"Charging System Failure" ??

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Macarchie

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2005 Montana SV6; 155,000 miles; I finally replaced the factory alternator. The headlights have flickered since new, but it always kept the battery charged and there were no indicator lights illuminated. I put in the alternator and now everything seems fine (except the "Charging System Failure" message comes up and the battery light is on). With it running, I am getting 13.6 volts, it drives fine and is keeping the battery charged. I compared the old alternator to the remanufactured one before turning it in and they were identical. As you probably know, it is a real PAIN to swap out the alternators - what a pathetic design!
Should I worry about this problem or should I just drive the van until it wears out? ideas?
thanks, Jimmy
 
are you using a hand held meter to determine the voltage at the battery with the engine running?
 
The driver information center displayed 13.4 volts; so I hooked up my digital volt meter and it read 13.66 volts. This was measured at the battery with the engine running.
 
Unless you have access to a Tech II or similar diagnostic tool finding the cause of the message and light will be difficult. You are sure the battery cable connections on both ends of the cables are clean and tight? Can you check the fuse box connections including any grounds.
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I have this same issue. Can it really just be dirty or loose connection?
 
You had your charging system checked?
 
No, I went to the autopart store and due to covid-19 they are not doing readings. The belt is in great condition and there is no noise smell or problem with the belt. And it looks like it is spinning the way it should. The terminals are very dirty tho. But now my battery has gone down to 8 volts and my van will not start so I can trouble shoot. Waiting for neighbor to jump me right now. So I started researching
 
Looking at the belt and seeing it spin as you must realize does not mean the alternator is charging the battery.
If you know you have 8 volts, does that mean you have a hand held meter to check the alternator output once the engine is running?
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No that's what the vans dash says while it is running I am unable to get ahold of a volt meter till I get to a store and buy one. I replaced the alternator and it is still doing it. I changed the terminals and the belt is perfectly fine. But I am still having the same problem
 
You may have a broken wire at one of the alternator connectors. Again you would need a voltmeter to probe the wires.
 
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