Monte Carlo electrical problem

BUBBA13

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

2002 monte carlo 3.8 electrical problem. Starts and runs. Security light, red battery, ses light cycle on off, voltmeter goes to zero and returns to normal, chime also occurs. The battery goes dead in 2 days. Abs, brake, and trac off light was on at one time. Replaced lf axle shaft no more abs or trac light. These problems overlapped till I replaced the axle shaft. What could cause this electrical problems? I've read on this site that it could be the bcm. Has anyone had this problem solved?

3 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,743 POSTS

Suspect the generator. Use an inexpensive digital voltmeter to measure battery voltage while the engine is running. It must be between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. If it is low, the generator is not working. Since the 1987 models GM has had a very poor design. It is common to go through four to six of them in the live of the car. What many professionals are finding out is to reduce the repeat failures, replace the battery at the same time. It will work fine in older cars, but as they age they lose their ability to absorb the huge voltage spikes these generators produce.

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Monday, March 7th, 2011 AT 10:04 PM

BUBBA13

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you for the reply, have had the alternator tested and all was good. Replaced the battery 2 weeks ago. From everything i've read I think that i'll have to take it to a dealer and have them test the body control module. I was hoping that someone else has run into this problem since it costs $100.00 bucks just to have the module tested. Thanks again.

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Monday, March 7th, 2011 AT 11:44 PM

CARADIODOC