Check charging system warning light turns on

Tiny
PRODIGAL.S.81
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 118,000 MILES
I've replaced alternator and battery. Had charge system checked all voltage readings are good. Check charge system comes on about fifteen seconds after I start car. I've checked all connections and wiring. Can't figure out why I still get warning light. Any ideas?
Monday, April 1st, 2019 AT 2:01 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

What is the voltage at the battery with the engine running?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

It is possible you have a bad alternator.

Roy
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Monday, April 1st, 2019 AT 4:38 PM
Tiny
PRODIGAL.S.81
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  • 13 POSTS
With load voltage was 14.24 without load 14.40. I put one alternator on it had a bad diode put two on burned up. It had soot on vents. This is the third in one year. No extras in car all factory.
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Monday, April 1st, 2019 AT 5:24 PM
Tiny
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  • 13 POSTS
Could the PCM be acting up or does the starter have anything to do with it? Cranking had 11.67 volts and took 1.45s to start which is normal.
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Monday, April 1st, 2019 AT 5:25 PM
Tiny
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Looks good.

What brand of alternators are you using?

Roy
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Monday, April 1st, 2019 AT 5:36 PM
Tiny
PRODIGAL.S.81
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I believe it is a Duralast rebuilt. From AutoZone has stickers on it but all I found was do and part number.
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Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 AT 4:47 AM
Tiny
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All I found was D L and part number.
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Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 AT 4:48 AM
Tiny
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Okay, I attached a wiring diagram for you to view. Check the fuse listed for power on both sides.

Also, there is a DIM or dash integration module which controls the alternator load.

Do you have a scan tool to monitor the activity of this module?

Roy
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Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 AT 6:00 AM
Tiny
PRODIGAL.S.81
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Yes, thank you. I'll check.
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Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 AT 8:20 AM
Tiny
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 AT 8:22 AM

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