I recently replaced my factory 2001 z06 alternator with a 110 amp alternator from autozone that costs $196.99 - The charging system works fine, but I keep getting the DIC Code - CHARGE SYSTEM FAULT popup non stop while driving or sitting idle.

It will show this message for 2 or 3 seconds then return to the fuel range or battery volts, then repeat the process about 15-20 seconds later.

The model number is AC Deleco - 334-1280
Here is the link to it should you want to check the specs
https://www.autozone.com/batteries-s...386968_23521_0

I had both the battery and alternator tested and they both passed. When I start the car the battery is at 14.2 volts, when its not running with just the ignition turned on its at 12.0 to 12.1 volts. So eventhough I am getting this message after replacing the alternator the voltage seems to be holding.

I will upload two videos soon to show what is happening.

I had a bad voltage drain issue with my old alternator, but it never showed this message. The only thing I did was swap out the alternators. Then CHARGE SYSTEM FAULT starts popping up constantly. I'm wondering if this alternator is not compatible with my 2001 Z06, because I've never seen this message on my old one at all.

I will upload two new video links soon to better show what is happening.

 

I'm uploading a 6 minute video to show what is occuring.The last 30 seconds is the car itself. First 5:30 is checking connections and voltage drops of different stuff. The check engine light is 02 Sensors that just have to be recalibrated to be delayed so the car will pass emissions. This is due to the internal engine modifications and the exhaust system on the car itself. The car has had some work done to it, mostly internals as you can tell. One thing I want to point out is how the tone and general feel of the car changes overall when it reach the temp of 220. Just listen to the idle at 0.30-0.42, there is a noticable change. At that point the car just feels different. Until it reaches the warmup stage the car doesn't really feel right. It also wants to jerk and stall out when you first try to take off unless you give it time to warmup first, if it warms up it will drive like it should. I know it sounds funny, but I swear it feels different.The car is slow to react until it reaches the warmup temp of 220. You can clearly hear and see the car idle change in the sound and camera shaking at that point. 0.30-0.42 in video. The camera is resting ontop of the airbag. Its almost like the car finally wakes up when it reaches a warmup temp of 220.

This is the long version of the video 6 minutes


This is the short version of the video 1 minute

Please note:
The only thing added to the car recently was my 9006 6K LED kit and that brand new ac delco alternator. The charge system message was popping up when I still had factory bulbs in the car with the brand new alternator. The LED's were added after. Also the charge system fault message pops up way more often when driving than just sitting idle, but as you can see in the video the voltage is stable.

Should I be concerned something will get damaged by the charge system error or is the car okay and I just have to deal with the message coming up?
The voltage is charging the battery and the battery is stable at 14.2 or 13.9

 

I agree with 8VETTE7 in Post 2. Plenty of horror stories after replacing the alternator.

What makes this alternator so peculiar is that it is excited when its regulator receives a turn on signal of 10v at limited current provided by the PCM through the L wire. Not all regulators accept the turn on signal provided by the C5 PCM.

Another distinctive attribute described by Lionelhutz in this post:

Do you still have your original one? If yes, don't give it as core to the auto parts store. Keeping it allows you to have open options.

What happened to your old alternator? Did you have it tested?

 

The old alternator was returned as a core, but before doing that I had it tested. The old alternator failed voltage reg every single time I would turn the headlights on. It would pass every single time with the headlights off. I also had the battery load tested and it came back good.

 

Had the same issue with my 99 C5 It had a newer C5 higher amp alternator installed prior to my purchase. I got a low mileage used 110 Amp alternator from a 99 Corvette. ($110.00) That fixed it. If I'm not mistaken, a 2001 should be at higher amp Valeo brand. 145? vs. a 110.

 

This is for the earlier model but I think they also make the newer one. I am wonder if you can just get something like this to fix it

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VALEO-ALTER...AAAOSwMmBVlIrx

 

I was hoping there was a number on the plastic right in front if the plug connector. To search the internet to see if it has the right parts in the regulator.

M530
Voltage Regulator / Brush Holder Assembly.
12 Volt, B-Circuit, S-FR-L Terminals, 14.5 Volt set point
For :
Valeo 110A Alternators
Used On: 1997-2002 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7L (350) V8 , Fiat LCV - Europe (1999-2002)
Replaces: Valeo 593342, 9RC7109, 2541935B, 2546366C, 2546493C, 2542521B, 9RC7109 Unit Nos: GM 10246634, MAGNETON 9-517-186, VALEO A14VI21, VALEONEW 439217, VALEOTECH 2541926
Lester Number : 13721
Features : Transpo w/ 10K Ohm Resistor w/ External Sense 10 Sec LRC and Soft Start Active Lamp Choke Function No Overvoltage Indication and Loss of Sense Light Which Compliant to OE OE Compliant Soft Start Stator, Ignition, Light Activation, Stator, Ignition, Light Activation


M526
Voltage Regulator / Brush Holder Assy.
12 Volt, B-Circuit, S-FR-L-D Terminals, 14.8 Volt set point
For: Valeo Alternators
Used On: (2003-97) Chevrolet Corvette
Unit Nos: GM 10246634; Valeo, 2541916, 2542445A, A14VI21, A14VI39
Lester Nos: 13721, 13864
WAI Ref. Nos: 1-2079-11VA Note: 4-pin connector, but only S-FR-L used. Active lamp function - with output. With FR Resistor. With External Sense.

Both of these regulators are for a c5 but the M530 is for oe.
Bigdad

 

I didn't realize that I edited my previous post to add why the C5 alternator was so peculiar after you had replied.

The likely incompatibility, even though it was given to you as a replacement, is due to the regulator. At this point, since you no longer have the original alternator, your only recourse is probably to keep on replacing it until you find one that works, as other people have done.

The correct regulators were given to you by 8VETTE7 in Post 2 above.

 

Moved to C5 Tech.

 

Been said, many times on the Forum....do not turn in your alternator as a core.

 

Take it back get a refund and go to o'riely's if you have one near you.

I had same issue and O'riely's has an alternator that does not cause the charge system fault.

 

You should have not utilized your old alternator as a core. At the least you should of had it rebuilt locally.

Places like AutoZone, NAPA, O'Reilly's, etc, they will have the correct part # alternator for your car but it's typically a cross-over part that will work on a variety of GM (and otherwise) cars, not C5 Corvette-specific. There's nothing you can currently do with what you have on hand other than returning what you purchased and buying the correct alternator for your car (either from a vendor whom is selling the correct part or a Corvette recycler).

It's a hard lesson to learn but an issue that has been beaten to death for years now.

 

Sorry, but

 

So I just got off the phone with AC Delco Support and they said AC Delco 334-1280 will not work for my vehicle due to mismatch on the regulator module that sync's with the dic. They cross referenced the vehicles vin to find the right one. The correct part number is AC Delco 10316182

Apparently the re-man premium alternators will not work with z06's dic. Only the 10316182 oe will function properly. The lesson here is don't try to save a few bucks with a reman 334-1280, because it will not work on a z06's dic computer display. Only AC delco oe 10316182 will work with the 2001 z06 dic. I'm in the process of having a swap done and paying an addition 150 for the correct alternator. The original alternator itself was a valeo 110a alternator. My local chevy dealer wanted $754.21 for a new one when they cross referenced my vin. I never knew how expensive the old alternator was until I called them.

For others having the same issue, the best advice I can offer after experiencing this issue is goto ac delco official parts lookup and enter your vin to find the right match.

 

I used to have a similar problem on my car. voltage would fluctuate between 11 - 15 volts on dash and a charge system fault would appear. figured it was the alternator but this was not the case. I cleaned all my ground which did not help. ended up being the wire that run from the back of the alternator to the starter. post connections on the starter were slightly corroded and loose! check this wire!