Charge System Fault???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Chandler AZ
Charge System Fault???
Over the last couple of months, I have received a 'charging system fault' message a number of times. After I get the message, the system voltage drops to 10V. Sometime later it corrects itself. On one occasion, this was followed by an 'Over Voltage' error and the system was outputting 16V!
I'm assuming this means it is time for a new alternator? Is there some other circuits I should look at before I drop $350 on a new alternator? Is a repalcement AC Delco unit the best choice, or should I look at another brand?
I have a new audio system which can suck up to 60A peaks so I figured I might get the 145A AC-Delco instead of the stock 110A. Any comments?
Appreciate the feedback
I'm assuming this means it is time for a new alternator? Is there some other circuits I should look at before I drop $350 on a new alternator? Is a repalcement AC Delco unit the best choice, or should I look at another brand?
I have a new audio system which can suck up to 60A peaks so I figured I might get the 145A AC-Delco instead of the stock 110A. Any comments?
Appreciate the feedback
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Take it to a major autoparts store....they will run a fress charging system diagnostic in less than 5 minutes with the battery in place.
If it is the alternator, you can buy a new alternator from them for $168 and swap it out yourself.
Just unplug the connector, loosen a couple bolts , and put the new one in place. the tensioner is automatic... its a 10 minute job max.
If it is the alternator, you can buy a new alternator from them for $168 and swap it out yourself.
Just unplug the connector, loosen a couple bolts , and put the new one in place. the tensioner is automatic... its a 10 minute job max.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 276
Likes: 1
Had the same problem on my 03 the message would appear then clear itself, the dealer could never find a problem. As it was under warranty at the time the dealer replaced the ignition switch. No problem from that time. From other posts on this form it is a good bet that it is a ground problem somewhere.
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
having the same problem
i purchased a new a 2004 corvette conv.-6spd-(2-15-04) i have 2031 miles and for the last month i've experienced the display of "charge system fault" when i would start up (only time it displays message) 3 out 10 times i see that other corvette owners have the same problem--is there a fix to this or are we going to have a recall-- the dealership is aware of problem without any solution
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 348
Likes: 8
From: CT
Try checking the connection at the alt. before you do anything else.
Next I'd check all the grounds by disconnecting them and cleaning them. A simple wiggle test won't work, clean them.
Also, how old is your battery? I've seen some strange things happen in these cars when the battery is headed south.
Next I'd check all the grounds by disconnecting them and cleaning them. A simple wiggle test won't work, clean them.
Also, how old is your battery? I've seen some strange things happen in these cars when the battery is headed south.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Chandler AZ
Charge fault - 10V, 9V, 8V, Dead!!
Well, after months of having no more issues, yesterday I took the car our on CA Hwy 1. 2 hours in to my drive, half way between Carmel and Big Sur, I got a 'Service ABS' message. This was followed a few minutes later by a 'Service Stability control' message. I decided to turn around and head home. Then came the 'Charge System Fault' message again, after which I got to watch the voltage count down - 9.8V, 9.6V.... 8V. Then the guages stopped working. I was still on Hwy 1 in the middle of nowhere. The engine was still going but started choking going up the hill - the fuel pump had stopped. I pulled over, no cell coverage! Luckily someone else pulled up and drove me to a store. The AAA towed the car and it is now in the Chevy Dealer in Seaside waiting to be diagnosed.
I'm thinking this points more to the Grounding issue as apposed to the alternator as I don't see why the other modules would have flagger errors first.
I'm thinking this points more to the Grounding issue as apposed to the alternator as I don't see why the other modules would have flagger errors first.
