what does charging system failure mean? Alternator not working?

kbest92 did you ever find out what was wrong with your 2004 grand prix? mine is doing the same thing! would like to know what you found out.

Yep this sounds like the battery has an intermittent internal short which does just that works for a bit then shorts out cause instantaneous short circuit. Here are two guides that will confirm the failure and get you back on the road.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

After the replacement check the alternator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken

Make sure the battery has a full charge and all battery connections coming and going are clean and tight. Any applicable trouble codes? Possible faulty generator, faulty wiring circuit. If you want to do some testing, we can help you. Let us know.

Engine Mechanical problem
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic 100,00 miles

My charging system failure light came on for the second time. Once before this happened and the engine slowed way down.

You need to have your computer scanned for codes and your alternator checked.

Your alternator should put out more than 13.5 volts.

2004 Grand Prix GT1, 67,500 miles, 6cyl.

The quick and dirty:

1. Sometimes hard to shift out of park (maybe every 2 out of 5 ocassions). Ocassional light "thump" when shifted into reverse and/or drive.
2. Light clicking sound from under left side of car when accelerating, but stops after a few seconds.
3. Drive non-stop (100+ miles) then park it for a 2-4 hours. Car will start then stall unless tapping the accelerator. If it sits overnight, starts strong with no stalling.
4. Sometimes exterior lights and interior lights/accessories dim when starting, then suddenly go full power (not every time or even every day driven).
5. After filling gas tank, sputters while driving, but then stops. Ride improves as gas level decreases.
6. Ocassionally, engine is louder when running AC. Other times it runs smoothly and quietly.

Not running hot; no indicators for battery, engine or anything else. Could it be the alternator? The starter?

Thanks in advance!

[quote:7fc4f710f1="MarieK"]2004 Grand Prix GT1, 67,500 miles, 6cyl.

The quick and dirty:

1. Sometimes hard to shift out of park (maybe every 2 out of 5 ocassions). Ocassional light "thump" when shifted into reverse and/or drive.
2. Light clicking sound from under left side of car when accelerating, but stops after a few seconds.
3. Drive non-stop (100+ miles) then park it for a 2-4 hours. Car will start then stall unless tapping the accelerator. If it sits overnight, starts strong with no stalling.
4. Sometimes exterior lights and interior lights/accessories dim when starting, then suddenly go full power (not every time or even every day driven).
5. After filling gas tank, sputters while driving, but then stops. Ride improves as gas level decreases.
6. Ocassionally, engine is louder when running AC. Other times it runs smoothly and quietly.

Not running hot; no indicators for battery, engine or anything else. Could it be the alternator? The starter?

Thanks in advance![/quote:7fc4f710f1]the stalling could be from carbon buildup in the throttle body.The dim lights could be a battery issue.check the battery for leaks at the positive terminal or excessive corrosion.

Car sound like it wants to cut off

Is this an idle issue or something with the charging system? (or both)? Keep in mind, if the engine idle speed gets low enough, it could case the battery light to come on. If that is the only time it is coming on, let me know.

Battery light does not come on. The display just buzzer sounds and says system failure charge. Could it be a bad upstream O2 sensor?

Actually, it sounds more like an alternator problem. Have you had it tested? Most parts stores will do it for free.