Sierra Denali 1500 - 2014 Volt Meter

[Pulione]

Good Morning - I know this is not a new topic, but in reading many comments on the site I still cannot find a answer.

The volt meter on the truck has indicated 14 volts since the day it came from the dealer nearly 31/2 years ago and 100,000 K's (Canada)

This past week I had to have it serviced, the solenoid on the exhaust cannister stuck open, the engine lite came on and the volt meter bounced around.

This was all repaired at the dealer, plus a full inspection of the electrical system (printout).

Now the vehicle starts at 14 volts, then drops off to about 12 volts. The dealer tells me that all is well, it is operating as it should.

My Question:

When the vehicle leaves the factory, the output to the system is 14 volts 24/7 - when it is repaired or checked, it runs at 12 +/- volts.

Is the setting from the factory wrong, or is the setting from the dealer wrong, and why the differential between the two. The vehicle has run perfectly until this incident prior to any service. I will know today if there is any difference in performance as we have a short highway trip.

Thanks for your help, it is appreciated.

 

[O_J_Simpson]

Sounds like high resistance as the mileage is going up. I would go by Autozone and ask for some 12V wire flush. This should get you back up to 14 volts again.

[jono20]

This is normal. I had the same question about my '14 when I had it as I was seeing the voltage needle drop down occasionally. The alternator doesn't put out a constant 14V. When it senses sufficient charge it will drop toward 12V. I was told that as long as it's within the normal operating range bar on the gauge its fine. Encountered it only a few months after purchase and I drove it for three years after with no issues.

[Pulione]

O_J

:

[Pulione]

O_J:

Excellant suggestion with the exception that Autozone is a US chain and their products are available only the American public who are also used to using buckets of steam for engine cleaning. Sad!

[Pulione]

Maybe there is not a answer, but as a engineer, it seems that factory settings should be default by nature unless there is a addendum to the spec.

The truck seems to be running fine, will know for sure by the end of the week.

Thank you for taking the time to reply, it is appreciated.

Have a good night.

[Z45]

Normal

 

Tech Tip: Remy GM Regulated Voltage Control (RVC) Computer-Controlled Charging

 

GM RVC charging system voltage varies from approximately 11.5 to 15.5 volts. During fuel economy mode, when voltage is at the lowest, customers or technicians monitoring battery voltage may believe there is a charging system concern. Simply turning on all vehicle electrical items will cause a mode change and make the voltage rise. Conversely, when the system is in battery sulfation mode, voltage may rise as high as 15.5 volts for three to four minutes.

 

 

 

https://srs20assets.service-solutions.com/OEM/GM/en-US/Generic/Downloads/Document%20Library/TL_Sept04.pdf

[sk]

Normal

 

Tech Tip: Remy GM Regulated Voltage Control (RVC) Computer-Controlled Charging

 

GM RVC charging system voltage varies from approximately 11.5 to 15.5 volts. During fuel economy mode, when voltage is at the lowest, customers or technicians monitoring battery voltage may believe there is a charging system concern. Simply turning on all vehicle electrical items will cause a mode change and make the voltage rise. Conversely, when the system is in battery sulfation mode, voltage may rise as high as 15.5 volts for three to four minutes.

 

 

 

https://srs20assets.service-solutions.com/OEM/GM/en-US/Generic/Downloads/Document%20Library/TL_Sept04.pdf

 

This.

Also it is designed that way because once your battery is charged it will actually kill the battery prematurely if you keep putting 14.4 volts into it (this is a simple description -- if you google it you can find people explaining how charging systems and deep-cycle batteries work). That is why you will probably notice that on longer trips the gauge will read lower (the battery has already charged fully partway through the trip so the system adjusts).

 

Don't worry -- it's normal operation. As long as it stays in the area on the gauge with the "arc" above it you will be fine.

[Pulione]

Thanks to all for your replies, it is appreciated.

You all have a good one.

Take care.