Complete Electrical Failure

GMAN

GMAN

Dedicated LVC Member
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Jan 26, 2005
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Spring, Texas, United States
OK, I haven't been driving this car much, just working on the little detail stuff. I was on the way to the muffler shop to have the big tips removed when all the "Check Charging System came on. Everything went dark, and the motor stayed running. I barely made it into a restaurant parking lot. I recently replaced both the battery and the alternator. I've never had this happen before. What has happened?
 
sounds like the alternator crapped... its not uncommon

go have it tested..
 
connections at the battery? smack them 'sideways' w/hammer. digital meter to check volts at bat terminals and the rear post on the alternator, both resting and running (if/when you get it going again).
 
GMAN said:
when all the "Check Charging System came on.
Click to expand...

in the pcm there is (these are stock values)

voltage to determine charging system is good 12.0

voltage to determine charging system is bad 11.5

so by the time you get the CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM message...you have already "hit the iceberg"
 
ive wondered about changing the values to a higher number but worried about low voltage spikes, like sitting still foot on the brake air compressor running....making me crap my pants and dive for the shoulder or parking lot.
 
I Had the same think happen to me and there right once the "check Charging system" comes on it's too late, get your altinator checked. they go out often on marks.
 
XLRVIII said:
doesnt the MC trigger from that value?
i've wondered that as well
Click to expand...

The message center will not indicate a low voltage "Check Charging System" warning until the voltage is less than 9 volts - not much good to warn you then!
 
OK, I am a complete idiot! :mad: That's right I admit it. I'm man enough to say that I screwed up. You will never believe the source of my problem. I was almost too embarrassed t say, but I have to.............
I FORGOT TO PLUG IN THE ALTERNATOR!:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
Damn Damn Damn!
 
:lol: I was going to ask earlier if you hookes up the "excitor" wire but figured it would be a dumb question...... now I know with you. :lol:
First a fuse and now this... :lol:

Sorry mate. :p

Hey what else was I supposed to hold for you besides the dash cover? Weekend after next I will be fairly close if ya wanted to meet.
 
LaserSVT said:
:lol: I was going to ask earlier if you hookes up the "excitor" wire but figured it would be a dumb question...... now I know with you. :lol:
First a fuse and now this... :lol:

Sorry mate. :p

Hey what else was I supposed to hold for you besides the dash cover? Weekend after next I will be fairly close if ya wanted to meet.
Click to expand...

The owners manual if you don't mind. Yea, we can meet, just let me know.
 
Oh yeah, you can have that too!

I will be in Austin on the 28th all day so let me know. I will be back down on the 7th but not sure where Jeff is sending me yet. :D
 
GMAN said:
OK, I am a complete idiot! :mad: That's right I admit it. I'm man enough to say that I screwed up. You will never believe the source of my problem. I was almost too embarrassed t say, but I have to.............
I FORGOT TO PLUG IN THE ALTERNATOR!:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
Damn Damn Damn!
Click to expand...

I am glad you got it figured it out. I didn't know that the car would even start without the pug tail being unplugged.
 
You can run a car for a long ways on a completely charged battery ...

I drove for 3 hours once. Alt took a crapper ... Battery was at full charge ... rolled windows down and turned off all un-needed electrical items....

Drove home and installed the new Alt I had sitting on the shelf (main reason I didn't want to purchase a new alt while on the road).
 
Greg is a one of a kind guy.

hes not ashamed to admit that he often over complicates a minor issue, but by doing so he's learning ALOT about these cars.

simple stuff has been kicking his butt...BUT the experience and education will eventually pay off for him.

hang in there Gman
 
ford nut said:
LOL...hats off to you for posting that.

Now I know I'm not alone.
Click to expand...

You and KK need to get down to texas...stop in corsuckana and kidnap bill and come move closer to Gman and myself.

the dragstrips are open the sun is out..
its a crisp and clean 65 degree out.

I've been outside more than inside today
contemplating a plug change and actually washing my car.
 
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