Low reading on voltage gauge with brand new battery.

[Cody Warford]

I own a 2003 silverado 1500. Noticed a low reading on the voltage gauge so I replaced the battery with a brand new one. Gauge still reads exact voltage as the previous battery did and didnt even raise on the first turnover. Im thinking its a connection issue.  Am I correct or is it something else? Please and thank you.  

[riverbanks]

Very possible, the guage reading is probably battery voltage,not charging voltage,a test of the alternator is free at Auto parts stores?or wiggle alternator feed to see if guage goes up?

[MaverickZ71]

Have an auto parts store run a free diagnostic (aka load test for you).  That can identify whether you got a bad new battery or your alternator or gauge is not working correctly.  

[Mikebtte]

Have you put a multireader on the battery and verified the gauge is wrong?

Could be holding a low charge or a failed voltage regulator is only allowing for the charge to maintain at a low voltage.

[dsr611]

Stepper motor for the gauge may be failing...that generation of GMs have a bad problem with stepper motors going bad.