Dead car/DIC message

[amolyneaux]

I started my car after work tonight it was -7 F and the card hesitated but started up, then seemed to hesitatate for about two minutes and the rpms were between 0 and 500, then the car seemed to be running like normal. After I'd driven maybe another 2 minutes, I got to a stop light and the DIC displayed 'charging system failure' and died. I got the car started again, drove maybe 100 yards then the DIC gave 'reduced engine power' and died. I can get the car to start if I press slightly on the gas, but the engine makes an awful noise so I turned it off. I'm gonna have it towed to a shop tomorrow, but does anyone have any idea what's wrong?

Its a 2006 Grand Prix with 42,000 miles

[doctorhrdware]

It is 9 degrees here, but the wind chill is around -40 degrees. What engine do you have, what oil weight do you have. It sounds like maybe the alternator has a bearing problem or possibly the belt tensioner. Are you sure it is the engine making the noise or is it something else.

[discnik]

How old is the battery ? These new systems are very sensitive to any voltage loss or drop. Have your battery load tested and of course make sure all your cables and terminals are clean.

Sometimes it the simple things.

[amolyneaux]

Engine is 3800 oil is 10w30 valvoline durablend, The knocking sound seems to be coming from the engine directly.

[doctorhrdware]

Is it knocking at idle or does it knock when give the car some gas. I know that when I spun a connecting rod bearing that you could hear it some at idle but when you would rev the engine it would get louder.

[amolyneaux]

I can only get it to start by staying on the gas, it won't idle on its own.

[doctorhrdware]

Do you have a ses light on, if possible do you have access to DTC code scanner and see if there has been a DTC set.

[wlkjr]

Sounds like you have some water in the gas or contaminated gas. Could be fuel filter or fuel pump. Check pressure at schrader valve on fuel rail that feeds the injectors. With your cold temps, a little moisture will freeze the fuel line.
I'd also check battery voltage with engine off and with it running to see if alternator is putting out around 13.6 volts.
Another possibility is plugged catalytic converter.

[amolyneaux]

Yeah the ses light came on but I don't have access to a DTC Scanner. It's 9 below right now, So i guess I'll try and check voltages in the morning.

Thanks for all the input!

[wlkjr]

good luck. Cold weather sux, especially when you have car troubles.

[doctorhrdware]

Good luck keep warm, keep us up dated.

[richtazz]

It sounds like your alternator took a dump. They really spin alternators fast to get the amps out of them, and the bearings may have went. Try disconnecting the serp belt. If the car starts and the noises go away, you found the problem. Since it's so cold, the battery may be too weak to start the car due to the alternator not charging it.