CHARGE FAULT on the dic...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,341
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From: Dix Hills, NY
CHARGE FAULT on the dic...
I was moving my car from my driveway into my garage and the dic said "CHARGE FAULT". What does this mean? Do I need to replace my battery? Can I take the car on the road without fear of getting stranded? Thx.
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Re: CHARGE FAULT on the dic... (WildWolf)
Have hadthis happen several times once I needed the alternator changed but usually this is just a temporary thing when u start up I guess the alternator isnt putting out enough juice for a brief second. If it continues you should probably have it checked.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: St. Joseph MO
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Re: CHARGE FAULT on the dic... (pewter99)
Correct sir. Your computer monitors the amount of voltage output (from) and current needed (to) for the alternator to work properly in something like 30 second intervals I think. The main thing to watch is your actual battery voltage level on start-up and after running, should be no lower than 11.0 volts before startup and around 14.3 volts after startup
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
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Re: CHARGE FAULT on the dic... (WildWolf)
Has anyone noticed that if you turn the key to the on position,then wait a moment before starting,the gauges sweep the opposite direction???The volt gauge then takes a long time to register...Something to think about ;)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: CHARGE FAULT on the dic... (WildWolf)
WildWolf,
I also received "charge system fault" messages on my 1999 C5 coupe. They would appear when the car was started or when I released the parking brake and began to shift into gear (A4 transmission). The dealer technician was baffled and after several trips to the dealer, he called Chevrolet Technical Assistance.
Technical Assistance instructed the technician to inspect several ground locations on and near the starter. He found several locations where the nut was loose on a stud, and the stud was corroded. After cleaning and tightening the locations, I did not receive any more "charge system fault" messages.
The technician told me that Technical Assistance immediately knew what the problem was and that he felt that the nuts had been not tightened properly at the factory. My 1999 C5 coupe was special ordered and purchased new, and was built in August 1998 after the infamous UAW work stoppage/strike.
Good luck.
1999 White C5 Coupe
I also received "charge system fault" messages on my 1999 C5 coupe. They would appear when the car was started or when I released the parking brake and began to shift into gear (A4 transmission). The dealer technician was baffled and after several trips to the dealer, he called Chevrolet Technical Assistance.
Technical Assistance instructed the technician to inspect several ground locations on and near the starter. He found several locations where the nut was loose on a stud, and the stud was corroded. After cleaning and tightening the locations, I did not receive any more "charge system fault" messages.
The technician told me that Technical Assistance immediately knew what the problem was and that he felt that the nuts had been not tightened properly at the factory. My 1999 C5 coupe was special ordered and purchased new, and was built in August 1998 after the infamous UAW work stoppage/strike.
Good luck.
1999 White C5 Coupe
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
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From: Portland OR
Re: CHARGE FAULT on the dic... (WildWolf)
I was getting the "charging system fault" message on nearly a daily basis until I took my C5 in to the dealer. The mechanic called the factory and decided that they did not see the problem while in the shop and that they could not explain why I was seeing the DIC message. I asked if they checked for improperly tightened electrical connections and they said all checked out fine.
Guess what. I have not had the "charging system fault" message since and it has now been many months and over a thousand miles. My thought is that there was indeed a loose connection and when the mechanic checked for tightness he managed to make the proper connection but he did not realize that he fixed the problem. :rolleyes:
Guess what. I have not had the "charging system fault" message since and it has now been many months and over a thousand miles. My thought is that there was indeed a loose connection and when the mechanic checked for tightness he managed to make the proper connection but he did not realize that he fixed the problem. :rolleyes:
