Charging system problems?
06-15-2016 | 08:34 PM
#12
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 06-15-2016
Posts: 14
From: New England
Since the RVC system allows changes to
vehicle voltage, up or down, under various
scenarios — the battery state of charge and
the vehicle’s present electrical needs are two
conditions taken into account — the voltmeter
may fluctuate. Conventional systems usually
maintain a consistent reading of 14 volts. The
fluctuation of the RVC system may range
between 12 and 14 volts. This is normal sys-
tem operation.
vehicle voltage, up or down, under various
scenarios — the battery state of charge and
the vehicle’s present electrical needs are two
conditions taken into account — the voltmeter
may fluctuate. Conventional systems usually
maintain a consistent reading of 14 volts. The
fluctuation of the RVC system may range
between 12 and 14 volts. This is normal sys-
tem operation.
06-15-2016 | 10:56 PM
#13
Platinum Member
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,432
From: Alabama
Not exactly FMG; the ECM sends a turn on signal and a duty cycle signal (which could be called an old fashioned regulator) to the Solid State Regulator (like a triac) inside the AC generator (that's what GM calls an alternator) which in turn turns the alternator on/off.
The wiring diagram is too big to attach.
I should add that the starter is actually part of the charging system, since the B+ goes there before it goes to the battery and the rest of the system.
The wiring diagram is too big to attach.
I should add that the starter is actually part of the charging system, since the B+ goes there before it goes to the battery and the rest of the system.
I do understand how the alternator(generator) works. I was really just trying to let the OP know that the Autozone folks may simply blame the alternator if his car is not charging.
They're just parts sales people. Not technicians.
06-16-2016 | 08:08 AM
#14
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 25,345
From: Fredericksburg,VA
Well the BCM sends a signal to the ECM to tell it to do something.
I was mainly talking about the computer being the regulator; it is and it isn't, GM uses funny nomenclature.
The link in post #5 is nice, but from 2005. They probably changed the "charge when headlights are on" with the advent of headlights for DRL.
I was mainly talking about the computer being the regulator; it is and it isn't, GM uses funny nomenclature.
The link in post #5 is nice, but from 2005. They probably changed the "charge when headlights are on" with the advent of headlights for DRL.
Last edited by donbrew; 06-17-2016 at 02:24 PM.
06-16-2016 | 09:37 PM
#15
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 06-15-2016
Posts: 14
From: New England
Can someone enlighten me on the possibility of a bad starter causing problems in the charging system since they aren't linked.
Went to look at voltage this morning and car off was 12.3 car on was 10.3 11.3 should be able to check more into those Saturday.
Went to look at voltage this morning and car off was 12.3 car on was 10.3 11.3 should be able to check more into those Saturday.
06-17-2016 | 07:58 AM
#16
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 25,345
From: Fredericksburg,VA
Not linked?
The + from the battery connect directly to the starter, the output of the alternator connects directly to the starter. A perfect place for a dead short, there are others.
The + from the battery connect directly to the starter, the output of the alternator connects directly to the starter. A perfect place for a dead short, there are others.
Last edited by donbrew; 06-17-2016 at 02:21 PM.
06-17-2016 | 04:15 PM
#17
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 06-15-2016
Posts: 14
From: New England
There are a few good places to short out.
Has there even been any reports of starters causing problems like this? I haven't seen any myself.
Also is there ways to bypass the starter to see if that's the problem?