When I started my vette ('04 coupe) I got the "Charging System Failure" warning. I didn't notice any problem as my engine fired right up, even sounded like it had a bit more punch. The warning quickly went away and has not come back since. Does anyone have any idea what that is all about? The battery gauge is still reading over 13. I can tell you, last week I went out to find my battery completely dead. Upon further inspection, I found it was vrey low on H20. I bought this car 4 months ago and was told the oil was changed at that time. I expected that if the battery was the kind you have to check, they would have done so when changing the oil. Could the battery being very low on H2O have caused damage? It is under warranty and I'm wondering if the CSF warning is an indication that I need to have this battery replaced. Any advice will be appreciated and thanks in advance.

 

This happened on mine frequently for a while when I would not drive it for a week or so. With all the electronics, the battery gets marginal aftrer about ten days and the sensors pick up a low voltage for the first few seconds of operation until the alternator kicks in full.

If this is happening after you have let it sit only overnight, or for just a day, then you have a battery that is about to die in a few months. If it is only happening when you let it sit for ten days or so then there is nothing wrong except, that like me, you don't get to drive it enough.

 

Thanks, Lee. It just sat over night, so I'm afraid it is the battery. It's under warranty, so I'm going to have it checked tomorrow. I wonder if the low water level did any damage . . . maybe that caused this problem.

Thanks again for this info. I greatly appreciate it.
Take care, Rita

 

This is an old post, but I got the charging system failure warning 2 nights in a row. I have a brand new battery (had the dearlership warranty replacement a few months back), so I don't know what to think. I drive my vette every night, so it is not because it is sitting idle.
Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.
Rita

 

Rita
it could be the charging system itself. The alternator could be going bad, or not keeping the battery fully charged. Also it could be a bad ground from the battery. Are both positive and negative connections on the battery nice and tight? I would check the voltage at the alternator and then at the battery. you will have a small voltage drop at the battery but not much. Example would be 14.2 at the alternator and 13. 8 or so at the battery.
Just trying to think of a few more things to look for.

 

Thanks so much, Rich! I'm taking it to the dealership after work today and will mention these areas you have suggested. Hey, is the pic in your avatar new? Your vette is looking especially HOTT!!!! [sm=icon_flaming.gif]

Take care, stay safe.
Rita

 

Thanks Rita, I took that pic just as it was getting dark, with the flash.

 

Rich,
Thank you so much for suggesting they check the alternator. You were right; that was the probem and they are installing a new alternator under the warranty. I just can't thank you enough. Hope I can help you sometime.

Take care, stay safe.
Rita