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alternator or battery???

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Old Apr 5, 2012 | 08:44 PM
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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

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Old Apr 5, 2012 | 09:32 PM
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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.
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 12:25 AM
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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.
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 12:29 AM
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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.
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 01:54 AM
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how to check variable valve timing [VVT]
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 03:49 PM
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Originally Posted by marrow
how to check variable valve timing [VVT]
Say what??

Tom
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 04:06 PM
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Originally Posted by TCW
Say what??

Tom

Sounds Toyotaish to me.

Elmer
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 07:39 PM
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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.
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Old Apr 7, 2012 | 07:34 PM
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Caddy v6 CTS has VVT, my 04 3.6 had it.
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Old Apr 8, 2012 | 09:34 AM
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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......
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Old Apr 8, 2012 | 12:40 PM
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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.
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Old Apr 8, 2012 | 01:05 PM
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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
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Old Apr 9, 2012 | 12:49 PM
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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.
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Old Apr 9, 2012 | 05:58 PM
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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-----?????
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Old Apr 9, 2012 | 06:22 PM
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I would check all the connections. Especially the battery cables.
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Old Apr 10, 2012 | 03:04 PM
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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.
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Old Apr 10, 2012 | 07:42 PM
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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
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Old Feb 7, 2015 | 10:27 PM
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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
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Old Feb 7, 2015 | 10:42 PM
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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.
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