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Dash gauges or alternator

dbmorts

By dbmorts
in Troubleshooting & Recalls

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dbmorts New Member

dbmorts

Posted
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I drive a 2014 Denali 1500. When i first got this trk, using the four gauge cluster in dash, the volt gauge would always read above 14. 3 volts (approx). Every once in a while the volt gauge would drop to around 13 volts(+/-) . I reported this to the dealer, was told everything is A OK. As time has gone on, I have now noticed the voltage gauge reads around 13volts (+/-) most of the time and goes to 14.3 volts less amount of time than the gauge stays on the low side. Kinda a reversal of when it was newer. I reported this to the dealer, they checked it said no engine light, charges as per specs. I find it kind of hard to beleive over a 2 and a hlf years, the battery would require less charing. Has anybody else experinced this and has it been reported and what was the determination? any response would be appreciated.

huntr1117 Enthusiast

huntr1117

Posted
Posted

I'd say it's probably normal. Does it change when you turn on/off the AC? There should be a difference in the volts when more load is put on the engine. You also say that the battery is 2.5 yrs old which is probably why you're seeing the volt change. Most of the batteries in these trucks only last about 3 yrs if you're lucky. At least that's what I've seen on my last truck.

 

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TJay74 Senior Enthusiast

TJay74

Posted
Posted

It is normal, the battery maintenance module that GM uses now only charges the battery when needed. Cuts down on over charging and also frees up some power in the name of fuel mileage since the power isn't being used to turn an alternator that is in an excited state.

dbmorts New Member

dbmorts

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Posted

Being mechanically inclined, a person would think that the older the battery gets, the longer period of time and more charging volts it would be required, even with the battery maintenance module. One issue that would prevent that was that if the battery were bad and not accepting the charge from the system. I guess I am going to hook up a mechanic old fashion volt multimeter and monitor for a few trips. I want to record the voltages a little more accurate than the guessing you get from the gauge. Can a GM certified assistant comment on this, maybe explain the charging system battery maintenance module. Thank you

TJay74 Senior Enthusiast

TJay74

Posted
Posted

No they wont, they know nothing of how those systems work. The manual talks about it as well if you need info. Otherwise it is what it is, there is no way to change it since the charging state is controlled by the BCM computer.

  • 2 weeks later...
pm26 Senior Enthusiast

pm26

Posted
Posted

You can install a brand new battery in your truck and if that battery sat for some time on a shelf and is partially discharged, you will see your gauge indicating 14+ volts for some time because the battery needs to be fully charged. Once the battery receives a full charge, the voltage gauge will drop to 12 Volts of so. If you are still concerned about the health of the battery of the alternator, both can be properly load tested by a competent outfit at a nominal charge.(the main challenge is finding that competent outfit)

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