Charging system failure - Car Troubleshooting


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Charging system failure

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dsnelson23
New User

Jun 10, 2015, 6:20 AM

Post #1 of 4 (2026 views)

Charging system failure	Sign In

2006 Pontiac Grand Prix. 3.8L w/130,000 miles. First the warning light "Charging system failure" came on and then I cleaned the battery nodes and it went off. After about a week, the light came back on. Also this time, the seatbelt light was going off even though the seatbelt was buckled and the AC was surging while it ran. My thoughts were the alternator or computer system. Any suggestions on what it is would be great.

Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Jun 10, 2015, 6:41 AM

Post #2 of 4 (2018 views)

Re: Charging system failure	Sign In

What is the voltage at the battery terminals with the engine idling and at 1500 rpm?

Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 10, 2015, 6:41 AM

Post #3 of 4 (2015 views)

Re: Charging system failure	Sign In

You need to check a list of things out. Source of the problem as easy as a very stretched belt, burnt up alternator inside can fail, wire to it fail, connections especially at battery are hidden eyelets under hard plastic/rubber hide corrosion right there somewhat routine.

Know that charging system works at all within voltage limits. Rare but if it goes way over voltage anything can fail.
Use a dang memory saver for your battery when disconnecting it or car loses info on how to run for a while never mind any preset things you may have programed. Codes get lost and defaults to as if the car was new for setting on how it runs.
Test out alternator, battery on or off car with either, cleaned up connections everywhere.

Need actually common tools, DVOM, plain voltmeter, test light and dialectic grease real good to use and isolate what the cause is,

T

dsnelson23
New User

Jun 10, 2015, 7:14 AM

Post #4 of 4 (2009 views)

Re: Charging system failure	Sign In

Thank you for suggestions. Unfortunately, I am now on my way to work so I will have to try later.

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