another service charging system thread
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Havertown PA
another service charging system thread
I read through all of the SCS threads and was suprised that none of them mentioned what has to be the most common cause of this.
The alternator wire runs accross the top of the motor and down the firewall directly to the starter where it is connected on the starter stud with the battery wire. If this connection gets corroded which it often does since its about 6 inches off the ground and exposed to water and road debris it will set off the SCS light and prevent charging. I have experienced this twice now. Once it was just loose then it was corroded green.
In other words the alternator is not connected directly to the battery, they are both connected to the positive stud on the starter, so if that connection goes bad no charging will occur.
I would suggest that everyone take this connection off and clean it and put some battery spray on it as preventative maintnance. The starter ground right next to it should be cleaned also.
BE SURE TO REMOVE THE BATTERY POSITIVE ON THE BATTERY BEFORE TAKING IT OFF THE STARTER, UNLESS YOU NEED SOME WELDING DONE DOWN THERE.
The alternator wire runs accross the top of the motor and down the firewall directly to the starter where it is connected on the starter stud with the battery wire. If this connection gets corroded which it often does since its about 6 inches off the ground and exposed to water and road debris it will set off the SCS light and prevent charging. I have experienced this twice now. Once it was just loose then it was corroded green.
In other words the alternator is not connected directly to the battery, they are both connected to the positive stud on the starter, so if that connection goes bad no charging will occur.
I would suggest that everyone take this connection off and clean it and put some battery spray on it as preventative maintnance. The starter ground right next to it should be cleaned also.
BE SURE TO REMOVE THE BATTERY POSITIVE ON THE BATTERY BEFORE TAKING IT OFF THE STARTER, UNLESS YOU NEED SOME WELDING DONE DOWN THERE.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 78
From: Miami FL
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16,'17,'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
Thanx, I will inspect this area next time the C6 is on the lift for an oil change, or whatever.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,287
Likes: 1
From: Union City CA
I read through all of the SCS threads and was suprised that none of them mentioned what has to be the most common cause of this.
The alternator wire runs accross the top of the motor and down the firewall directly to the starter where it is connected on the starter stud with the battery wire. If this connection gets corroded which it often does since its about 6 inches off the ground and exposed to water and road debris it will set off the SCS light and prevent charging. I have experienced this twice now. Once it was just loose then it was corroded green.
In other words the alternator is not connected directly to the battery, they are both connected to the positive stud on the starter, so if that connection goes bad no charging will occur.
I would suggest that everyone take this connection off and clean it and put some battery spray on it as preventative maintnance. The starter ground right next to it should be cleaned also.
BE SURE TO REMOVE THE BATTERY POSITIVE ON THE BATTERY BEFORE TAKING IT OFF THE STARTER, UNLESS YOU NEED SOME WELDING DONE DOWN THERE.
The alternator wire runs accross the top of the motor and down the firewall directly to the starter where it is connected on the starter stud with the battery wire. If this connection gets corroded which it often does since its about 6 inches off the ground and exposed to water and road debris it will set off the SCS light and prevent charging. I have experienced this twice now. Once it was just loose then it was corroded green.
In other words the alternator is not connected directly to the battery, they are both connected to the positive stud on the starter, so if that connection goes bad no charging will occur.
I would suggest that everyone take this connection off and clean it and put some battery spray on it as preventative maintnance. The starter ground right next to it should be cleaned also.
BE SURE TO REMOVE THE BATTERY POSITIVE ON THE BATTERY BEFORE TAKING IT OFF THE STARTER, UNLESS YOU NEED SOME WELDING DONE DOWN THERE.
Last edited by csun213; Oct 28, 2009 at 11:55 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Havertown PA
I have no cats on my car so my light is always on, but my service charging system prompt comes up if the voltage drops below 12 volts for an extended period.
I was also experiencing I would hit the start button and just get a click.
I would also sometimes get the column lock prompt.
This horrible conection can virtually cause any electrical problem and is usually cured with the turn of a wrench.
If your Vette is at a shop or the dealer I guarantee you are buying a new part. They are not going to say yeah I fixed it loose nut no charge. Or even 1 hour labor. They want to get paid they just fixed your Vette you can afford it.
I was also experiencing I would hit the start button and just get a click.
I would also sometimes get the column lock prompt.
This horrible conection can virtually cause any electrical problem and is usually cured with the turn of a wrench.
If your Vette is at a shop or the dealer I guarantee you are buying a new part. They are not going to say yeah I fixed it loose nut no charge. Or even 1 hour labor. They want to get paid they just fixed your Vette you can afford it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 58,551
Likes: 95
From: The warm part of Anger Island
St. Jude Donor '09
Well,this explains why I've been getting the same message on the DIC but all charging system tests show the alternator and battery are good. The dealer looked at the car a couple months ago when I had a drive shaft snap and all they said was that the corvette puts out just enough power, it fluctuates, to charge the battery but could not explain the fault. I've had no issues with starting the car or having it die on me but it's been driving my crazy.
thanks
thanks
