Battery Replacement - 2nd Time

[obabika]

My 2007 new style Silverado 2500HD is about to get it's 2nd battery replaced.

 

The original battery was replaced 11 months ago while under warranty by a local GM dealer because it would not hold a charge. Dealer said battery was defective. It was replaced by an AC Delco battery. When I had checked the battery before starting any troubleshooting it measured 2.85 volts.

 

 

Eleven months later the same thing is happening. In the last three weeks the battery has discharged twice. The first time I measured 2.8 volts at the battery terminals, the second time being today, it was the same, 2.8 volts.

 

I do not believe any lights were left on as I had started the truck two days ago with my remote, and had shut it off with my remote. I believe my truck has the battery rundown protection which would prevent the battery from discharging if certain lights are left on.

 

Could this be a bad cell(s) which is (are) borderline. Last night was somewhat cool (-10 C). The battery appears to be a non serviceable one so there is no checking the fluid level.

 

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

thanks

moe

[ChevyTech77]

You state that you started the truck with the remote and shut it off with the remote plus, I assume the vehicle sits for long periods of time and in cold tempertures at that, correct? That means super cold battery, not being charged

correctly due to little drive time and short run times with rke use (under 10 minutes).

 

1. Check the truck for parasitic draw. Shouldn't be over about 30 ma after the truck is "asleep".

2. Get it out and DRIVE it. A good 30 minute drive at highway speeds would do it wonders.

 

[Debo511]

X2

[obabika]

You state that you started the truck with the remote and shut it off with the remote plus, I assume the vehicle sits for long periods of time and in cold tempertures at that, correct? That means super cold battery, not being charged

correctly due to little drive time and short run times with rke use (under 10 minutes).

 

1. Check the truck for parasitic draw. Shouldn't be over about 30 ma after the truck is "asleep".

2. Get it out and DRIVE it. A good 30 minute drive at highway speeds would do it wonders.

 

 

 

Thanks for the responses. Most of the time the truck gets driven two to three times per week each drive being 10 to 30 minutes. Before the latest incident it had sat for 3 days.

 

The one thing I'd like to understand ; is it plausible for the truck to start and idle for 5 minutes get turned off and 12 hours later for the battery to be at 2.8 volts if there is no unusual current draw? The temperature had dipped about 5 degrees overnight to -10C.

 

I will check out your suggestion about a current leak, and appreciate you noting what the parasitic current should be approximately.

 

Thanks again

 

moe

[desrtrat]

when you put a meter on it what does it show for a charge? should be 13.5V min 14.5V max. is the remote a factory, or after market? do you use a battery charger, or just jump it with another vehicle?

[obabika]

when you put a meter on it what does it show for a charge? should be 13.5V min 14.5V max. is the remote a factory, or after market? do you use a battery charger, or just jump it with another vehicle?

 

I've taken the battery in to have it checked and it is OK. I charged the battery overnight took it for a 30 minute drive on the highway, so I'll monitor from here. Also took some reading after I got home from the drive. Ignition "off" battery voltage was 12.85 volts, engine running voltage was 14.8 volts, parasitic current draw after going to sleep (about 1 minute) was around 27 to 30 milliamps.

 

The remote starter is a factory installed unit.

 

For now I will conclude that the battery was not being kept charged by the lack of and/or short duration of my trips.

 

Thanks for your assistance

 

moe

 

 

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[jro909]

6 years on factory ac delco..6 hard winters sitting in the cold all day and it still works awsome, but then again i drive atleast 20 miles everytime it moves