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Service Battery Charging System

52K views 19 replies 12 participants last post by  carjr9  
#1 ·
Today while sitting parked in my 2012 Chevy Impala LS 83,000 miles, "the service battery charging system", "battery light", and "battery saver active" notifications came on. I had just driven 30 miles to work with no issues, nothing out of the ordinary. Now the car wouldn't start, just as with any "dead" battery. I went back out 2 hours later and it started up no problem, the alerts were gone, and just the check engine light came on. I drove it to the dealer, who didn't have any appointments until the weekend. So I went home (another 30 miles with no issues) and checked the the battery and alternator, and both checked perfect with the multi-meter. While starting the car to test the battery, the check engine light went off also.

Question is.....was this a fluke? Even though the checks are fine on the battery and alternator, is it possible they still are failing? Am i missing something else that should be checked? Or should I just take it in to get it checked at the dealer?

:beer:
 
#6 ·
Question is.....was this a fluke? Even though the checks are fine on the battery and alternator, is it possible they still are failing? Am i missing something else that should be checked? Or should I just take it in to get it checked at the dealer?

:beer:
Run it to an auto parts store or wal mart auto center and have them check the battery. They can check it in the car and save you a load of money over the dealer.

Swapping the battery in the 12 is not too bad, but would be sure it is bad before just changing it.
 
#8 ·
Most likely your battery is failing since the problem came and went. Most alternator problems start and stay.

Though a different year than your back in 2004 my "Gen" (alternator) light came on during a trip. Cycled the AC off and back on which turn off the Gen light. Tested it over the next 2 weeks trying to figure out whether the battery or alternator was the problem. Did not have a battery load tester or the electrolyte tester at that time. Just 2 days after the last check the battery had died.
 
#9 ·
Get a high capacity replacement battery and change it. Your car is 5 years old and that service charging system message is the car's way of telling you that your battery is going to fail. Better to change it now, then wait until its snowing and have your car die. You can also try trickle charging it and see if it stops. Also, don't lose the battery terminal nuts, because they are special nuts that tighten and lock in place.
 
#10 ·
Today while sitting parked in my 2012 Chevy Impala LS 83,000 miles, "the service battery charging system", "battery light", and "battery saver active" notifications came on. I had just driven 30 miles to work with no issues, nothing out of the ordinary. Now the car wouldn't start, just as with any "dead" battery. I went back out 2 hours later and it started up no problem, the alerts were gone, and just the check engine light came on. I drove it to the dealer, who didn't have any appointments until the weekend. So I went home (another 30 miles with no issues) and checked the the battery and alternator, and both checked perfect with the multi-meter. While starting the car to test the battery, the check engine light went off also.

Question is.....was this a fluke? Even though the checks are fine on the battery and alternator, is it possible they still are failing? Am i missing something else that should be checked? Or should I just take it in to get it checked at the dealer?

🍺
I am having this exact problem from the first sentence right now. 2012 Chevy Impala. Replaced the battery a couple of years ago. I took it to the garage and they didn't have the problem, and said the battery was charged perfectly, so no problems there. Wondering what your ultimate resolution of this was. I am searching the internet and seeing people tell tales of woe about replacing the battery, replacing the alternator and still having problems...
 
#11 ·
Today while sitting parked in my 2012 Chevy Impala LS 83,000 miles, "the service battery charging system", "battery light", and "battery saver active" notifications came on. I had just driven 30 miles to work with no issues, nothing out of the ordinary. Now the car wouldn't start, just as with any "dead" battery. I went back out 2 hours later and it started up no problem, the alerts were gone, and just the check engine light came on. I drove it to the dealer, who didn't have any appointments until the weekend. So I went home (another 30 miles with no issues) and checked the the battery and alternator, and both checked perfect with the multi-meter. While starting the car to test the battery, the check engine light went off also.

Question is.....was this a fluke? Even though the checks are fine on the battery and alternator, is it possible they still are failing? Am i missing something else that should be checked? Or should I just take it in to get it checked at the dealer?

🍺
I've been having the exact same thing happening to my 2012 LTZ. I installed a new alternator and new battery but just a couple months later I received the same in the interior alerts system. I checked the alternator while running...fine took the cables off the battery and still fine but when I asked a neighbor for a jump start it melted my brand new cables. I checked the ground and positive cables to the battery and everything is tight?
 
#12 ·
Today while sitting parked in my 2012 Chevy Impala LS 83,000 miles, "the service battery charging system", "battery light", and "battery saver active" notifications came on. I had just driven 30 miles to work with no issues, nothing out of the ordinary. Now the car wouldn't start, just as with any "dead" battery. I went back out 2 hours later and it started up no problem, the alerts were gone, and just the check engine light came on. I drove it to the dealer, who didn't have any appointments until the weekend. So I went home (another 30 miles with no issues) and checked the the battery and alternator, and both checked perfect with the multi-meter. While starting the car to test the battery, the check engine light went off also.

Question is.....was this a fluke? Even though the checks are fine on the battery and alternator, is it possible they still are failing? Am i missing something else that should be checked? Or should I just take it in to get it checked at the dealer?

🍺
wats going on is 😩coooooompUtrrrzzs✋😒..
 
#16 · (Edited)
Your Impala has a battery voltage sensor on the red POS cable near the battery. There are sensor manufacturer documents in my personal help file just scroll down a little. Plus my notes for my 2010. It's possible the sensor has failed and therefore the Module will not instruct the alternator to provide adequate voltage. Sometimes this happens with no OBDII code and / or no CEL.

It possible to test the sensor AND test the wires from the plug back into the harness in case a wire is compromised.

You could have 2 troubles. A voltage sensor circuit and / or a failing starter solenoid or a loose wire at the solenoid.

If these items test prove good to go, then do a driveway PARASITIC DRAIN test. There's a neat help file and a help-form in my help files too.
 
#20 ·
No, I meant to specifically tell him about the wires/connectors, because, as you and others have said, it seems to be one of last things that is figured out. (Would be nice to do the more likely, and less expensive things.) I’ve already replaced batt, alternator, next in line is the starter, but no point if it’s a connection or wire like you said!