Overcharging, lose power to accessories on colder (

Tiny
TXVUEOWNER
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 SATURN VUE
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 88,000 MILES
On first 2 or 3 start on colder (40 F) mornings, volts go as high as 19.2 volts and power to dash, radio, power steering is lost. When problem occurs, there is a noise like the starter is staying engaged after the car has started. Sounds like it is coming from area near Under Hood Fuse Box (UHFB) or starter relay. Usually on 3rd or 4th start everything lines out though voltage does go to about 16.5 momentarily before settling out at a steady 14.3 volts. Starts starts normally rest of day though it doesn't often stay below 40 F in south Texas...

One time I had to move vehicle in driveway while volts were high and without power steering, etc. Took a few minutes but it seems like voltage slowly came down and back into normal range as things returned to normal by the time I was done moving the vehicle. Dash and power steering came off and on as voltage moved through a critical value I guess

Have replaced generator (alternator) in response to engine codes that pointed at generator - problem had occurred one time prior to replacing generator after SES and Battery lights came on.

All wiring and grounds have been checked and are in good condition.

Problem is similar to one described on this thread:
http://www.2carpros.com/questions/problem-with-power-loss-when-starting

No final solution is posted - last suggestion seems to be ECM...

Any way to contact shadow104747 to find out his final solution?

Thought ECM only had on/off control to generator? Generator is obviously on, but voltage regulator seems to have a delay in lining out at correct level...

Any suggestions as to what the problem could be?

Thank you
Friday, March 6th, 2015 AT 5:58 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
DR LOOT
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,311 POSTS
The Vue has electric power steering. Problems are rare but can be a beast to resolve when they do occur.

There are a few fuses and connectors you could check but I won't mention the whereabouts unless you confirm having a few skills and electrical tools such as meter or test light.
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Friday, March 6th, 2015 AT 9:44 AM

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