Charge System Fault
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 200
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From: Falls Church Virginia
Charge System Fault
Hello all, I'm new to the C5s just bought a 03 to go with my 75 and I have gotten a message twice now from the message center, right when I frist start the car. I says Charge System Fault then goes out. It frist happened a few weeks ago then just this morning. AMP shows 13.9on the charge. I'm going to run the codes this afternoon. Any one have any ideas or know whats going on? Any ideas would be nice, thanks.
sgm2004
sgm2004
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Getting a charge system fault is not uncommon. I have an 02 Z06 and have seen that message a few times also. If it appears and then goes away and you have normal voltage readings, I would not worry about it. If it comes on and stays on, or you see a very low charging voltage, then its time to worry!
Like it was stated above, a low charged or old battery may cause it to flash momentarily. Have the battery checked out at AutoZone.
Check the voltage directly at the battery while the engine is running. It will normally be higher than the readings on the dash and on the DIC.
What type of battery do you have?? How old is it?
C5 battery terminals have a tendency to loosen. Make sure the terminals are clean and tight. Torque the battery terminal bolts to 11 ft/lbs for a proper connection.
BC
Like it was stated above, a low charged or old battery may cause it to flash momentarily. Have the battery checked out at AutoZone. Check the voltage directly at the battery while the engine is running. It will normally be higher than the readings on the dash and on the DIC.
What type of battery do you have?? How old is it?
C5 battery terminals have a tendency to loosen. Make sure the terminals are clean and tight. Torque the battery terminal bolts to 11 ft/lbs for a proper connection.
BC
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Aug 14, 2007 at 05:29 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
The first and only time I ever saw that message on my '99's DIC was minutes before the positive battery post fell off and started dumping acid. Fortunately I had the hood open when it happened and ran for the baking soda, then got that battery of there and into a plastic container.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,335
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From: Buckeye Country OH
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08
Mine has done it 2 or 3 times at startup and it went away. My battery is next to new. I don't really worry about it. Interesting enough, when I had my '98 for 4 years I went through mild battery issues, never showed up once the whole time I owned it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 200
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From: Falls Church Virginia
Thanks for the info I belive my battery is the original and your right they do lose their punch. I will check the terminals and the battery it self. I should have checked the treads on the subject there are quite a few. Anyone have or looked at those high speed expensive deep charge batterys? I'm thinking of one of those as a replacement? Thanks again for the information.
sgm2004
sgm2004
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 200
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From: Falls Church Virginia
Thanks again ALCON, did check battery and yes it is weak. Putting slow charge on it now and charging up. Again guys & ladies any one ever check out or use deep charge red top battery? Will keep you up to date thanks again.
sgm2004
sgm2004
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
"ALCON"
Thanks for serving! I have an OPTIMA RED TOP and its a good but VERY expensive battery. The OPTIMA deep cycle battery your refering to is a YELLOW TOP. My next battery will be a standard AGM battery. Or a wallmart special.
BC
BC
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 200
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From: Falls Church Virginia
Thanks BC yes Military will be 31 years on the 23rd of Aug. Thanks for the information about the battery. Charge seemed to work sofar just watching the gauge still holding at 13.9. Got a traction control code 1288 driving me nuts. I know what it is the steering sensor curcit. Going to run through treads see what I can find out. Thanks again and thanks for your support.
sgm2004
sgm2004