Question: Warning message on the DIC

[killain]

When i started my 2003 yesterday morning, I got a message on the DIC, 'Charging System Failure' I've never gotten this message in the past and it only stayed on for 20 seconds and did not come back on for the rest of the day. What does this mean? Has anyone out there gotten this message ? I'm wondering if the alternator is going and if so, Can I drive it to the dealership 45 miles away or do I need to have it towed. I don't want to do any damage with this condition? Thanks for you input.

 

[Patrick]

Killian,
The first thing I would do is PULL CODES and see if that points you in the right direction.


-Patrick

 

[Tom73]

I got the same message on my '04 a couple of weeks ago. When I started it, it kind of hiccuped and then started. Have not seen the message since so assume it was a one time deal.

tom...

 

[Red Vette]

Killian,
The first thing I would do is PULL CODES and see if that points you in the right direction.


-Patrick

I agree with Patrick. I believe someone posted the list of C5 codes on the CAC if you don't have a FSM. Use the search function. Go where the codes direct you, maybe something simple. If the battery is the original in your 03, there is a possiblity that the battery has seen better days. I don't think the original Delcos were rated for longer than 5 years.
Barrett

 

[killain]

I agree with Patrick. I believe someone posted the list of C5 codes on the CAC if you don't have a FSM. Use the search function. Go where the codes direct you, maybe something simple. If the battery is the original in your 03, there is a possiblity that the battery has seen better days. I don't think the original Delcos were rated for longer than 5 years.
Barrett

The battery is 2 year old, so I need to pull the codes to see if there's something there. Thanks !

 

[gmjunkie]

The battery is 2 1/2 year old, so I need to pull the codes to see if there's something there. Thanks !

Yeah,Pull the codes and let's see whats there!! My guess it's probly nothing more than needing to clean some connections!! And a Good romp down the interstate for a few miles to bring the battery up a little bit!!

 

[XLR8]

Hey guys, for future reference check out this thread... C5 Discussion. It's a sticky thread in the C5 General Discussion Forum so it's easy to find.

All brought to you by your friends at the !!

Jane Ann

 

[6 Shooter]

And a Good romp down the interstate for a few miles to bring the battery up a little bit!

How fast would you say, 120 mph or better?

​

L8TR - D

 

[killain]

Well I'll try the advice, but I think my optima red top is getting ready to die shortly ! I've been charging it off and on a lot lately and it always shows just bearly 12 volts at startup? I just have to figure out how to catch it before it is dead inside the garage.

 

[hotmtrsports]

This message came on my 2002 last year. It went away after installing an Optima battery but the message came back after a few months. It wound up being the alternator and was covered under the extended warranty GMPP (whew cause that was an expensive part).

Why don't you bring both the battery and the alternator to your parts store for testing. They offer this service for free. At least you'll know where you stand with those two possible culprits!


Chuck M

 

[killain]

This message came on my 2002 last year. It went away after installing an Optima battery but the message came back after a few months. It wound up being the alternator and was covered under the extended warranty GMPP (whew cause that was an expensive part).

Why don't you bring both the battery and the alternator to your parts store for testing. They offer this service for free. At least you'll know where you stand with those two possible culprits!


Chuck M

Well the local parts store to me doesn't test alternators or batteries, but they sell Optima red tops, I have noticed that whenever I hook up the float charger, the green "charging" light stays on and the power unit on it get very warm. Which I guess means the charger never stops so I'm sure the battery is shot, but it stills starts the car, however when I start, the charging guage never drops below 13.6 volts. So I have to decide if I should pull the battery and replaceit, or wait till it dies on it's own. I'm kinda disappointed that a battery that cost me $179.00 only lasted 2 1/2 years. The shop I had install the current battery jacked up the price quite a bit, I have found that if I buy the battery it's a lot cheaper. So much for speciality shops. I contacted Optim, and they said the battery for three years so I guess I should see if I can get another year out of it, it was installed on 10/16/2006. But i don't think I'll make it?;help