Electrical System problem

coop · January 9, 2006

I bought my 02 sierra this past November. Dec. 22, I noticed my battery gauge was low so i stopped by auto zone to have them test it. the tester showed that a cell in my battery was dead so i replaced it. the next day on my way back from the beach, my alternator went out so i had to have it towed to a local shop (whom my dad is friends with the owner...only reason it was towed here is b/c i needed it fixed promptly and they were able to have it ready the next day). they replaced the alternator and i was good to go...so i thought. now while idling, my battery gauge starts to drop to the 10 o'clock position instead of staying at the 12 o'clock. it will drop and then rise again like the battery is charging; however, it does this continuously. it seems to do it more when the a/c or heat is on. i guess b/c of more of a drag on the engine/electrical system? the only time that it stops is whenever the engine is revved up or it is being driven. this aggrivates me to death seeing how i just had the battery and alternator replaced. does anyone have any idea why it is doing this?

-coop

Ape0r · January 9, 2006

Sounds like they stuck a cheap/bad alternator in it. I'd try my luck at an AC Delco unit, or see if you can get the shop to try another one in there, and find out what they put in.

redvett · January 9, 2006

#1. Did you clean the battery terminals when installing new battery?

#2. Did you charge the battery up with a battery charger about 8 hours. Alternator will not fully charge up a battery. Only about 85%

#3. Was the alternator new or rebuilt if rebuilt its likley no good.

#4. A bad battery will kill a good alternator due to the high duty cycle required to maintain the battery. About 65-70% is max. 100% overheats it.

coop · January 9, 2006

when i told them to replace it, i assumed they would've put a new one on it...but being the idiots they are, they replaced it with a rebuilt napa alternator... ...i'm never going back here again. yes, the battery terminals were cleaned; however, i didnt charge the battery. i guess i should try that first before doing anything else. thanks for the help.

as far as replacing it, they're more than willing to do so AS LONG AS IM PAYING...poor business to me...i recently found out that while my dads friends truck was there years ago to have a starter replaced, some how they managed to blow the engine. you know what they told the guy? "we'll tow it home for you at no charge!" pathetic!!!!!!! UGH!!!!

-coop