Seems like its fixed!!! 
Service Charging System
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I did change them this morning and naturally as luck would have it, I trashed a plug wire in the process. Got a new one and away I went. I haven't seen any issue since then although now I'm way out here at work, 60 miles away with it. It'll be fine tonight since its much cooler here near the ocean. Tomorrow, I should be able to make a determination if there is still a problem or not.
Thanks for all the help so far with this, its greatly appreciated.
Thanks for all the help so far with this, its greatly appreciated.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Update for Wednesday; It was fine this morning in 102 degree heat outside. Started and stopped several times with no problems so far. At this point, will proceed into the weekend and so on before possibly taking it to the dealer, in hopes that it won't become necessary. I'm going to feel really stupid, having spent a small fortune on a battery and alternator(s) all because I changed the plugs....if this was the cause.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix AZ
Update for Wednesday; It was fine this morning in 102 degree heat outside. Started and stopped several times with no problems so far. At this point, will proceed into the weekend and so on before possibly taking it to the dealer, in hopes that it won't become necessary. I'm going to feel really stupid, having spent a small fortune on a battery and alternator(s) all because I changed the plugs....if this was the cause.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Friday now and still no more problems. When it starts, the regulator is turning on as I can see it happening on the analog display. So far, seems to be working. I'll call this a good fix if nothing happens in the next couple of days. Got to say, the plugs are way out in left field as a possible cause of a charging issue but so far, so good. I'll keep the updates coming till we're sure and done. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 793
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton Illinois
As to the plugs causing the problem, at least for me, I have the original plugs from the time I bought the car. And, for what it is worth, as I said earlier, for some reason, the problem has vanished. I do notice, however, that with the ac on, and at idle, the voltage does seem to fluctuate between a low on 11.8 up to 14.4. Even when it is showing a slight discharge, say 12.4, I am not getting the service charging system on. Is it normal for the voltage to occasionally drop, however briefly, to these levels?
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
When I took notice was when I had a service charge system message and since then, I am paying close attention to it. It appears that when its working normally, when starting up, the analog gauge will sweep ful scale which is normal, then drop to a low level around 12vdc or so, then immediately pop up which is apparently when the regulator is being commanded on. If you aren't seeing this pop up, then I would suggest you take a look at those plugs if you didn't buy your car new. BTW, GM has replaced the 41-985's now too with 41-110 or 101...can't remember which this second. I started getting the problems after putting in the NGK Laser Cut plugs.
If this totally solves my issues, it'll be something we'll all need to remember for all of us as everyone will eventually be replacing their plugs at some point and this is bound to happen again...again, "IF" its the cause.
If this totally solves my issues, it'll be something we'll all need to remember for all of us as everyone will eventually be replacing their plugs at some point and this is bound to happen again...again, "IF" its the cause.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
From: Seattle Wash.
I'm glad your car is charging properly now. 
I would love to know how components in the ignition system could affect the charging system. I know that most new cars have complex electrical systems with on board CPU's, but I'm still curious on how the 2 systems interact with each other to the point of giving you a false/positive on a charging system issue. What you went through on fixing this is one that I won't forget. Anyways, glad that is seems to have all worked out. 
I would love to know how components in the ignition system could affect the charging system. I know that most new cars have complex electrical systems with on board CPU's, but I'm still curious on how the 2 systems interact with each other to the point of giving you a false/positive on a charging system issue. What you went through on fixing this is one that I won't forget. Anyways, glad that is seems to have all worked out.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
