Well...did a lot of maintenance stuff and installed a new battery - Optima Red Top - to replace my 9-year old OEM Delco battery (got my money out of that guy).

Problem; I now get a Charge Fault mesage on the DIC. Not sure if the Optima battery is causing this or what. Any ideas?

Appreciate your time.

 

Was the battery pre-charged before the install?

 

Sure wouldn't think so, unless the Optima is really bad right out of the box (I'm on my 3rd in 4 years, but no instant initial failures).

Which code are you getting - PO562?

Always look for the simple things first. That would be the connections, both at the battery and at the starter and ground connections that you may have tugged during the install. The connection at the starter is notorious for loosening and making the charge voltage wander all over.
1. what is battery voltage just sitting? 12-12.5?
2. Check the same voltage at the alternator terminal and a ground on the frame near the alternator - this will check the condition of the cable connections. 12-12.5?
3. what is the dash gauge voltage when you turn the key on before cranking? 11.5-12?
4. what is the dash voltage after the car is running? 13-14.5?

If all these are good, always try the reboot test - unhook the battery for a minute and reconnect. Sometimes the computer gets confused.

We once had an Optima with a bad connection where the strap goes down from the top post down to the side post. Prety rare though.

DG

 

As mentioned, you need at least 12.5vdc with the ignition off for things to work. There are cases where you might get a new but bad battery....it happens. Before going there though, make sure your battery cables are clean and properly tightened. Also, at the starter solenoid is where the battery cable ties into the rest of the car. You need to make sure it is clean and tight as well, without forgetting that its electrically hot down there.