1998 C5 Help (Charging System Fault)
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From: Ohio
1998 C5 Help (Charging System Fault)
So I had a feeling something was going on with my alternator, when I would drive I would get the Charging System Fault. Which then would turn my steering very stiff, battery volts would go from mid 12s - 13s down to like 8, 9.. Also my coolant temp gets hot really quick when this would happen. Coolant sprayed in engine bay once when the coolant got overheated. I just put in a new alternator. When I started the car up it’s squealing loud. And my battery volts wouldn’t get past 9.. I noticed my harmonic balancer was wobbling too and the damn bolt was Hand Loose. So I tightened it back down. What are y’alls thoughts on this issue of mine? I’m def replacing the balancer tomorrow, any recommendations? What’s going on with the alternator or is it the power steering, could be that pulley??
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Definitely this should have been looked at first before touching the alternator. There's a good chance your alternator was fine. I hope you didn't turn it in as core, but if you did, could you still get it back? I don't know if you are aware of the issues regarding replacement alternators... Plenty of horror stories. Search the forum.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Wisconsin
Definitely this should have been looked at first before touching the alternator. There's a good chance your alternator was fine. I hope you didn't turn it in as core, but if you did, could you still get it back? I don't know if you are aware of the issues regarding replacement alternators... Plenty of horror stories. Search the forum.If you have little car skills you should have asked someone that knows a little instead of throwing parts at it..