[TheFlash]

Just wanted to update here. Took it to OReilly. They said I have a bad battery. However, the guy said he was not able to check my alternator since my battery is bad. Not sure if that is true or not. Vehicle is still running fine but the intermittent power steering issue is still occurring. This leads me to think it is either the battery or the alternator or the charging system. I am thinking of taking it to Chevy for diagnostics then somewhere else to have it fixed for cheaper. Anyone have a better idea or know if I was given the wrong information?

Did you get a NEW battery?

 

[Joseph Upson]

Good example on what to expect from a bad pump presentation;

Power Steering Issue

I searched but did not find much; my 2008 V8 SRX has almost no power steering assist when turning at low speed or parking. If I put it in park on the driveway and turn the wheel it is very difficult. If I rev the engine, the steering feels normal but there is a whining noise like you would...

www.cadillacforums.com

 

[Dyno]

UPDATE:
I heard whining so I figured power steering pump. Had it replaced since I already had purchased it and it did not fix the issue.

Took it to AutoZone and OReilly to test battery/alternator - They both said my alternator was the culprit because it was only putting out 12.5V. They also said it was only charging my battery 45% but the battery wasnt "bad" per say. Just was not being charged. I will take it to a certified mechanic this week to confirm diagnosis and have the alternator replaced if that is the case.

 

[Joseph Upson]

I heard whining so I figured power steering pump. Had it replaced since I already had purchased it and it did not fix the issue.

Alternators do that when they go bad, they also on occasion give off the smell of burning electronics.

 

[CWB]

Most people I listen to say get an OEM alternator or rebuild the OEM you have. Some have replaced 3 or 4 aftermarket alternators in short order. Good Luck.

 

[Long]

Most people I listen to say get an OEM alternator or rebuild the OEM you have. Some have replaced 3 or 4 aftermarket alternators in short order. Good Luck.

This ^^^
These cars don't seem to like the parts store junk.
New OEM or rebuild yours by a local shop that specializes in rebuilding alternators.

 

[Dyno]

This ^^^
These cars don't seem to like the parts store junk.
New OEM or rebuild yours by a local shop that specializes in rebuilding alternators.

Is buying Auto Zones brand bad? It’s $155. Not sure how much the OEM one is.

 

[Long]

Is buying Auto Zones brand bad? It’s $155. Not sure how much the OEM one is.

I wouldn't use their alternators unless you like the practice of removing/replacing.
Link to NEW (Last unit on the list). Competent rebuild of your existing should be cheaper...

2012 CADILLAC CTS 3.6L V6 Alternator / Generator | Shop Now at RockAuto

Electrical Parts and More for Your 2012 CADILLAC CTS at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

 

[Joseph Upson]

If you can get your hands on a good used OE alternator through Car-part.com, it's something to keep in mind.

200k miles out of my OE and from previous replacements in other cars, ~150 k miles, or more appears to be a sure thing with GM alternators. Having the original rebuilt as mentioned earlier is a good option also. Some parts as it relates to accessibility and reliability, when you need them most, should be used, or brand new original equipment, as in rare cases is there anything better in the aftermarket.

 

[Lifespeed]

Is buying Auto Zones brand bad? It’s $155. Not sure how much the OEM one is.

The alternator voltage ranges you posted previously could well be a partial failure of the alternator diode bridge, which is common for these cars. It can still keep the battery alive and not even trigger the "service charging system light", which doesn't help you diagnose the problem.

If you have a local starter/alternator shop I recommend you take it there for a rebuild including rectifier, bearings and brushes. They should have the ability to load test a computer-controlled alternator also, something your local parts store likely can't do.

Absolutely do not buy a Chinese copy from your local parts scammer, you'll regret it and get to do the job over eventually or even immediately.

UPDATE:
I heard whining so I figured power steering pump. Had it replaced since I already had purchased it and it did not fix the issue.

Whining is a symptom of a heavily-loaded or wounded alternator.

Too bad about the power steering pump replacement, this is a known symptom of a weak alternator. Sure does look like that is what you should check.

 

[Lifespeed]

Here is a thread with some links to alternator charging behavior if you're interested.

 

[CSIMME01]

Two documents.
2012 CTS charging system description and operation
2012 CTS Power steering diagnostic procedure.
12.6 volts is not indicative of a bad alternator.
Under certain conditions this is the commanded alternator volttage output.

 

[Lifespeed]

12.6 volts is not indicative of a bad alternator.

The lowest I have seen with a good alternator is about 12.8V, but your point about voltage that would be considered "low" for a dumb alternator not indicating a bad alternator on the CTS computer-controlled charging system is correct.

From my experience so far, the best indication is spending a lot of time in the high 13V range, rarely reaching 14.4V, and never reaching 14.9V or 15.0V, at least for an appreciable length of time.

One can hook up the Tech2 and monitor current going into the battery for a more definitive check.

 

[Dyno]

Thank you to everyone for your insight and advice. I found a shop that will confirm the issue and provide a 2 year warranty on the alternator and the work. I went with the OEM alternator. Hope it lasts and solves the issue. I appreciate all of you.

 

[TheFlash]

and what did this cost, Please? $$$$

 

[Dyno]

I was quoted close to $500. However, the new mechanic ran codes and came back with CO450-0B. He wants to replace the Solenoid. The Cadillac manager told me he has seen this many times. He stated although I get that code, it’s more than likely the alternator. Not sure what to do at this point.

 

[Lifespeed]

I was quoted close to $500. However, the new mechanic ran codes and came back with CO450-0B. He wants to replace the Solenoid. The Cadillac manager told me he has seen this many times. He stated although I get that code, it’s more than likely the alternator. Not sure what to do at this point.

Fix the alternator via rebuild or OEM replacement, this is a common problem. Obviously rebuild is less expensive and a good approach, your mechanic is probably planning on this given the $500 price tag. I did this myself for $130 (R&R the alternator, had a local shop rebuild it), but not everybody is able to DIY. Whatever you do, don't let him put in a Chinese alternator!

 

[Long]

Fix the alternator via rebuild or OEM replacement, this is a common problem. Obviously rebuild is less expensive and a good approach, your mechanic is probably planning on this given the $500 price tag. I did this myself for $130 (R&R the alternator, had a local shop rebuild it), but not everybody is able to DIY. Whatever you do, don't let him put in a Chinese alternator!

Solid advice.

🎵 No-No-No'Reillys...auto parts. 🎶

 

[Dyno]

Fix the alternator via rebuild or OEM replacement, this is a common problem. Obviously rebuild is less expensive and a good approach, your mechanic is probably planning on this given the $500 price tag. I did this myself for $130 (R&R the alternator, had a local shop rebuild it), but not everybody is able to DIY. Whatever you do, don't let him put in a Chinese alternator!

$500 is refurbished AlDeco.

However, DTC C0450 0B - states Steering Assist Control Solenoid Circuit Current Above Threshold

 

[Long]

$500 is refurbished AlDeco.

However, DTC C0450 0B - states Steering Assist Control Solenoid Circuit Current Above Threshold

This code is likely driven by the failing alternator. Replace the alternator.