Intermittent SYS Message

[Red96LT4]

I recently purchased a '96 LT4 w/30k on the clock. Initially it appears to be mechanically sound but occasionally SYS flashes on the digital display. This doesn't seem to follow any particular pattern (e.g. at start up) and no codes display when I hook up my OBDII reader. Any ideas what this might be or the best way to diagnose. Thanks in advance. Doug

 

[Tuna]

There are several reasons for this and all of them relate to a low or erratic voltage some place.

Everytime this has happened to my car, it meant that the battery was on it's last legs and was not maintaining voltage. I.e.: Check your battery and cables to start with.

 

[tlong]

Stock radio? If so it's the battery. If not let us know and we'll go from there. SYS monitors voltage parameters and fires if exceeded.

 

[Red96LT4]

Stock radio? If so it's the battery. If not let us know and we'll go from there. SYS monitors voltage parameters and fires if exceeded.

Thanks for the quick response gentlemen. The radio is stock (Bose CD/Cass) I'll look into the battery/connections. The voltmeter registers pretty steady between 14.3 - 14.5. Nice to know its an electrical issue. Thanks again.

 

[jmccloud]

Had the same symptoms (voltages too) on my 95 just after buying it in 2002. Discovered battery was original. New battery fixed it right up.

 

[Tuna]

Thanks for the quick response gentlemen. The radio is stock (Bose CD/Cass) I'll look into the battery/connections. The voltmeter registers pretty steady between 14.3 - 14.5. Nice to know its an electrical issue. Thanks again.

When the engine is running, the voltage you are seeing is the charging voltage. Check it before you start and then after 15 minutes of running (give the alternator a chance to charge it). Then shut down and check the voltage again.