battery keeps dying

[wags1970]

I am having an issue with the battery in my GMC truck. First off, the battery is a year old and is around 800cca. Lately when I go out to start it, I get nothing, completely dead. I have to jump start it, and after its running, the gauges show it running right around 14, where it should be. The other day, after I jump started it, I went over to my local Home Depot, about a 15 minute ride. I was in there for just a few minutes and I had no trouble starting it when coming out. Tonight, I went out to head back to HD again, and once again it was dead and I had to charge it before I left. I got to HD, spent about 25 minutes in there, and when I got out to start it, it was dead. I had to get an employee to give me a jump start. I really don't t think the battery is the problem. Could it be the alternator? I'm not sure as I'm not real mechanical, so if anyone can tell me what these symptoms usually point to, I'd appreciate it. I should also note that this truck does not get driven much, maybe once a week. Not sure if that matters or not. Thanks

[plinkie]

Something is staying on after you leave the truck and running your batt down. One other person I know that had this problem found out that his running lights had a short in them and they would stay on all the time after he left the vehicle. He didn't notice right away, as it is normal for the lights to stay on for a few seconds after you turn the truck off. He found out when he went into the garage an hour later and the running lites were still on. HIs fix was to remove the fuse and not worry about daytime running lites.Anyway, it could be several things that are staying on and draining your batt, or a short in wireing somewere, but worth checking out those running lites.

[HyperBuzzin]

I'd suggest taking the battery to a parts store and have them load test it. They usually do it for free.

Also, are you sure the clamps/wires are tight and clean?

If the gauge is showing it's charging at 14 volts, I doubt it's the alternator.