I have a 2006 Monte Carlo 3.5l, I've replaced the alternator, battery, starter, ignition switch, cleaned all the connections and my meter still reads 12.17 volts. What am I missing?

 

Not trying to be funny, but that's a normal reading if the car is not running.

 

Is there any other issue or problems?

 

I know you was trying to help obviously but most people when testing the charging systwm start thw engine and have it running while they are checking things out. Do you hve anymore real advice for me.

 

Their are no other issues, car runs fine starts fine, no idiot lights...other than service charing system.

 

The only time I have seen that is if I was in heavy rain and went through a big puddle, I would lose power steering and get the charging system notification. After a few seconds it would go away but only happened in the rain. I taped & loomed a bunch of wires and haven't had that problem. You pressure wash the engine bay by chance? Maybe a wire broke somewhere or got loose (alternator). Just crawl around and check everything electrical. Make sure your fuse box is clean, no water residue inside. Your battery should say 12 volts when the car is off and 13 to 14 when running, meaning the alternator is charging the battery. But check the voltage when you start the car and see if the voltage dips below 9, that means the battery is getting weak. I really think its a rogue wire somewhere.

 

Thanks JTBell I'll continue looking and see what I can find.

 

The belt could be slipping. I've also had a new alternator be bad right out of the box before, so don't rule that out. Certainly check for corrosion on your battery cables, alternator cables, and fuses.