Charge System Fault Message
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Holy smokes.. Take that Autozone crew to LUNCH! Glad you were able to get the issue resolved and hopefully the feedback will get at least Autozone on the right track..
Bill
Bill
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Joined: Jul 2016
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In light of all the above activity my car has been running quite well however the inevitable happened this weekend. I took the vette out for a lengthy run and thought I did ok but when I checked the DIC error messages when I came home I encountered the ugly P1637 and P1638 messages in area 10.
The car ran well and I had no problems starting and the battery power indicates 13 volts consistently. I am wondering if I should be concerned or not as I have a trip to FL and Bowling Green planned with this vehicle.
What should I be looking for now or did I possible get a bad regulator?
Thanks
The car ran well and I had no problems starting and the battery power indicates 13 volts consistently. I am wondering if I should be concerned or not as I have a trip to FL and Bowling Green planned with this vehicle.
What should I be looking for now or did I possible get a bad regulator?
Thanks
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
Use a volt meter and read the battery terminals with the engine running. If you are in the 13.5 - 14.7 vdc range, I wouldn't worry too much about it.
You do know that the volt meter in the car (analog & digital) do NOT represent actual battery voltage or charging voltage.. They just tell you the output voltage from the ignition switch!
Bill
You do know that the volt meter in the car (analog & digital) do NOT represent actual battery voltage or charging voltage.. They just tell you the output voltage from the ignition switch!
Bill
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2019
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Charge system fault message --- Need advice please: my C-5 2004 is at the dealer right now and quit while I was on the I-5 freeway in 105 degree heat yesterday. I would have guessed it is the alternator but the dealer has asked for more time to search out the issue; The mechanic thinks it is a fuel issue. Battery checks out OK, Car started for a few seconds but just barely ran and very rough. Got this message once before weeks ago but car ran perfectly ever since. Under 47K miles on the car.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2019
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Update: Chevy dealer determined that it is a bad fuel pump. (Not sure why the message popped up saying "charging system fault" even though it did seem as though the car was running out of fuel as it sputtered to a stop on the Interstate.) Estimated cost to repair is $ 2,262 labor (13 hours). Part cost is just under $ 500 in addition to the labor. It sounds high. My concern in addition to the cost is that it may not actually be the problem. Any thoughts to share?
Steve
Steve
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
HOW MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!???????????????? ??????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!???????????? ????? Holy SHI# Called Autozone and that sending unit/pump is listed for $269. Boy, they are *padding that bill..
Bill
Bill
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2019
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I agree. It is what it is. Trouble is that the car is at a dealer over 120 miles away; towing it to my local shop plus diagnosing and repair would amount to about the same overall cost. It has been a great car with this being the first major repair issue. If it was here near home, friends and I could do the work ourselves and buy the fuel pump at 1/2 the cost. Really appreciate your reply, Bill. All the best... Steve
