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C5 "Charge System Fault"

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Old Feb 4, 2025 | 01:50 PM
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Default C5 "Charge System Fault"

Recently had an alternator go on me (bearings were fried) and it threw the "charge system fault" at me. So, I got a new alternator and battery (yellow top group 78) as it was time for a battery as well had been 5 years. But I am still receiving this code I did have a blown fuse for the horn and from what a read some people said this could be causing the issue so replaced that, checked all my grounds (all look good) .... but I am still getting this fault. Any ideas? Did I get a faulty alternator?
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Old Feb 4, 2025 | 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by SemDaMan
Recently had an alternator go on me (bearings were fried) and it threw the "charge system fault" at me. So, I got a new alternator and battery (yellow top group 78) as it was time for a battery as well had been 5 years. But I am still receiving this code I did have a blown fuse for the horn and from what a read some people said this could be causing the issue so replaced that, checked all my grounds (all look good) .... but I am still getting this fault. Any ideas? Did I get a faulty alternator?
No information in your profile what year / model C5 you have. How do you know for certain you have the correct alternator? They are not all the same for all years.
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Old Feb 4, 2025 | 02:32 PM
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You will need to get the proper voltage regulator listed below…the OEM Valeo alternators have a “soft start” feature where the alternator voltage increases slowly when first started…look in between the dashed lines and you can see the voltage increases slowly from 12 to 14.2 volts or so in about 1.5 seconds…this is what is giving you the “charge fault”…try EBay or other sources for your regulator…if you still have your old alternator core you can try using that one…most members just have theirs rebuilt at an alternator shop.


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Old Feb 4, 2025 | 06:57 PM
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There's also this about c5 alternators
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nd-issues.html
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Old Feb 5, 2025 | 10:41 AM
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Thanks for the help. It was that stupid regulator in the alternator I bought went and got proper one and she's purring with no fault
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Old Feb 5, 2025 | 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by SemDaMan
Thanks for the help. It was that stupid regulator in the alternator I bought went and got proper one and she's purring with no fault


Great news !!
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Old Feb 8, 2025 | 09:39 AM
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Old Feb 9, 2025 | 10:42 AM
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Here we go again! I think everyone should read Bill Curlee's electrical sticky. It can't hurt, and a lot of good, helpful info and facts. My memory isn't as good as it once was, so younger guys should definitely read it. My .02....
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Old Sep 12, 2025 | 09:07 AM
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Folks, quick question...I have a 2001 MN6 Coupe with 10246634 (Valeo) Alternator, was replaced with 19134272 AC Delco alternator by my local mechanic (which is supposed to be an acceptable part number, but is clearly not), and shows the charge system fault. I know now I should have just got the original remanufactured based on reading the threads. However, I'm now have sunk costs on a new alternator. Does anyone know if there is potential to just purchase the (correct) Valeo regulator and put on the Delco alternator? I don't know where the regulator is located, so not sure this is even a valid inquiry, but wanted to doublecheck before I go the reman route. Thanks for any guidance!
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Old Sep 12, 2025 | 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by JasonS
Folks, quick question...I have a 2001 MN6 Coupe with 10246634 (Valeo) Alternator, was replaced with 19134272 AC Delco alternator by my local mechanic (which is supposed to be an acceptable part number, but is clearly not), and shows the charge system fault. I know now I should have just got the original remanufactured based on reading the threads. However, I'm now have sunk costs on a new alternator. Does anyone know if there is potential to just purchase the (correct) Valeo regulator and put on the Delco alternator? I don't know where the regulator is located, so not sure this is even a valid inquiry, but wanted to doublecheck before I go the reman route. Thanks for any guidance!
Wait, why are you on the hook for figuring this out? The mechanic that specified the alternator should make this right.
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Old Sep 12, 2025 | 12:59 PM
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These alternators are a pain. You can and it's not too difficult, but I would go back and try to get a refund and get the correct one. It's probably around $40 for the regulator and you'd most likely have to order one. I made this mistake (as you can tell it's my thread) and returned my alternator twice before I got proper one.
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