1998 LS1; Charge System Failure message occured. Mechanic told me alternater wasn't working so I replaced it. Still get message and I don't believe the battery is charging because after a short test drive, I am now getting other messages like Service ABS and another about the tracktion control. Any thoughts?

 

Often, a bad alternator will lead to a bad battery and some of your recent symptoms are typical of a battery going bad. I'd have the battery checked. Did the mechanoc verify that the alternator was not charging the battery?

 

I have seen these same error messages on my 02 Z06.

One day the car would not start, not even turn slowly. It would only click (starter solenoid being engaged), but nothing more. It acted as if the battery was DEAD.

I measured under 5 volts at the battery.

I went to jump start it, but when I went to roll the car back I saw the interior lights were now on. I tried to start it and it started right up!


I am confused.

 

I think you need to make sure your battery is fully-charged, first. If your battery can be charged without any problems, reinstall it and take your C5 for a ride. If all is well, the problem may be a second bad alternator. Of course, if the battery cannot be fully charged (using a 110V battery charger), that would explain the messages you have been getting.

 

If you have a DC volt meter, check at the battery terminals with the car running and a charged battery. You should have at least 13.5 volts. If it is around 12.5 or less, then the alternator is not charging for whatever reason. Also, where did you get your alternator? If you got it at Autozone, I'd take that POS back and go to O'Reilly, Carquest, or wherever you can get an A/C Delco alternator. Good Luck. [8D]