bought the Autozone one. Lifetime warranty too. Good luck!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 488
Likes: 2
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Why do you assume it's the alternator? Have you checked the current draw when the car is off and all the modules have gone to sleep? How long did your previous battery last, and did you ever have any issues with it? Are your battery terminal-lugs tightened to the proper torque? Have you monitored the alternator output while driving the car? Do you have any DTCs associated with the "CHARGE SYSTEM FAULT" message that you are getting?
Assuming and then throwing parts at a Corvette is an expensive and foolhardy practice.
Take some time and do some basic checks/troubleshooting...including, but not limited to, pulling your codes, checking your battery lugs, current draw, and alternator output.
Post your results and then see what the experts have to say.
Assuming and then throwing parts at a Corvette is an expensive and foolhardy practice.
Take some time and do some basic checks/troubleshooting...including, but not limited to, pulling your codes, checking your battery lugs, current draw, and alternator output.
Post your results and then see what the experts have to say.
Last edited by sunchaser73; Oct 28, 2012 at 09:26 AM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 2,984
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
There are several things you can do. If you own a voltmeter, test the car while it's off, ya should get 12+ volts. Start the car, it should now be at 14+ volts. If it does not go up to 14 volts, the alternator is bad.
If you do not have a voltmeter, places like Autozone and Advance Auto will test your battery and alternator for FREE. Best wishes
If you do not have a voltmeter, places like Autozone and Advance Auto will test your battery and alternator for FREE. Best wishes
