Walmart Tech Said I Have A " Bad Battery "

TexasAl · May 26, 2008

Well, after an oil change, the tech left a printout of the battery test that shows that I have a bad battery. I will be going into the dealer to get a new battery. By the way, I have a 2008 Silverado CC 5.3 with only 9000 miles (mostly hwy). Very discouraging that the battery has gone bad so soon. I read through some threads about some battery issues that the 2007's had, so I hope this is not a prelude to that.

-Al

jhoff8487 · May 26, 2008

Eh...I wouldn't necessarily take what the Wal-Mart tech said as the truth. I've had them tell me batteries have been bad and I take them to a battery store or the dealer and they test just fine. Wal-Mart, in my opinion, just wants you to buy a new battery from them. Have your dealer do the test and take their word for it over the big box store.

MS3DALE · May 26, 2008

I agree...The issue with the 07's wasn't with the battery itself,Rather a programming issue with the BCM that caused the battery to drain and in turn go dead.

TexasAl · May 26, 2008

That's true. The only indication that they may be right is that the gauge reading for voltage varies greatly. On a 300 mile road trip, going 70mph, the gauge was reading below12 volts at first. Then, later on in the trip, it was reading closer to 14 volts. At the end of the trip, the battery was back to around 12 volts. The voltage should vary slightly, but not that much. I will go by my dealer and see if they will check the battery. It really is not that big of a deal. Batteries are almost a hit or miss thing when it comes to finding a good one. I will keep you updated.

-Al

svensk · May 26, 2008

I doubt the wal-mart tech is getting any commission from battery sales.

Controller · May 26, 2008

That's true. The only indication that they may be right is that the gauge reading for voltage varies greatly. On a 300 mile road trip, going 70mph, the gauge was reading below12 volts at first. Then, later on in the trip, it was reading closer to 14 volts. At the end of the trip, the battery was back to around 12 volts. The voltage should vary slightly, but not that much. I will go by my dealer and see if they will check the battery. It really is not that big of a deal. Batteries are almost a hit or miss thing when it comes to finding a good one. I will keep you updated.

-Al

Someone correct me if I'm wrong nut the new alternators are supposed to be variable voltage, that is they will only charge as much as the system needs depending on the load.

Zembonez · May 26, 2008

I'd go have it looked at. Any battery can have an issue. I had one replaced in my 05 truck because it went dead and after that I never had another issue.

pennzoil29 · May 26, 2008

I'd go have it looked at. Any battery can have an issue. I had one replaced in my 05 truck because it went dead and after that I never had another issue.

Well Jim, I would hope not.

Zembonez · May 26, 2008

I'd go have it looked at. Any battery can have an issue. I had one replaced in my 05 truck because it went dead and after that I never had another issue.

Well Jim, I would hope not.

LOL

I guess that should have been a little better explained huh? My 05 had about 1500 miles on it and the battery gave up the ghost. Wouldn't hold a charge for squat. I suspect it was probably one of those that had something left on in the lot when the truck was at the dealership waiting for me to adopt it. I've seen many at the dealership completely flat. They just charge them and let them go... After one sits fully discharged, It doesn't ever come back 100%.

pennzoil29 · May 26, 2008

I'd go have it looked at. Any battery can have an issue. I had one replaced in my 05 truck because it went dead and after that I never had another issue.

Well Jim, I would hope not.

LOL

I guess that should have been a little better explained huh? My 05 had about 1500 miles on it and the battery gave up the ghost. Wouldn't hold a charge for squat. I suspect it was probably one of those that had something left on in the lot when the truck was at the dealership waiting for me to adopt it. I've seen many at the dealership completely flat. They just charge them and let them go... After one sits fully discharged, It doesn't ever come back 100%.

I was just keepin' you on your toes buddy.

TexasAl · May 26, 2008

Dealer was closed today. Oh well. I'll just have to go by tomorrow. I was going to try to setup an appointment, but I'm thinking they will make me wait until next week. I figure that if I am there, they may just take care of me ASAP.

-Al

pennzoil29 · May 26, 2008

Dealer was closed today. Oh well. I'll just have to go by tomorrow. I was going to try to setup an appointment, but I'm thinking they will make me wait until next week. I figure that if I am there, they may just take care of me ASAP.

-Al

Good luck to you. I hope they treat you fair.

MS3DALE · May 26, 2008

That's true. The only indication that they may be right is that the gauge reading for voltage varies greatly. On a 300 mile road trip, going 70mph, the gauge was reading below12 volts at first. Then, later on in the trip, it was reading closer to 14 volts. At the end of the trip, the battery was back to around 12 volts. The voltage should vary slightly, but not that much. I will go by my dealer and see if they will check the battery. It really is not that big of a deal. Batteries are almost a hit or miss thing when it comes to finding a good one. I will keep you updated.

-Al

Someone correct me if I'm wrong nut the new alternators are supposed to be variable voltage, that is they will only charge as much as the system needs depending on the load.

#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

TexasAl · May 26, 2008

OK. That makes sense. Thanks Rich!

-Al

VT_Z71 · May 26, 2008

My truck, built 5/07 with 10.5k on the odometer, was randomly dead this morning. Towed all weekend with it, and have never had any problems in the past. After sitting approximately 18hrs, the battery was so dead I had absolutely NO juice to anything (not even dim interior lamps or anything). The only thing left on overnight was the little light on my cell phone charger.

Jump started now and running fine.

Hope this isn't the BCM issue.