OEM Dual Battery Setup

wdprice3 · November 16, 2011

I apologize for another dual battery thread, but I didn't see the answers I was looking for.

I have a 2010 Silverado 1500 with a single battery; however, there is a second battery bay available. I am interested in installing a dual battery setup; however, I do not want to void my warranty (all dealers that I have called said this modification would void the warranty).

I'm confused, because I thought there was an OEM dual battery setup available, especially since some vehicles come with this installed. All dealers I called stated there was no part number or RPO code for dual batteries, thus they can't do it....

Can anyone offer some insight? RPO codes/part numbers?

wavery · November 16, 2011

No Dealership can "Void your warranty" for installing a 2nd battery. That's just not realistic.

However, if you do install a second battery and that installation causes problems with your electrical system, that problem may not be covered under the vehicle warranty.

If a 2nd battery is installed correctly, it should not cause any problems. If, down the road, the alternator gives out on you, they could say that it is due to improper installation of the 2nd battery but they would have to prove it. I doubt very much that they would lie about it. It is not in the dealerships best interest to do that.

You own the vehicle and you can do anything that you want with it (within the law). GM (not the dealership) owns the warranty. If you do something that specifically violates the terms of the warranty or install something that causes damage to an otherwise warrantable part, GM can refuse to pay the dealership that specific claim.

The dealership does not pay for the repairs that are covered under warranty. GM pays the dealership for conducting warranty repairs and they pay a fair price for those repairs including a mark-up on any parts used. The dealership has very little incentive to lie to a customer and tell him that GM will not cover that repair because of a 2nd battery installation unless it was true. I'm sure that they would be happy to show you exactly how the installation failed and why it caused damage to any particular part if that were to happen (which would be unlikely IMHO).

Duelin · November 16, 2011

I apologize for another dual battery thread, but I didn't see the answers I was looking for.

I have a 2010 Silverado 1500 with a single battery; however, there is a second battery bay available. I am interested in installing a dual battery setup; however, I do not want to void my warranty (all dealers that I have called said this modification would void the warranty).

I'm confused, because I thought there was an OEM dual battery setup available, especially since some vehicles come with this installed. All dealers I called stated there was no part number or RPO code for dual batteries, thus they can't do it....

Can anyone offer some insight? RPO codes/part numbers?

I think the RPO code is TP2 or TP3. Check with the dealer or dealers.

wdprice3 · November 17, 2011

Thanks for the information. I'll be going in for an oil change soon, so I'll just wait to talk to the dealership service/parts in person. My concern was as ^^ pointed out; if I did this on my own or via a 3rd party, I'd be fearful if any electrical issues popped up and then have trouble getting warranty service due to the modification. I'd rather use OEM parts & labor to cover myself there.

Duelin · November 17, 2011

Thanks for the information. I'll be going in for an oil change soon, so I'll just wait to talk to the dealership service/parts in person. My concern was as ^^ pointed out; if I did this on my own or via a 3rd party, I'd be fearful if any electrical issues popped up and then have trouble getting warranty service due to the modification. I'd rather use OEM parts & labor to cover myself there.

I understand.

wavery · November 17, 2011

Thanks for the information. I'll be going in for an oil change soon, so I'll just wait to talk to the dealership service/parts in person. My concern was as ^^ pointed out; if I did this on my own or via a 3rd party, I'd be fearful if any electrical issues popped up and then have trouble getting warranty service due to the modification. I'd rather use OEM parts & labor to cover myself there.

Wise decision. You just need to get hold of a Service Adviser that knows what the hell he is doing. This isn't a big deal. Even if there is not a factory package that they can order through the parts dept, it's an option that is easily added by a tech that knows what he is doing. He just has to make up the wiring and order a battery isolator and a hold down. This isn't rocket science and surely won't hurt anything on the vehicle.

If I had a Service Adviser that turned down a job like that, we'd be having a talk . If someone is going to sell you a product, I would want it to be me...... Why send the customer off to have it installed elsewhere???. Make no sense to me.

markpeavy · November 19, 2011

I had my '09 Silverado in the dealer for some minor repairs and inquired about a 2nd battery. I had an amplifier and speakers installed last year and was concerned about battery drain when listening to the radio with the engine off. Chevrolet does have an oem part to install but with the battery is was over $800 so I passed.