Electrical Issues On A 2001 4.8l

[demonchevy123]

I drive a 2001 Silverado reg cab with a 4.8l and the truck has always ran fine. Never had any problems until just recently. It all started when I was leaving for work early one morning, when I started my truck I noticed the battery gauge wasn't at the 14 volt mark it usually was. It was just slightly under at this point. I still drove go work which was about 15 miles and on the way I noticed it was slightly decreasing as I was driving. I did have my lights on I dont know if it would make a difference or not. Anyway when i left work about 10 hrs later it did start up and take me back home. The gauge is still not where it usually was. By the time I made it home the gauge was at about 1/4. or about 11-12 volts. Considering the alternator has never been replaced I assumed that was the problem so I replaced it with a 105 volt alternator. started it up and had the same problem. Replaced the batt. and still same problem. I finally had it taken to a local mechanic thinking it could just be a bad batt/alternator or even a blown fuse/wire some where but they told me there is no power coming from the vehicals computer. and that I would have to take it to a dealership to replace it. I really need some advice about this. This truck has been nothing but good to me for 10 years now and im really wanting to keep it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[speedracer0626]

Check all connections coming from and going to the battery and starter. I like to go with Napa's pre made big truck battery cables that have ring to ring connections and are 2 guage. After 10 years there has to be a loss in the factory wires. If you think you don't have power coming from the computer well then go to Autozone and plug their scan tool in your OBD II port and if the scan tool comes on then you have power and they are feeding you so bull and never go back to that shop.