Need info on a code = "Service Charging System"

[SoulSurfer]

Hey all,

I was leaving the office in the Vete when shortly after starting her up I saw this code "Service Charging System". My voltage is showing 14.2 volts and will go up and down depending on load but it has always done that. Any thoughts out theres?

 

[not2melo]

An electircal issue with maybe a bad/loose connection on alternator, bad battery or wiring connections is where I would look first.
Check with a volt meter the battery power with car off and the at idle with the alternator charging it the in car display could be off.
Think you need at least 1.75v min. over battery voltage to get a good charge. Let us know what you find out.

 

[Riley P]

That new shine on your car may be drawing too much power! Sorry, I do not know, except to make a stupid comment......as usual. :seeya: I would just have to agree with not2melo.

 

[SoulSurfer]

Stephen at WN gave me some good intel:

Seen that code a few times, usually following storage. I'll look into and get back to you because I think there was a calibration update fix on place. Service is open Saturday so I believe the bodyshop will also be. Call first, ray is in at 8



GM document available. Does your horn still function, if not short in circuit 2540 supplied voltage to the under hood fuse block assembly. Typically associated with a FTC po621. Also if aftermarket spark plugs being used that are designed with pulse technology.

 

[not2melo]

Hum, interesting, pulse tech. spark plugs.........never heard that one before.
Did just read something on C5 about horn fuse blown or something cause that also.
Dam I hate electrical Gremlins.

 

[SoulSurfer]

Hum, interesting, pulse tech. spark plugs.........never heard that one before.
Did just read something on C5 about horn fuse blown or something cause that also.
Dam I hate electrical Gremlins.

Well, it didn't come back. How does one clear codes again?

 

[not2melo]

I have an LS1M hand scanner and a Diablo, so usually use them.
Dont know if you can do it on the DIC.

 

[SoulSurfer]

I continue to recieve this code. WN checked it out and have not found anything yet. Battery still registers >14.5 volts. Might it be the alternator?

 

[Riley P]

That sucks. I hope they figure it out soon for you. Anything that I would suggest would only be pure speculation.

 

[SoulSurfer]

Methinks that the evil gremlin may have been found! It would appear that my courtesy lights were left on (never noticed it and I don't recall ever doing it), and that was what drained the battery making this code pop up. Jason is a smart tech at Wilson Niblett and he pointed this out to me. It seems that the run-down protection programming would turn them off after it would detect the drain. I truly hope that this is the case. More to come in the days to follow. Thank you to all my fellow Vetters for all the inputs and suggestions.

 

[SoulSurfer]

Well $530 later, I had to replace the ignition wires and plugs back to OEM. According to the GM TSB. after market plugs and wires are subject to EMI which can throw these codes/alerts.


#PIC4536C: Service Charging System Message On DIC And DTC P0621 - keywords charge fuse generator horn lamp light open - (Dec 3, 2008)

Subject: Service Charging System Message on DIC and DTC P0621


Models: 2005-2009 Chevrolet Corvette models


2004-2009 XLR models



This PI was superseded to update model years. Please discard PIC4536B.


The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.


Some customers may comment that the Service Charging System message displays on the DIC. Using the Tech2, DTC P0621 is stored. This may be a result of aftermarket spark plugs or an open in circuit number 2540.

Recommendation/Instructions: <http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2216076&from=sm#ss2-2216076#ss2-2216076>
Check for aftermarket spark plugs. Plugs that are designed with a "Pulse" technology may interfere with this circuit and cause the Service Charging System message to illuminate on the IP and/or P0621 DTC store in the ECM. If aftermarket plugs are installed, replace plugs with OEM parts. This is not considered a warranty repair and all cost associated with this repair should be the customers responsibility.
Circuit 2540 is supplied voltage from the Horn fuse, position #2 in the UBEC. Apply the horn to see if it works. If the horn does not work, suspect an open fuse. This fuse may open if the horn is shorted due to water intrusion. If the horn is functional, check the integrity of circuit 2540 between the UBEC and the generator. Refer to SI document 1481125 for the schematic. Repair circuit 2540 as needed and re-evaluate the customers concern.
Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.  WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

 

[SoulSurfer]

Well, 5 days later and no codes. I would love to shout YAY! but I will hold off a little longer.

 

[Mad*Max]

Hopefully it won't come back...