GMC/Chevrolet Truck/SUV When starting new posts, please specify YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, ENGINE type, and whatever modifications you have made.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

2019 Silverado battery gauge surges

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 17, 2019 | 09:38 AM
  #1  
scottau's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
scottau is on a distinguished road
Default 2019 Silverado battery gauge surges

Is it normal for my battery gauge to fluctuate from 11 to 14.5 while driving?
Reply
Old Jul 17, 2019 | 02:47 PM
  #2  
Soft Ride's Avatar
Senior Member


True Car Nut
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,911
Likes: 624
From: BC Canada
Soft Ride has much to be proud ofSoft Ride has much to be proud ofSoft Ride has much to be proud ofSoft Ride has much to be proud ofSoft Ride has much to be proud ofSoft Ride has much to be proud ofSoft Ride has much to be proud ofSoft Ride has much to be proud ofSoft Ride has much to be proud ofSoft Ride has much to be proud of
Default

11 volts seems a tad low with a load on, like lights, A/C, yet the question is how accurate is the dash gauge?
Do you have digital or analog style volt gauge in dash?
Having the voltage read while driving, by using an OBD2 scan gauge or even using a VOM from the battery or front 12v accessory port, may give you a more accurate reading for comparison.
Do your headlights seem to dim or blink at all at night when idling, indicating a lower charge?
Many alternators do not put out much amperage until you reach 1700+rpm, still the system should try maintain at least 12.5 volts and range up to 14.5 with higher rpms.
The good news is that you are under full warranty and you could express your concerns with a service tech, and have them do the tests and see if it truly drops to 11 volts while monitoring the charging system.
Also the battery should be properly load tested, with a pass or fail scenario.
If you were to leave your hood unlocked overnight, as to not open door to drain down anything, a good AM voltage reading at the battery, should be around 12.4volts.
__________________
1997 Buick Pk Ave (Soft Ride) Suspension!

Last edited by Soft Ride; Jul 17, 2019 at 03:07 PM. Reason: add battery test
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2019 | 12:27 AM
  #3  
CathedralCub's Avatar
Senior Member


True Car Nut
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 1,012
From: Earth
CathedralCub is a splendid one to beholdCathedralCub is a splendid one to beholdCathedralCub is a splendid one to beholdCathedralCub is a splendid one to beholdCathedralCub is a splendid one to beholdCathedralCub is a splendid one to beholdCathedralCub is a splendid one to behold
Default

Yeah, what Soft Ride said ^^^^^^ , voltmeter and all.

Either way, don't mess with it, make sure you can reproduce it, take it to the dealer, point and cry.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2019 | 05:55 PM
  #4  
garagerog's Avatar
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 280
Likes: 56
From: SC
garagerog is a jewel in the roughgaragerog is a jewel in the roughgaragerog is a jewel in the rough
Default

Originally Posted by scottau
Is it normal for my battery gauge to fluctuate from 11 to 14.5 while driving?
Yes, that is normal, since 2005, GM vehicles alternator output has been controlled by the PCM as a fuel saving measure. If the battery is fully charged, no need for the alternator to be fully engaged. The fuel it saves is probably infinitesimal, but it may prevent overcharging and frying a battery in very hot underhood conditions.In my experience with my 2005 K1500, around town it'* always charging 14+V, when I stretch it'* leg'* on a fairly long freeway run, it will drop below 12V.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mma2012
Chevrolet
1
Dec 27, 2016 11:12 PM
Bonne99
1992-1999
5
Feb 12, 2010 12:54 AM
Snuggles.bf
1992-1999
10
Apr 27, 2007 11:55 PM
jdq
1987-1991
9
Jun 13, 2006 05:39 PM
butkus21
Everything Electrical & Electronic
10
Sep 8, 2005 05:31 PM




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:00 AM.