05 cobalt lt problem

[boostedguy05]

a friend has an 05 cobalt lt. today on her way to work it flashed charging system error at her. now the car will only start when jumped and when you remove the jumper cables the car dies. the battery is only a year old. i have not had the chance to look at the car in person. i have an idea of what i think it is. i am thinking main ground from battery, either loose or bad all together. she is having it towed home tonight. now on to the question. does anybody know of any TSB for this? or any other trouble areas to check besides main ground?

clifs for those that suck at reading
car will only start when jumped. dies when cables are removed. ideas.

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[Lord Tin Foilhat]

Alternator or battery

 

[boostedguy05]

then wouldnt it stay running after being jumped? at least for a few minutes?

 

[The Bluegrass Nomad]

Alternator most likely

 

[The Bluegrass Nomad]

If alternator, the car will die on a dead battery and only run on a juiced battery or other electrical source i.e.. jump

 

[bikrboy128]

yup, sounds like an alternator for sure. but obviously check the electrical connections first.

 

[boostedguy05]

verdict seems to be in early. i will let her know to tell her dad to check that if he attackes it first.