2003 Escalade - Fluctuating voltage, lights, etc

jaxondes · December 5, 2016

Hi All,

Long time lurker here, can't seem to find anyone with the same problem as me!

I have a 2003 Escalade with 280K on it. It's been an awesome truck the past five years I've owned it. For the past year or so I've been having a weird issue, and it's time to resolve it before it makes me walk.

After the vehicle has completely cooled off, as I restart and get going down the road, my voltage gauge will fluctuate right down, then up to normal. My lights also dim, fan slows, and seat heaters will even shut off at times. After about 2-3 minutes it goes away, and does not return. I typically only notice it in the colder weather.

What I have done to attempt to remedy is clean all grounds & positive battery cable & replaced battery with a known good. I also grounded the engine directly to the battery. Nothing has really seemed to help, it may be a bit better, but might just be hopeful. Any thoughts on what to check next? Thank you.

muddkatt · December 6, 2016

Have the alternator tested.

jaxondes · December 6, 2016

Have the alternator tested.

Sorry I forgot to mention that - altenator was replaced with one off my parts Escalade, did not help.

This morning it was -15, and it took about 10 minutes for the fluctuating to stop - definitely a lot worse in the cold. And the truck sits in a garage that is kept warm all winter.