Charging system failure

**michaelbig** · 07-20-2016

This morning, I couldn't start my car and charging system failure messages displayed. Lights and radio worked fine. I didn't spend too much time on it because I had to go to work. Once I got home from the work, the car started fine. I got the "System failure message" for the first time, but the message didn't come back after I shut off the car and start again. Bad battery? alternator?

2006 Grand Prix Base mode. 155500 miles.

**Lovemyprix23** · 07-21-2016

It could be either or. I just had that message while driving. Take it to autozone they'll tell you if it's a bad battery or alternator

**J57ltr** · 07-21-2016

I have had a battery go out on me a few days after getting a charging system failure message. Sometimes they are accompanied by "Battery Saver Mode" which is usually tripped if something is left on and you have a battery that is already low. Bad connections to the battery (Even if they are tight) can cause it as well. The charging system on the 04+ cars is much more sophisticated than earlier years and monitor the battery even at night. I had the Charging system failure pop up, but my car started. I checked the battery and it was right at the CCA the battery was rated for. A couple of days later dead battery and it checked out at about 31CCA. I had the same thing happen on a second battery and I have also gotten the message after pulling my keys out of the ignition without the key being all the way off. There has also been a few people with aftermarket radios report this but they usually come back with U codes for communication errors and have issues with the gauges working properly. Cleaning the connections would be the first thing I would do.

**markpa** · 07-21-2016

I got that message for the first time ever yesterday also. While doing 70 on the interstate. Just flashed on for a moment. No issues yet and voltage is correct. Did not test CCA yet. Must be battery season. My 2012 suburban battery took a dump this past weekend. Replaced Delco with an interstate.

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**michaelbig** · 07-21-2016

Update:

I started my car this morning, charging system failure and Battery Saver mode messages, then engine stopped. I started the car again. Everything worked fine.

**Lovemyprix23** · 07-28-2016

did you get this problem fixed? if not go to autozone theyll tell you if its the battery or alternator

**LeadfootCJ7** · 08-15-2016

Had this pop up this morning on the drive to work. Brought up the voltage gauge on the DIC and it showed 15.58 for a few seconds before dropping back to 14.4x and stayed in 13.xx-14.xx range the rest of the drive. Is this just an fluke or is there something else going on?

**J57ltr** · 08-15-2016

It's normal for it to start out high and drop, it's part of the charging strategy. It may be detecting a battery failure is imminent. Every time I have had it pop up on my car about 3 days later the battery died even though when I checked it it tested at 650 cca then the day it was dead it was 34 cca. Would not hold a charge and the resistance was high as a giraffes ass.

Jeff

**WarStryker13** · 08-15-2016

That's not as high as it's ears...

**J57ltr** · 08-15-2016

The ears are way too high...

**WarStryker13** · 08-15-2016

Lol

**Hpiracr28** · 08-15-2016

My dad's 07 grand prix just had this message pop up. Needed a new battery.

**LeadfootCJ7** · 08-16-2016

Yep, Car was slow to start when I left work last night. Battery is weak.

**J57ltr** · 08-16-2016

The charging system knows.... It's like Santa.

It sees the battery when it's sleeping
It knows when it's awake
It knows if it's been bad or good
So be good or I'll set a Service Charging System error!

Jeff

**WarStryker13** · 08-16-2016

Mine hasn't given me any issues since I put a trickle charger in there...part of the winterization. Lol I've got heating pads on almost everything.

**J57ltr** · 08-16-2016

The charging system is literately monitored 24/7. If it detects something like an increase in the batteries internal resistance (which can change in extreme temps) it will set the DIC error. You will also notice that it will keep the charging level above 15V for longer than when it's warmer.

Jeff