Owners Of 08 Silverados 5.3s

[jerr529]

Recently i put an inquire about my Gage on the dash pertaining to the readings i was getting,after driving the truck ( 08 silverado 5.3 ext cab with towing package)500miles i have the battery gage showing about 13 reading and when i start it jumps to above 14 then settles after driving few min to 13 again and stays there. I took too the dealer and he the mechanic and service mgr assured me that this was normal cause of the new type of reg in new trucks and even gave me the GM bullitin about other customers asking about this fluxuating in the voltage,. Has anyone with this veh experiencing this as well. If the GM guru is reading this as well can you help . Im just not used to haveing my gage reading below center mark, maybe im paranoid lol

[gvbhunt]

My 2007 does the exact same thing. It really only stays over 14 when I am stopped and both fans are running or while driving with the headlights/other high draw accessories on. The tech at the GMC dealership told me that the computer controls the output of the alternator and it can decrease the output when not needed. Somehow that is different than a standard voltage regulator......

 

 

Normally while driving mine sits just a bit over 12.

[MS3DALE]

He's right,Its normal.....

 

 

Service Information Chevrolet Chevy K Silverado - 4WD | Sierra, Silverado (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 2042756

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#07-06-03-009: Information on Voltmeter Gauge Fluctuation Due to Regulated Voltage Control System and Concerns About Camper/Trailer Battery Charging - (Dec 5, 2007)

 

 

Subject: Information On Voltmeter Gauge Fluctuation Due To Regulated Voltage Control System And Concerns About Camper/Trailer Battery Charging

 

 

Models: 2005-2008 Cadillac Escalade Models

 

2005-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Silverado Classic, Suburban, Tahoe

 

2005-2008 GMC Sierra, Sierra Classic, Yukon Models

 

 

 

 

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Voltmeter Fluctuation Condition:

Some customers may comment that the voltmeter is fluctuating between 12 and 14 volts on their full size pickup or utility vehicle. Starting with the 2005 model year, light duty full size pickups and utilities are equipped with a new Regulated Voltage Control (RVC) system. This system reduces the targeted output of the generator to 12.6-13.1 volts when in "Fuel Economy Mode" to improve fuel economy. The generator may exit "Fuel Economy Mode" if additional voltage is required. This will cause the voltmeter to fluctuate between 12 and 14 volts as opposed to non-regulated systems that usually maintain a more consistent reading of 14 volts. This fluctuation with the RVC system is normal system operation and NO repairs should be attempted.

 

Camper/Trailer Battery Charging Concerns:

Some customers may comment that when towing or hauling a camper/trailer, the auxiliary battery for the camper/trailer will not stay charged. In most cases, this concern is blamed on the new RVC system. While the RVC system does reduce the generator's targeted output voltage to 12.6-13.1 volts when in "Fuel Economy Mode", this feature is bypassed if the tow/haul feature is enabled. With the tow/haul feature enabled, the RVC system will stay in "Charge Mode" and the targeted generator output voltage will be 13.9-15.5 volts, depending on the battery state of charge and the estimated battery temperature. To keep the generator in the "Charge Mode", use either of the following two methods.

 

• The first method is to use the tow/haul mode when towing or hauling a camper or trailer.

 

• The second method is to turn on the headlights, which will increase the generator's targeted output voltage to 13.9-14.5 volts.

 

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

 

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

 

 

© 2008 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

[jerr529]

He's right,Its normal.....

Thanks for getting back to me dale thats the bullitin they gave me as well, crazy isnt it they install new reg in system . I was worried that in winter when really cold that maybe i would be drained below whats needed to start engin as i stated, when i start it jumps and then settles to around 13 plus ill be keeping my copy in glove compartment ;lol

jerry

 

Service Information Chevrolet Chevy K Silverado - 4WD | Sierra, Silverado (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 2042756

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

#07-06-03-009: Information on Voltmeter Gauge Fluctuation Due to Regulated Voltage Control System and Concerns About Camper/Trailer Battery Charging - (Dec 5, 2007)

 

 

Subject: Information On Voltmeter Gauge Fluctuation Due To Regulated Voltage Control System And Concerns About Camper/Trailer Battery Charging

 

 

Models: 2005-2008 Cadillac Escalade Models

 

2005-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Silverado Classic, Suburban, Tahoe

 

2005-2008 GMC Sierra, Sierra Classic, Yukon Models

 

 

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Voltmeter Fluctuation Condition:

Some customers may comment that the voltmeter is fluctuating between 12 and 14 volts on their full size pickup or utility vehicle. Starting with the 2005 model year, light duty full size pickups and utilities are equipped with a new Regulated Voltage Control (RVC) system. This system reduces the targeted output of the generator to 12.6-13.1 volts when in "Fuel Economy Mode" to improve fuel economy. The generator may exit "Fuel Economy Mode" if additional voltage is required. This will cause the voltmeter to fluctuate between 12 and 14 volts as opposed to non-regulated systems that usually maintain a more consistent reading of 14 volts. This fluctuation with the RVC system is normal system operation and NO repairs should be attempted.

 

Camper/Trailer Battery Charging Concerns:

Some customers may comment that when towing or hauling a camper/trailer, the auxiliary battery for the camper/trailer will not stay charged. In most cases, this concern is blamed on the new RVC system. While the RVC system does reduce the generator's targeted output voltage to 12.6-13.1 volts when in "Fuel Economy Mode", this feature is bypassed if the tow/haul feature is enabled. With the tow/haul feature enabled, the RVC system will stay in "Charge Mode" and the targeted generator output voltage will be 13.9-15.5 volts, depending on the battery state of charge and the estimated battery temperature. To keep the generator in the "Charge Mode", use either of the following two methods.

 

• The first method is to use the tow/haul mode when towing or hauling a camper or trailer.

 

• The second method is to turn on the headlights, which will increase the generator's targeted output voltage to 13.9-14.5 volts.

 

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

 

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

 

 

© 2008 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

[SLESierra]

when you bought the truck the information tag hanging from the mirror had this information on it as well. It showed the gauge and a green zone for it to operate in