2006 Chevrolet Cobalt Electrical problem but not sure?

EMMALILY13

MEMBER
2006 CHEVROLET COBALT
2.2L
AUTOMATIC
122,300 MILES

My 2006 Chevy Cobalt is having a few problems that started today. The alternator recently went out and was replaced. Its been about a month with no issues, but I am now receiving several warning messages and dash lights.

The warning messages read:
"Power steering" (when this comes on my power steering turns off temporarily),
"Service airbag" (air bag light turns on also), and
"Check charge system" (battery light comes on with this one).

They will all go on and off several times while driving. None are staying on constantly. The AC cuts out and in too and the dash lights go bright and dim multiple times per second. It seems to think it isn't getting enough power so it tries to shut some systems down or something.

We had the battery and new alternator checked and both showed as good. The person who checked suggested something may be wrong with the electrical or computer system? I don't even know where to start to find what the problem is. Please help.

*Additional note, I had the Power Steering replaced less than 2 years ago due to recall, so it is not a bad recalled part there.*

4 Replies

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,005 POSTS

WHAT ABOUT A REALLY WORN BELT OR WEAK BELT TENSIONER OR EVEN A WORN OUT CRANKSHAFT PULLEY?

THIS MIGHT ALLOW THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY (THE DRIVE PULLEY) TO SLIP ON THE BELT

MOMENTARILY, THE BELT WOULD NOT TURN THE OTHER PULLEYS, OR ITS CONSTANTLY SLIPPING (BUT THE BELT STILL MOVES AT A SLOWER RATE). THIS WOULD ACCOUNT FOR THE ALTERNATOR SLOWING (DIMMING LIGHTS/ NOT CHARGING THE BATTERY AT PROPER RPMs) POWER STEERING NOT PUMPING (OR NOT 100% PUMPING)

KEEP US POSTED ON THE DEAL

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Saturday, September 5th, 2015 AT 9:21 PM

EMMALILY13

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The belt is tight and not worn. If that helps. The few people I know I've had look at it think it's something electrical or that the alternator isn't grounding right? Is that possible? I don't know where else to look if everything else is fine.

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Saturday, September 5th, 2015 AT 11:16 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

When these lights come on, can you check battery voltage? See if it is low.

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Monday, September 7th, 2015 AT 2:28 PM

EMMALILY13

MEMBER
3 POSTS

We checked the voltage and it was good still. I've also replaced the belt and it helped a bit but not much. The belt was stretched a bit and appeared to need replacing anyways. I wanted to let you know we found the issue to be the replaced alternator not functioning fully. I guess the one they gave us a few weeks ago just didn't work properly. After getting another new one and installing it the car is now working again with no issues. (As of now at least. Tomorrow may be a different story) Thank you for your help. I will definitely be coming back here if anything else breaks for advice!

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Monday, September 7th, 2015 AT 7:34 PM