HELP! Low Voltage/Charging Issue

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Aug 27, 2013 | 02:01 PM

408ci_C5

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Heel & Toe

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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!

Aug 27, 2013 | 02:23 PM

BigGun

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,596

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From: Bahama North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by 408ci_C5

Could be wrong alternator for the car. Some year Vettes are extremely picky about the alternator you use and these are the symptoms you will see. What year is your car.

Aug 27, 2013 | 03:53 PM

Bill Curlee

Tech Contributor

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 32,910

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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

Aug 27, 2013 | 10:22 PM

408ci_C5

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Curlee

I know it sounds dumb but should the wire be pretty hefty?

Aug 27, 2013 | 10:27 PM

408ci_C5

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Mar 2013

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Quote:

Originally Posted by BigGun

Could be wrong alternator for the car. Some year Vettes are extremely picky about the alternator you use and these are the symptoms you will see. What year is your car.

Car is a '98. I bought the alternator from the dealer according to my VIN.

Aug 27, 2013 | 10:47 PM

Bill Curlee

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

A 10 or 12 ga wire will work. I just use one side of a jumper cable and clamp it on.

BC

Aug 29, 2013 | 11:10 PM

Choreo

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 6,774

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From: Midland TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Curlee

A 10 or 12 ga wire will work. I just use one side of a jumper cable and clamp it on.

BC

I am butting in here (have another thread here... http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ting-bolt.html)

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).

Aug 29, 2013 | 11:26 PM

Choreo

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 6,774

Likes: 361

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?