Bulletin No.: 02-06-03-008D
Date: July 21, 2008
Subject:
Low Voltage Display on IP Gauge, Lights Dim at Stop Lights,
Battery Discharged, No Start, Slow Cranking, Dim Lights at Idle, Low Generator Output
Models:
1990-2009 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks (including Saturn)
2003-2009 HUMMER H2, H3
2005-2009 Saab 9-7X
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2009 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-06-03-008C (Section 06 - Engine).
Any vehicle may have a low voltage display (if equipped with gauges), lights that dim at stop lights, slow cranking, no start, low generator output at idle or dim lights at idle when electrical loads are heavy at idle or under slow driving or infrequent usage conditions. These characteristics may be more noticeable with customer added electrical accessories, or with a discharged
battery. These are normal operating characteristics of a vehicle electrical system and no repairs should be attempted unless a proven fault has been diagnosed.
During normal driving conditions, when engine speed is above 1000 RPM, the generator is designed to do two things:
^ Supply the current necessary to operate the vehicle's originally equipped electrical devices (loads).
^ Recharge/maintain the
battery's state of charge.
The following factors may affect generator and
battery performance:
^ Non-usage of the vehicle for extended periods of time. The vehicle's computers, clocks and the like will cause the
battery state of charge to drop (For example; 30 days in a parking lot and the vehicle may not start because of a dead battery or a vehicle which is driven only a short distance once a week may end up with a discharged battery to the point where the vehicle may not start). This would be considered abnormal usage of the vehicle and the normally expected result for the vehicle battery, generator and electrical systems.
