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1998 K1500 5.7 Suburban dual battery question

Craig McIvor

By Craig McIvor
in Ask A GM Technician

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Craig McIvor New Member

Craig McIvor

Posted
Posted

Newbie here.  I just bought a '98 Suburban with the 5.7 Vortek.  It has a dual battery system that looks to be from the factory.  I recently de-stunk the interior (the previous owner smoked in it).  The chemical I used left a faint chlorine odor, so I sat it out all day with the doors open.  After reading up, I assumed that the interior lights would run off the auxiliary battery, preserving the starter battery.  Instead, the starter battery (passenger side) went dead.  I disconnected it and recharged it.  I then went to do the same to the other (driver's side) battery, and according to the charger, it was still fully charged.  I re-connected the starter battery, and it started right up, and runs fine.

 

My question is: why would the interior lights drain the starter battery, but not the other one?  Isn't the isolator supposed to protect the starter battery, and drain the auxiliary?  Does this mean there is not an isolator, or that it's not working?   

 

I've also read about a "smart" isolator.  Can I install one on this truck?

tlaw91 Enthusiast

tlaw91

Posted
Posted

The passenger side is the primary battery, the other one is only on when the key is set to RUN. It is working properly


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