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2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT Charging system

Tiny
KMEDOR
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT
  • V8
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
. When I first start my truck, the battery light comes on and the voltage gauge shows 8 or 9 volts. After driving for a few minutes, it goes up to normal 14+ volts and the light goes off. Problem does not surface again while driving, only when it is started again. Suggestions?
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Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 AT 8:50 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
FACTORYJACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,159 POSTS
What kind of condition is the battery, and cable connections in? Start there first, and if everything is o.K. You may need a generator.
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Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 AT 9:02 PM
Tiny
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Battery is new and cables are fine. Alternator seems to work fine once it starts working. Almost as if it's heat related.
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Thursday, May 28th, 2009 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Test at the back of the alt (big wire) with a meter when first started to see if the alt is actually putting out but the gauge is slow to come up or if it isnt charging. Could be a wiring or gauge issue
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Friday, May 29th, 2009 AT 7:58 AM
Tiny
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The alternator is not putting out when first started. I didn't test, but lights are dim, so not guage problem. After about 15 minutes the alternator appears to work, and stays working until next time when car is cooled down.
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Friday, May 29th, 2009 AT 8:50 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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  • 11,533 POSTS
Sounds liek it may be thealt then, but hteproblem is that the alt is controlled by the PCM, so hopefully it isnt an issue with it.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/1639_alt_1.jpg

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Friday, May 29th, 2009 AT 10:04 AM
Tiny
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  • 7 POSTS
I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it for me to change the alternator? The belt seems tight, and not slipping, but no measurement for that. I would think, if it was a little lose, when I put a load on, it would take care of that. But, it just seems to take about 15 minutes before the alt kicks in. Now, if it's the PCM, then I would be wasting my money chnaging the alt, right?
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Friday, May 29th, 2009 AT 11:08 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
An 02 with 145k, an alt wouldnt be out of the question, far more common than the PCM. Usually if the PCM sees low voltage it will set a check engine light. Usually ascan tool would be used to see what kind of system voltage the PCM is seeing to determine which it is.I doubt the belt has anything to do with it.
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Saturday, May 30th, 2009 AT 8:07 AM
Tiny
KMEDOR
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Final comment. Three times now I have started the truck, the voltage gauge is reading around 10V, I give the alternator a rap with a hammer(not hard), and the guage shoort right uo to normal. Whats up with that?
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Sunday, May 31st, 2009 AT 3:07 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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Ah, the old hammer test. Lol sounds like a bad connection in the alt
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Sunday, May 31st, 2009 AT 11:17 PM
Tiny
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Does a bad connection in the alt, mean I need a new alt. Or a bigger hammer?
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Monday, June 1st, 2009 AT 7:17 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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Lol a bigger hammer would be cheaper, but it sounds like you need a new alt. Bad connections can either make contact when warm/hot or lose contact, depending on the situation. That is how you used to check ECM's back in the day, slap them with your hand, if the car reacted it needed a new one
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+1
Monday, June 1st, 2009 AT 8:05 AM
Tiny
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Thank you for all your help.
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Monday, June 1st, 2009 AT 8:29 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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My pleasure.I do suggest that you use an OEM replacement (A/C Delco). Cheaper is exactly that. Cheaper
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Monday, June 1st, 2009 AT 12:24 PM

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