C6 Tech/Performance LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

alternator or battery???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 5, 2012 | 08:44 PM
  #1  
REODAWG's Avatar
REODAWG
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: "Boston" Ma
Default alternator or battery???

2005 c6 alternator or battery my dash says check charging system what do you guys thinkis there a up grade alternator i should buy

Last edited by REODAWG; Apr 5, 2012 at 08:46 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2012 | 09:32 PM
  #2  
VET4LES's Avatar
VET4LES
Team Owner
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
Default

The first thing to check is the battery. The C6 is very hard on batteries and it's usually the cause of most electrical problems. Have it load tested. That's the only way to find out if it's good.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2012 | 12:25 AM
  #3  
C6topless's Avatar
C6topless
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 534
Likes: 33
From: Southern cali
Default

Next check your solinoid as this is the most common part to trigger that warning.

Make sure you inspect the terminals carefully as it is common to find them burnt or melt. If this is the problem, do not take it to the dealer as they will try and sell you a whole new starter and feed you a line of bull that the solinoid cannot be replaced. It can and I did it for under twenty dollars. Also this is a real easy fix for the Do It Yourself crowd... The starter is really easy to drop and reinstall.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2012 | 12:29 AM
  #4  
C6topless's Avatar
C6topless
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 534
Likes: 33
From: Southern cali
Default

Also if I remember my specs correctly, the stock alternator is about 120 amp or so... Barely meeting the overall needs of the Vette. I upgraded mine to a 180 just to be on the safe side. Also, do not take it in to a shop for a swap ... It is in such an easy spot you can have in off and on in under 10 min.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2012 | 01:54 AM
  #5  
marrow's Avatar
marrow
2nd Gear
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default

how to check variable valve timing [VVT]
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2012 | 03:49 PM
  #6  
TCW's Avatar
TCW
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime
Conversation Starter
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,455
Likes: 371
From: Maryville TN
St. Jude Donor '06-13,'16-'17, '19
Default

Originally Posted by marrow
how to check variable valve timing [VVT]
Say what??

Tom
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2012 | 04:06 PM
  #7  
eboggs_jkvl's Avatar
eboggs_jkvl
Moderator emeritus
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 18,599
Likes: 3,955
From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by TCW
Say what??

Tom

Sounds Toyotaish to me.

Elmer
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2012 | 07:39 PM
  #8  
C6topless's Avatar
C6topless
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 534
Likes: 33
From: Southern cali
Default

Originally Posted by marrow
how to check variable valve timing [VVT]
Ok to the best of my knowledge VVT is Most commonly found in Asian imports and a few euro cars. I think GM has a 6 cylinder model or two based on the VVT design.... But this is a corvette forum and the C6 corvette does not employ a 6 cylinder option.... I suggest you post in another forum and not hijack threads.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Apr 7, 2012 | 07:34 PM
  #9  
One Kick's Avatar
One Kick
Racer
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
Veteran: Army
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 420
Likes: 9
From: Bow New Hampshire
Default

Caddy v6 CTS has VVT, my 04 3.6 had it.
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2012 | 09:34 AM
  #10  
timd38's Avatar
timd38
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

Originally Posted by C6topless
Ok to the best of my knowledge VVT is Most commonly found in Asian imports and a few euro cars. I think GM has a 6 cylinder model or two based on the VVT design.... But this is a corvette forum and the C6 corvette does not employ a 6 cylinder option.... I suggest you post in another forum and not hijack threads.
Most Non Corvette LS motors have VVT.

Have no idea what that has to do with the charging system......
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2012 | 12:40 PM
  #11  
One Kick's Avatar
One Kick
Racer
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
Veteran: Army
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 420
Likes: 9
From: Bow New Hampshire
Default

Somehow the thread got changed from charging system to vvt, Just thought I would reply to the vvt portion. Is there a "standard" size alternator that they install in the vettes or is it model related, my 05 has a 110 watt alt, and I suspect it is horribly undersized due to the electronics in the car. I would guess that changing to a 145 or larger would solve some of the battery problems that people are having.
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2012 | 01:05 PM
  #12  
marrow's Avatar
marrow
2nd Gear
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default Alternator or battery

Originally Posted by REODAWG
2005 c6 alternator or battery my dash says check charging system what do you guys thinkis there a up grade alternator i should buy
no alternator no battery the problem with cables change it that is all
thanks
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2012 | 12:49 PM
  #13  
SG4206's Avatar
SG4206
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 510
Likes: 5
From: Pipe Creek TX
Default

Simple test - check voltage at battery not running. If at least 11.5 V ,then start engine check again - should be 13.5 - 14.5 V if the alternator is working OK.
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2012 | 05:58 PM
  #14  
musicman2's Avatar
musicman2
Instructor
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: Spring Lake Michigan
Default

Originally Posted by VET4LES
The first thing to check is the battery. The C6 is very hard on batteries and it's usually the cause of most electrical problems. Have it load tested. That's the only way to find out if it's good.
I just changed to a new battery----day later same thing--Check charging system----my volts are--13.9--14.2-----?????
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2012 | 06:22 PM
  #15  
VET4LES's Avatar
VET4LES
Team Owner
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
Default

I would check all the connections. Especially the battery cables.
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2012 | 03:04 PM
  #16  
NotaHondaRacing's Avatar
NotaHondaRacing
Intermediate
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Fairfield
Default

The problerm I had with my 2005 was the connection point at the starter solinoid. That is a junction point between the alternator and the battery. The positive cable from the battery is connected to the solinoid and there is another cable that runs from the solinoid to the alternator. I just bypassed the starter and ran a 4ga cable from the alternator (be sure to remove and tape up the old charge cable from the alternator) and the battery, that fixed my problem. My alternator and battery were both fine. This could be your problem.

Good luck.
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2012 | 07:42 PM
  #17  
fnsblum's Avatar
fnsblum
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 679
Likes: 4
From: TremontonUT UT
Default

If you plan to do your own electrical repairs you will need a multimeter. A $12 one from Harbor Freight will work fine for most folks. Later! Frank
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2015 | 10:27 PM
  #18  
tennblkc6's Avatar
tennblkc6
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,587
Likes: 70
From: Memphis Tn
Default

Originally Posted by NotaHondaRacing
The problerm I had with my 2005 was the connection point at the starter solinoid. That is a junction point between the alternator and the battery. The positive cable from the battery is connected to the solinoid and there is another cable that runs from the solinoid to the alternator. I just bypassed the starter and ran a 4ga cable from the alternator (be sure to remove and tape up the old charge cable from the alternator) and the battery, that fixed my problem. My alternator and battery were both fine. This could be your problem.

Good luck.
this could be my issue as well. I'm a little confused on the bypass can anyone elaborate on what he did and which connection on the starter solenoid actually goes to the alternator? and what is that little plug wire that's on the solenoid? I see those are for sale at the parts store chain when you look up the starter solenoid. do these normally go bad?
thanks
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2015 | 10:42 PM
  #19  
CA275236's Avatar
CA275236
2nd Gear
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by REODAWG
2005 c6 alternator or battery my dash says check charging system what do you guys thinkis there a up grade alternator i should buy
Believe it or not, one of the first checks is to see if your horn works. The same circuit which supplies alternator sensing voltage also powers the horns. For example, if one of the horns shorts it will blow the underhood 15A fuse and you will see exactly your condition. You then replace the fuse and all is well until you blow the horn which (because the horn is still shorted) blows the fuse again.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To alternator or battery???





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:59 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE