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I have a 2003 C5 fully stock and it started having power issues a few days ago, i changed the battery (it needed one for sure cause it was the original battery) and i noticed i was only getting 12.6V at idle, i figured the alternator was bad because that was original as well, but even with a new alternator and battery i still sit between 12.1 and 12.6V when idle. Its as if my alternator isnt even there, if i rev my alternator pushes it to about 13V but while driving i hover about 12.7-13.1V
The last thing i think it could be is the fuseable link between the starter and alternator however i dont know where thats located, does anyone have an image of where its at? Would be super appreciated i havent seen any videos or anything on it, if theres a way to get to it without lifting the car that would be perfect as im out of state and dont have access to a lot of tools, only have a basic toolkit and my jack is rusted out
I’d first make sure your battery terminals are clean and tight…you should replace both battery lugs when replacing the battery…if you have a DVOM you can check the alternator output at its B+ terminal…link is above the starter solenoid so you’re SOL !!…with a DVOM it would be a good idea to do a voltage drop check on the positive and negative side of the charging circuit.
I’d first make sure your battery terminals are clean and tight…you should replace both battery lugs when replacing the battery…if you have a DVOM you can check the alternator output at its B+ terminal…link is above the starter solenoid so you’re SOL !!…with a DVOM it would be a good idea to do a voltage drop check on the positive and negative side of the charging circuit.
This helps alot, im out of state right now so i guess i gotta keep jump starting it till i get back home to lift and repair.
im almost certain its either a bad connection or a short near the starter or burnt out links. Is it possible to replace the cable from starter to alternator with a more modern fuse cable?
Well I guess the C5 cable wasn’t designed that way back then with a fuse but as long as you use a good quality copper wire with tinned lugs you should be good…there just may be a loose connection or corrosion down there or you have to check the alternator output with a DVOM to see why it’s not charging…I’d also check that battery !!
Well I guess the C5 cable wasn’t designed that way back then with a fuse but as long as you use a good quality copper wire with tinned lugs you should be good…there just may be a loose connection or corrosion down there or you have to check the alternator output with a DVOM to see why it’s not charging…I’d also check that battery !!
i got a new alternator and battery both tested off the car before install so theyre known good, definatly a connection or wire issue but i wont know till i get under the car an look, everything up top is tight and not corroded
C5 dying after a few hours
