error message stating Power System Error
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
error message stating Power System Error
Hi
I got an error message stating Power System Error with a red battery light. Also, my power steering at the same time seemed to be stiff and unable to turn.
Any advice please?
I got an error message stating Power System Error with a red battery light. Also, my power steering at the same time seemed to be stiff and unable to turn.
Any advice please?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 5,112
Likes: 675
From: GA
The red battery light means - The voltage in the battery is higher than the voltage the alternator is putting out. That's why the alternator light comes on when you first turn the key before the engine is started - the alternator is not charging when the engine is not running. If that warning light is on when the engine is running - it means the same thing. The alternator is not charging.
If so, The battery will go dead as you drive eventually leaving you stranded with a dead battery. As the current is drained however, the CEM (central electric module) will selectively shut off power to various electrical systems, to keep the engine running as long as possible.
You did not mention what year and engine - but for instance if the ac compressor was seizing up on a 5 cyl Volvo - the same belt for the compressor drives the alternator and power steering - so it may not necessarily be a bad alternator. Could just be the belt slipping, or is no longer there!
If so, The battery will go dead as you drive eventually leaving you stranded with a dead battery. As the current is drained however, the CEM (central electric module) will selectively shut off power to various electrical systems, to keep the engine running as long as possible.
You did not mention what year and engine - but for instance if the ac compressor was seizing up on a 5 cyl Volvo - the same belt for the compressor drives the alternator and power steering - so it may not necessarily be a bad alternator. Could just be the belt slipping, or is no longer there!
Last edited by hoonk; Feb 26, 2023 at 12:22 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
The red battery light means - The voltage in the battery is higher than the voltage the alternator is putting out. That's why the alternator light comes on when you first turn the key before the engine is started - the alternator is not charging when the engine is not running. If that warning light is on when the engine is running - it means the same thing. The alternator is not charging.
If so, The battery will go dead as you drive eventually leaving you stranded with a dead battery. As the current is drained however, the CEM (central electric module) will selectively shut off power to various electrical systems, to keep the engine running as long as possible.
You did not mention what year and engine - but for instance if the ac compressor was seizing up on a 5 cyl Volvo - the same belt for the compressor drives the alternator and power steering - so it may not necessarily be a bad alternator. Could just be the belt slipping, or is no longer there!
If so, The battery will go dead as you drive eventually leaving you stranded with a dead battery. As the current is drained however, the CEM (central electric module) will selectively shut off power to various electrical systems, to keep the engine running as long as possible.
You did not mention what year and engine - but for instance if the ac compressor was seizing up on a 5 cyl Volvo - the same belt for the compressor drives the alternator and power steering - so it may not necessarily be a bad alternator. Could just be the belt slipping, or is no longer there!
It's a 2010. Thank you for the advice!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 5,112
Likes: 675
From: GA
2010 has a V8 or the 3.2 6 cylinder engine.
The V8 has a very difficult alternator to get to, it's mounted close to the rear exhaust manifold.
The 3.2 alternators have an overrun clutch on the front of alternator letting the alternator pulley free wheel in one direction. That clutch seizes and the mass of the alternator spinning pulls the drive gear loose on the engine. Then the alternator does not spin or charge. They are mounted under the intake manifold. Many have been misdiagnosed as a bad alternator when it just needs a overrun clutch (and fixing the drive pulley)
A new clutch, a new drive pulley, and fixing the damaged shaft that drive pulley goes on solves the problem.
Which engine do you have?
The V8 has a very difficult alternator to get to, it's mounted close to the rear exhaust manifold.
The 3.2 alternators have an overrun clutch on the front of alternator letting the alternator pulley free wheel in one direction. That clutch seizes and the mass of the alternator spinning pulls the drive gear loose on the engine. Then the alternator does not spin or charge. They are mounted under the intake manifold. Many have been misdiagnosed as a bad alternator when it just needs a overrun clutch (and fixing the drive pulley)
A new clutch, a new drive pulley, and fixing the damaged shaft that drive pulley goes on solves the problem.
Which engine do you have?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post