Service Charging System
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,790
Likes: 29
From: STL MO
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
Thanks for the info on the pulley! I panicked on the 25% and went with an ATI 10%.
Gateway closing is very unfortunate, I sure hope something happens with the Mid America Raceway!
Also, there is going to be a mile competition here next year out at Spirit airport near Chesterfield, I am told they are going to run every month!
Happy Thanksgiving Joe and to the rest of the Corvette Forum community!
John
Gateway closing is very unfortunate, I sure hope something happens with the Mid America Raceway!
Also, there is going to be a mile competition here next year out at Spirit airport near Chesterfield, I am told they are going to run every month!
Happy Thanksgiving Joe and to the rest of the Corvette Forum community!
John
Hey John,
I think it's the SLP underdrive that just about everyone uses. It was an off the shelf item.
On a separate note, to my hometown buddy, sorry to hear Gateway closing, but check this out - they are trying to re-open a new Mid-America Raceway! I still have 2 MAR trophies and a couple of treasured "where history drags on" MAR t-shirts. I hope it comes to pass!
http://www.marpark.net/
I think it's the SLP underdrive that just about everyone uses. It was an off the shelf item.
On a separate note, to my hometown buddy, sorry to hear Gateway closing, but check this out - they are trying to re-open a new Mid-America Raceway! I still have 2 MAR trophies and a couple of treasured "where history drags on" MAR t-shirts. I hope it comes to pass!
http://www.marpark.net/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
St. Jude Donor '10
Just an update. The car's been parked since my last posting here....just too busy traveling for work to fix it.
Finally got a day to swap plugs. Swapped from TR6's to TR7's (NGK BR7FE's, or w/e they're called.) w/ .037 gap. Seemed to fix it.
Then got the Service Charging System message again as the voltage dropped to below 11.5 from 14.4.
Did NOT change the wires though. Think that would help? Trying NOT to swap the alternator just yet if possible.
Finally got a day to swap plugs. Swapped from TR6's to TR7's (NGK BR7FE's, or w/e they're called.) w/ .037 gap. Seemed to fix it.
Then got the Service Charging System message again as the voltage dropped to below 11.5 from 14.4.
Did NOT change the wires though. Think that would help? Trying NOT to swap the alternator just yet if possible.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,391
Likes: 23
From: Santa Barbara CA
Almost the same issue I'm having. Same issue at the alternator post, except when I checked it, the boot just crumbled away. Meaning that the alternator has been cooking it for some time. But I did have the same issue with the nut being loose and the connection being bad.
After tightening it (repeatedly) over the last couple weeks, having the voltage jump back to normal, only to start dying again once the car heats up, the bearing has started to audibly fail. For me, the main problem is my voltage regulator is burnt up.
The alternator GM puts on the C6 is juuuuuuust enough to get by the extra 15% requirement of a stock car. Our supercharged monsters tax the alternator far more than it was intended with more active fans and pump boosters
Though having been gone a number of weeks, I'd missed the posting about the plugs and the friggin' horn circuit. Jeez.
Unfortunately for me, mine is past any easy fix. Now I'm just looking for 180-200 Amp options...
After tightening it (repeatedly) over the last couple weeks, having the voltage jump back to normal, only to start dying again once the car heats up, the bearing has started to audibly fail. For me, the main problem is my voltage regulator is burnt up.
The alternator GM puts on the C6 is juuuuuuust enough to get by the extra 15% requirement of a stock car. Our supercharged monsters tax the alternator far more than it was intended with more active fans and pump boosters
Though having been gone a number of weeks, I'd missed the posting about the plugs and the friggin' horn circuit. Jeez.
Unfortunately for me, mine is past any easy fix. Now I'm just looking for 180-200 Amp options...
Kinda sounds to me that the poor connection at the starter was causing the alternator to over-charge. I think the damaged boot is a sign of that. I'm thinking you need a new alternator, and maybe a starter if that terminal keeps backing off.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Just an update. The car's been parked since my last posting here....just too busy traveling for work to fix it.
Finally got a day to swap plugs. Swapped from TR6's to TR7's (NGK BR7FE's, or w/e they're called.) w/ .037 gap. Seemed to fix it.
Then got the Service Charging System message again as the voltage dropped to below 11.5 from 14.4.
Did NOT change the wires though. Think that would help? Trying NOT to swap the alternator just yet if possible.
Finally got a day to swap plugs. Swapped from TR6's to TR7's (NGK BR7FE's, or w/e they're called.) w/ .037 gap. Seemed to fix it.
Then got the Service Charging System message again as the voltage dropped to below 11.5 from 14.4.
Did NOT change the wires though. Think that would help? Trying NOT to swap the alternator just yet if possible.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
St. Jude Donor '10
Thanks for the suggestions. I do happen to have a brand new alternator and bracket standing by. Just thought I'd try the plugs first...hadn't checked the starter yet though. Will do that next.
...and it's faaaaaaar from stock.
...and it's faaaaaaar from stock.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 534
Likes: 33
From: Southern cali
My corvette recently exhibited the dreaded "service charging system" warning -- at first the voltage would drop and rise back up at random... until it finally stopped and held at below 11v.
Looking over the numerous posts on Corvette Forum, I checked and cleaned the battery connections, inspected the start connections and finally narrowed it down to the alternator.
I found a new alternator for about $200 after a lot of searching that had the added benefits of putting out about 180 Amp... and I litterly had it installed in five minutes with a 15mm socket and a 1/2 inch open ended wrench. Dealer quoted me $850 to perform this job. Do not be afraid to replace the alternator -- it is really an easy job.
Fired up the vette and the problem appears to be gone. An inspection of the remove alternator i could hear what sounds like the internal fins hitting or rubbing inside. I am going to have it checked and if necessary have it rebuilt.
Looking over the numerous posts on Corvette Forum, I checked and cleaned the battery connections, inspected the start connections and finally narrowed it down to the alternator.
I found a new alternator for about $200 after a lot of searching that had the added benefits of putting out about 180 Amp... and I litterly had it installed in five minutes with a 15mm socket and a 1/2 inch open ended wrench. Dealer quoted me $850 to perform this job. Do not be afraid to replace the alternator -- it is really an easy job.
Fired up the vette and the problem appears to be gone. An inspection of the remove alternator i could hear what sounds like the internal fins hitting or rubbing inside. I am going to have it checked and if necessary have it rebuilt.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 8,228
Likes: 1
From: WLA/WEHO CA
Great post guys way to stay focused on the issue and possible fixes, I'm have the same issue with my "Service Charging System" flashing from the DIC randomly. I have no voltage issue, I will check all the possibilities mentioned here. I'd hate to take it to the dealer and leave it for days as receive a fat bill on top of it. Thanks
Last edited by Cloaked323; Mar 15, 2011 at 09:47 AM.
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