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2003 Oldsmobile Alero Charging issue.

Tiny
03ALERO
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO
  • 190 MILES
Hello all.

I am at my wits end trying to find the charging problem with my 2.2l.
I have replaced the battery and alternator.
I have checked all cables and connections. No fusible link.

When I test the battery with the key off, it's 12V, and after boosting, with it running, it's still 12V.

I was recently welding a portion of the frame recently and I am uncertain of wether or not I had the battery attached at that time. (First time attempting and had no idea about the repercussions).
I am thinking about replacing the ECM next but not sure if that is the right path.
Does anyone have any ideas for me?
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Thursday, July 4th, 2013 AT 8:39 AM

14 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Will the vehicle start and run? Can you communicate with computer? If so, check for charging system trouble codes. To check codes yourself, at the least you need an obd2 code reader. Your local autostore should have one.

Also, with everything off, check for battery voltage at the alternator battery terminal. If no voltage, possible problem with fusible link. Let us know what you find.
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Thursday, July 4th, 2013 AT 9:20 AM
Tiny
03ALERO
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
The voltages are ok wit the key off.
After boosting, everything comes alive.
Is it possible to only blow the charging portion of the ecm?
I am in the middle of certifying it so unfortunately, it is stationary and I cannot take it to a shop to have the codes read.
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Thursday, July 4th, 2013 AT 9:48 AM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I was talking about you purchasing an obd2 code reader. They don't cost much, maybe 20 bucks, better than nothing. So the starter won't crank without a boost? Make sure the battery has a full charge, if the battery is down take it off and get it charged. You can't do any testing if the battery is down. Don't use the alternator to charge a dead battery.
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Thursday, July 4th, 2013 AT 10:16 AM
Tiny
03ALERO
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
$20! Where do you live, China?
The cheapest I found near me is $60 but they say that they don't test the starting and charging system, does that matter?
Is it possible that I have blown the ecm?
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Thursday, July 4th, 2013 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
My bad, I couldn't find one for 20 bucks either. Forget it. I own several scanners that will show live engine data as well as trouble codes, both PO codes and manufacturer specific.

I can't tell if the pcm is faulty from here? I hate to see you throw parts at it.
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Thursday, July 4th, 2013 AT 12:11 PM
Tiny
03ALERO
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I pretty much have been throwing parts at it already. Lol.
I think that is the only thing left to throw.
I can get one from the bone yard for $50 and at least they are easily accessed.
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Thursday, July 4th, 2013 AT 12:36 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I found 6 different possible codes for your charging system. We have flow charts for the codes, if we could decide which code. As far as replacing the computer that is up to you? I can't say you won't have other issues caused by taking voltage from system or swapping the computer?
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Thursday, July 4th, 2013 AT 1:06 PM
Tiny
03ALERO
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Well.I managed to get it working again.
It turned out it was a bad ground connection at the battery.
The wire was strong enough to show continuity but not strong enough to carry the current need to start it.
Cut back about an inch from the battery end and reconnected and presto!
Wish I would of thought of coming to this site before the battery and alternator swap:(.
I appreciate your assistance.
I am getting the service engine soon light now tho. I am close to having it road worthy and when I do, I will get the codes read and report back.
Are the flow charts of codes available to view?

Thanks
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Friday, July 5th, 2013 AT 6:33 AM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Hey, glad you got it going. Let us know about the code, if there are any? Is the charging system working now?
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Friday, July 5th, 2013 AT 10:03 AM
Tiny
03ALERO
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Yes, working fine.
Is there a code list available?
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Friday, July 5th, 2013 AT 12:29 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
For me to list all the possible codes for your vehicle would take me a long time. If you had a specific trouble code, I'd be glad to help you. A lot of libraries have automotive databases with trouble codes. The information is free, if you live in an area they serve.

Mitchel has a database you can access for a small yearly fee, one vehicle. I don't remember the price. Mitchel is what we use here.
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Friday, July 5th, 2013 AT 1:25 PM
Tiny
03ALERO
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Thank you very much.
I assumed there would be a PDF or something of the sort with the codes list.
I will post the codes when I get them.

Thx again for your help.
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Saturday, July 6th, 2013 AT 7:15 AM
Tiny
03ALERO
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Hello all again.
I have a new problem for you guys.
I had an abs wheel sensor in my alero and, from what I learned on this site, I replaced all four hubs and sensors.
After replacing them, I still have the lights on dash and I cannot turn on the ets.

I had tried to have codes read but no codes were stored. There were 4 flashing icons on the reader tho. O2s, evap, cat and htr. Any thoughts about what they mean or has anyone encountered those before?
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Sunday, August 18th, 2013 AT 5:03 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I don't understand, did you have an abs system problem?

As far as the other, maybe readiness monitors can't run for some reason?
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Saturday, June 27th, 2015 AT 8:48 AM

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