# Charging system failed

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/charging-system-failed/44379>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** pontiac\
**Created:** [February 13, 2010, 3:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/charging-system-failed/44379 "2010-02-13T15:15:05Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![icecajun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ee59a6/32.png) [@icecajun](https://community.cartalk.com/u/icecajun)\
**Post date:** [February 13, 2010, 3:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/charging-system-failed/44379/1 "2010-02-13T15:15:05Z")

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I have a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. When I’m driving and I go to slow down for a stop sign or what ever my car sounds like it wants to die. I have the heater going and the goes low. On the screen that’s in the car it says charging system failed. Any ideas on what this can be?

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**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\
**Post date:** [February 13, 2010, 3:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/charging-system-failed/44379/2 "2010-02-13T15:45:13Z")

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Have the battery and charging system tested and checked for corrosion at the cables. Most parts stores will do this for free.

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**Author:** ![Cougar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cougar/32/21348_2.png) [@Cougar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cougar)\
**Post date:** [February 13, 2010, 4:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/charging-system-failed/44379/3 "2010-02-13T16:01:24Z")

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Clean the battery connections and make sure the alternator belt is tight. Check the connections to the alternator also as TSM suggested. If those items are ok have a load test done on the charging system to check the battery and the alternator.