Service Charging System Message On Display?

polarispete · April 26, 2011

Today I get into my 08 Silverado with 29000 miles on it and turn the key on to start it and a display message comes up in the dash. It said- SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM. I start the truck ( 6.0 MAX) ( starts right up) and the display stays on for about 100 yds down the road. I look at the Amp meter and it reads 12.0 volts for the 100 yds.It started right up and after a short drive, the amp guage went back to normal. Never heard or even knew this message was in the display. Any thoughts on this, anyone else have this ever happen? Thanks.

dlewis1111 · April 27, 2011

Today I get into my 08 Silverado with 29000 miles on it and turn the key on to start it and a display message comes up in the dash. It said- SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM. I start the truck ( 6.0 MAX) ( starts right up) and the display stays on for about 100 yds down the road. I look at the Amp meter and it reads 12.0 volts for the 100 yds.It started right up and after a short drive, the amp guage went back to normal. Never heard or even knew this message was in the display. Any thoughts on this, anyone else have this ever happen? Thanks.

The voltage gauge in these truck fluctuates almost at random because of the computer controlled regulator, so a reading on it may not be the most reliable source of charging system health. My 08 just shy of 30k miles gave up the ghost on the original battery. You may be having the same issue and the system senses a lower voltage than the tolerances are set for so the message is coming up.

Diesail · April 27, 2011

As said above, the first place to start is the battery. Have it load tested. Second, on the passenger side firewall you will find several mega fuses. One of these is for the Alternator. Check and make sure that all of the nuts on these fuses are tight. There have been many that where not tight from the factory.

polarispete · April 28, 2011

As said above, the first place to start is the battery. Have it load tested. Second, on the passenger side firewall you will find several mega fuses. One of these is for the Alternator. Check and make sure that all of the nuts on these fuses are tight. There have been many that where not tight from the factory.

Ok thanks for the replies.This has been a great plow truck since I got it and I think that this may have something to do with it.Its the original battery and isn't the first time its gone dead. Will have it tested tommorow. Thanks again.