HELP! Low Voltage/Charging Issue
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
HELP! Low Voltage/Charging Issue
I know there is alot of threads on this topic but I still can't find an answer!
Every time I start my car I get a 'Charging System Fault' code on my DIC. I replaced the alternator, and I am also running an optima red top. Both the battery and the alternator are a couple months old.
At warm up I am lucky to get 13vlts, but when I am cruising I am lucky to get 12.5. My car goes crazy from it. I get service traction control, service active handling, sometimes I get service ABS and ofcourse I get the 'Charging System Fault' code.
What am I doing wrong here?
Thanks for the help!
Every time I start my car I get a 'Charging System Fault' code on my DIC. I replaced the alternator, and I am also running an optima red top. Both the battery and the alternator are a couple months old.
At warm up I am lucky to get 13vlts, but when I am cruising I am lucky to get 12.5. My car goes crazy from it. I get service traction control, service active handling, sometimes I get service ABS and ofcourse I get the 'Charging System Fault' code.
What am I doing wrong here?
Thanks for the help!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 67
From: Bahama North Carolina
I know there is alot of threads on this topic but I still can't find an answer!
Every time I start my car I get a 'Charging System Fault' code on my DIC. I replaced the alternator, and I am also running an optima red top. Both the battery and the alternator are a couple months old.
At warm up I am lucky to get 13vlts, but when I am cruising I am lucky to get 12.5. My car goes crazy from it. I get service traction control, service active handling, sometimes I get service ABS and ofcourse I get the 'Charging System Fault' code.
What am I doing wrong here?
Thanks for the help!
Every time I start my car I get a 'Charging System Fault' code on my DIC. I replaced the alternator, and I am also running an optima red top. Both the battery and the alternator are a couple months old.
At warm up I am lucky to get 13vlts, but when I am cruising I am lucky to get 12.5. My car goes crazy from it. I get service traction control, service active handling, sometimes I get service ABS and ofcourse I get the 'Charging System Fault' code.
What am I doing wrong here?
Thanks for the help!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Connedct a jumper wire from the POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL to the connection on the BACK of the alternator and see if that resolves your issue.
If it does, the wire between the ALT and BAT is compromised. Check the starter solenoid for poor connections on the main terminal...
BC
If it does, the wire between the ALT and BAT is compromised. Check the starter solenoid for poor connections on the main terminal...
BC
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Connedct a jumper wire from the POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL to the connection on the BACK of the alternator and see if that resolves your issue.
If it does, the wire between the ALT and BAT is compromised. Check the starter solenoid for poor connections on the main terminal...
BC
If it does, the wire between the ALT and BAT is compromised. Check the starter solenoid for poor connections on the main terminal...
BC
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
I just added a heavy jumper wire to mine in hopes it might get around the "Charging System Fault". Since I installed this last alternator yesterday and this is the first time I have seen this message in 13 years, I am assuming it is the wrong alternator.
My question is, it shows to be putting out 11.6 Volts consistently today (yesterday after the install I was getting 14V through 3 restarts and no faults). Am I safe to drive the car a few miles to get yet a 3rd replacement to try or will the car die on the way (this is my only car).
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
Another question. I am attaching a photo of my original Valeo Alternator. I have a 2001 Automatic. Can you tell from the photo what the Amp output is? O'Reilleys keeps showing 110 Amp - is that right?
Also where is the best place to get a good price on a NEW Valeo replacement?
Also where is the best place to get a good price on a NEW Valeo replacement?
Last edited by Choreo; Aug 29, 2013 at 11:43 PM.
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