Battery Icon Flickers In Message Center

bsturn · September 23, 2007

I have a issue with my 2001 Chevy 1500 pickup with a 5.3

The battery icon in the message center will flicker constantly after the truck is started. The voltage is good. It runs about 13.8 to 14.0 volts at the battery. The volt gauge don't change when the battery icon illuminates. Someone told me that maybe the dash cluster needs attention. Don't know what that means. It only has 34600 miles on it. For low mileage this truck sure gives me problems. I also have a code P0455 which I know what to do with. Any help would be nice. Thanks

redvett · September 23, 2007

I would suspect a 2001 with 34600 miles the average mileage is about 15000 a year thats only 5600 mi a year. Check with GM and Carfax & your license bureau. This may be fraud.

Norseman · September 23, 2007

Bench test your alternator. That should rule out any problems there.

GatorFan · September 24, 2007

I had a similar problem but mine ended up being the negative battery cable (it was corroded). I also had a few times it wouldn't crank either and my cluster went crazy but after a few tries it cranked right up. My Optima battery also needed charging because of the negative cable. The battery was 6 years old so I replaced it with a new Optima when I replaced the negative cable. I would check my cable for corrosion just to rule that out and have the battery tested. My amp meter also read between 13-14 volts constantly but the cable was the culprit.

I believe the mileage on your truck. Mine is a 2000 and only has 48000 on it and I bought it new! If you do suspect the mileage may be inaccurate, have the dealership check. The mileage is stored in the BCM as well (from what I've been told).

Draenor · September 24, 2007

Bench test your alternator. That should rule out any problems there.

+1 Most auto parts stores can load test them for free.

I had a similar problem but mine ended up being the negative battery cable (it was corroded). I also had a few times it wouldn't crank either and my cluster went crazy but after a few tries it cranked right up. My Optima battery also needed charging because of the negative cable. The battery was 6 years old so I replaced it with a new Optima when I replaced the negative cable. I would check my cable for corrosion just to rule that out and have the battery tested. My amp meter also read between 13-14 volts constantly but the cable was the culprit.

+1 Check all the conections and replace the battery if need be. As with the alternator, most auto stores can load test the battery too.

The mileage is stored in the BCM as well (from what I've been told).

Negative, just in the cluster.

*Edit* The DTC is an EVAp leak failure. Check the gas cap, make sure it is on tight. Otherwise you may have a leak somewheres in the system.

bsturn · September 25, 2007

Hey guys, I bought this truck new from the dealer, so It has the correct mileage on it. I don't drive it alot because my work isn't far away. So I drive the cycle or our Impala. I had some flowmaster exhaust on it for 3 years until it rotted out from salt and short runs. The exhuast only lasted 20,000 miles. Boy was I mad. My brother was a gm-tech and said the dash cluster on some trucks did give issues with the battery icon illuminating when everything else was fine. Thanks for all the replys. Keep them comming and I will check the ground. The battery is still a factory Delco. I love the truck but I've sure had my problems with it.