Post by supraraleigh on Jul 20, 2022 11:34:40 GMT -6
The car I am working on is a 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora with 107k miles. I am trying to avoid the trap of changing out the alternator in vain.
I have read many posted threads about the Check Charging System issue on the Aurora. Many have ended up replacing the battery, alternator, ground wires/points, thermistor, fuses etc. However, so many of these posted threads end up with no resolution to the issue. Whether the issue was resolved and not reported or the car was just given up on and thus the issue became mute, many of the threads are incomplete.
I will continue to report on my issue until it is resolved and I will post how it was.
I am getting the Check Charging System on the display. The voltmeter on the display will read at most 12.5 with the battery charged. Then, with the engine running, it will steadily drop as the car is only drawing electical power from the battery. I have put in a fresh group 78 battery instead of the OEM size 79 because that is what Walmart had. I was able to get a slightly used one that they had on a small little rack full of various good used batteries. I think Walmart just started doing this. But, it only has a 3 month warranty. It was just $33 which is alot less that what the group 79 batteries are currently selling for - $180+
I have check the fuses and cannot find any that have blown. Perhaps I have overlooked a potential culprit blown fuse. The alternator pulley is being driven by belt as well.
I have removed the thermistor. At room temperature is reads 1.58K ohms. According to what is read on this site, 1.68K is the target number. I then wrapped the thermistor with aluminum foil to keep it water tight and submerged it into a glass of cold water. The resistance reading then climbed to 1.8K+ ohms. With the thermistor still disconnected, i started the car but still have the same issue.
I reconnected the thermistor and then started the car, and still get the Check Charging System message with volt reading around 12.5.
So, before I go through all the trouble of removing the alternator and replacing it, as so many others have done and it did not solve their issue, what am I overlooking here?
I have read many posted threads about the Check Charging System issue on the Aurora. Many have ended up replacing the battery, alternator, ground wires/points, thermistor, fuses etc. However, so many of these posted threads end up with no resolution to the issue. Whether the issue was resolved and not reported or the car was just given up on and thus the issue became mute, many of the threads are incomplete.
I will continue to report on my issue until it is resolved and I will post how it was.
I am getting the Check Charging System on the display. The voltmeter on the display will read at most 12.5 with the battery charged. Then, with the engine running, it will steadily drop as the car is only drawing electical power from the battery. I have put in a fresh group 78 battery instead of the OEM size 79 because that is what Walmart had. I was able to get a slightly used one that they had on a small little rack full of various good used batteries. I think Walmart just started doing this. But, it only has a 3 month warranty. It was just $33 which is alot less that what the group 79 batteries are currently selling for - $180+
I have check the fuses and cannot find any that have blown. Perhaps I have overlooked a potential culprit blown fuse. The alternator pulley is being driven by belt as well.
I have removed the thermistor. At room temperature is reads 1.58K ohms. According to what is read on this site, 1.68K is the target number. I then wrapped the thermistor with aluminum foil to keep it water tight and submerged it into a glass of cold water. The resistance reading then climbed to 1.8K+ ohms. With the thermistor still disconnected, i started the car but still have the same issue.
I reconnected the thermistor and then started the car, and still get the Check Charging System message with volt reading around 12.5.
So, before I go through all the trouble of removing the alternator and replacing it, as so many others have done and it did not solve their issue, what am I overlooking here?