This is Bob at Fichtner Chevrolet.

I am working with GM on a “CHARGE SYSTEM FAULT” message on the DIC after changing to the new 140 amp alternator. Every thing is working fine and no DTC codes stored. You reset the dic and it eventually comes back.

I have finally gotten the attention of GM on this problem and they now want your assistance. I have been in contact with GM Parts Technical Assistance and Chevrolet Technical Assistance. This problem is being referred to GM Engineering but they need VIN NUMBERS.

ONLY if you have changed your alternator and received the latest # 10353440 alternator which is 140 amp instead of the original 110 amp alternator; and have had this problem. Please email me your vin #, mileage, name and phone number. All of this information I will be forwarding to GM Engineering and Chevrolet Technical Assistance. They are trying to find out exactly what is going on and why. I doubt if they will call you, but I told them I would ask for the phone number just in case. According to GM they have only had 6 cases of this reported. I know there has to be a lot more out there.

Email me at parts@fichtnerchevrolet.com
Use charge system fault for the subject.

PLEASE DON’T SEND RUMORS OF MY FRIENDS NEIGHBOR SAID.
We need hard info so GM can solve this problem quickly. Here is your chance to help. I promised GM that the great members of the Corvette Forum would come thru for them.

Bob Wendorff
Parts Manager
Fichtner Chevrolet
406-628-4618

 

I got the "charge system fault" message the other day after I started the car. It went right away though.

 

Mine has the message only if I don't drive the car for about a week or so.

 

I have gotten the message since the car was new off and on. Had the altenator replaced so I will look for the part number on it. Thanks, Don

 

I have been getting it for a while on and off. I believe I have the original alternator but not sure, I bought the car with 3,000 miles on it

 

Happened on Saturday, but checked the voltage and no problems. Only happened that one time and I still have the factory alt and battery.

 

My 2001 just had Charge system fault show up on dash. I have not replaced the alternator or done anything to it in a while. My system is charging fine and I can find no reason to take it back for service at this time.
My Vin # is 1G1YY12S615130877.
George Davis San Diego, Ca 619-246-5202

 

There should be no reason to take the car in for service if the fault clears itself.

 

Bob I am of the impression that this is a rather bogus error message for late model Z06's. I experience this error message about 30% of the time upon starting the '03 after it has set for longer then overnight. It clears within a few seconds of starting the car and leaves no codes set in memory. The charging system checks out okay and the battery also checks okay. I have had this error message almost from day one and the car has 19K+ miles and is 20 months old.

Now I would be interested in learning what logic is in the software that brings this code up.

Neil.

 

Why are some replacing the alternator with a larger unit? Is this something the newer ones come with, or does it fix a problem(like the lights dimming every time the air pump cycles) or what? Thanks, Steve

 

i don't have an answer, neil -- just butting in to tell you that is one awesome photo in your signature...

 

My car sits at my shop for a week at a time in some cases. I have not replaced the alternator. But, it does do this on probably 50% or more of the starts, and then goes away. I was not aware there was an alternator upgrade, or I would have done it, as my car just went out of warranty (its now on extended warranty so I will have to wait to do it when something else breaks). My car is a 2002

 

Mine does it too, no alternator replaced and only happens if car has sat for a week or so. Dealer said there were no codes found and no voltage problems.

 

Do you want this info ONLY if we have replaced the alternator? I have had this come up on my past Coupe and my current Z06 but never have I exchanged stock parts in the car. If you want this info w/ or w/out replacing the alt. let me know.

 

Interesting... I JUST had this happen today!! Fault came up on the DIC then cleared itself almost immediately. My Z is a 2002. Is this a problem or what??? I have only had the car a month now. Flipped me out because I NEVER had this happen on my 2000 Vert.

 

me too. but i have a vert and havent changed anything.

 

I finally got around to clearing the history codes this fault may have caused. I think low battery conditions cause many error messages to be thrown when nothing is really wrong other than a low battery at startup, which easily happens when your car isn't a daily driver.

 

My Z06 is a daily driver and I get "the code" two or three times a month. On Monday, I have an appointment to have the alternator replaced with a different model than the original. I had the code with the OEM battery, as well as with the Red Top. "The code" happens only on the first start up of day.

 

I had mine to the dealer 3 times for this. They replaced the battery but the error continued. Then the tightened the starter bolt and it hasn't happened since, go figure. It was doing it one a fairly regular basis and hasn't done it since so maybe there is something to this.

 

Does this happen only on certain model years??