Hey guys last time I posted here I got some awesome advice so I am hoping you can help me out again.
I have a 2000 c5 and recently have been having an issue with a low voltage message.
First time it happened I turned on the car like normal made it around the corner and the car turned off completely, I tried to start it and it would turn over but not start completely until I pressed the gas at the same time, message appeared on dash saying LOW VOLTAGE
I thought it was the alternator even though I DID NOT have a charging system fault message, I went ahead and changed the alternator.
Even with the new alternator it happened a second time I started the car like normal and made it to the corner and same thing it turned off on me and displayed LOW VOLTAGE it started back up only as I stepped on the gas and had the revs high. I made it home and let the car idle to see if it would turn off but it did not.
Also possibly related since it recently started happening, ill insert the key (not start) and everything lights up normal but then all the lights just turn off as if no power, if I reset the key they come back on like normal.
In summary:
Car will start normal
Stalls out
turns over but won't start
LOW VOLTAGE
New alternator put in but same issues

 

Not a good idea to fire the “parts canon” without doing some diagnostics first...can get expensive !!...concerning the alternator it’s best to have your OEM alternator rebuilt instead of going to an aftermarket...there are some stickies on alternators in the Tech section up top...concerning your other concern it sounds like a bad ignition switch...select “voltage” on the DIC try turning the key on and see what the voltage reads...it will read about .5 volts lower than your battery...if your reading 7 or 8 volts instead of 12.6 of a fully charged battery cycle the key rapidly on and off a dozen times (to remove any surface oxidation on the switch contacts)and then check the voltage and try to start the car...when I had issues with my switch a few years back I was seeing 8 volts and I knew it was the switch...you can try that !!

 

Also, if you have one, try a second key to see if you get the same result. I had start problems with mine several years ago. Cleaned my key and squirted CRC MAF Sensor Cleaner in the key hole and no more start problems. Now I do this 'ignition cleaning' at least 2 times a year. Hope it works for you.

 

Likely suspects are the ignition switch or a bad battery connection. Check the connections for both battery cables at every end. Try rotating the "tight" battery ends to make sure they are tight and the bolts did not bottom out instead.

 

If you can see it, what's your battery voltage reading at? I don't have the 'low voltage' signal on my DIC but my battery voltage never exceeds 12.6V. I idle around 12.1-12.3V - had my battery inspected at Autozone yesterday and they said my battery is still good. I also suspect it could be the alternator but nothing confirmed right now.

 

If you are having issues with your car can you open a new thread ??...having two separate issues going on makes it confusing when responding !!...thanks !!

 

If you have a DVOM and know how to use it I would first do a voltage drop check on the charging system before changing an alternator !!...if you don’t know how let us know !!...12.1 to 12.3 is way to low...if your using the DIC to read these numbers the DIC voltage is about .5 volts lower than the actual battery.

 

Fair enough I think when it becomes a bigger problem, I'll do more research before opening a new thread. I was curious if OP has a similar issue as mine, though right now my car still starts up without any issues... for now.

 

It was the switch thank you boss 👍

 

Ended up being the switch