New battery - Dead truck

[plush]

I just got my 08 Yukon Denali 5 weeks ago. During that time the battery went dead twice (required jump) and 2 other times, very slow, chugging start (think, Little Train that could). First time, I was washing truck, listening to CD, went dead after 20 minutes. Another time, no music, it just went dead.

The battery is new (05/11). I went and had it checked at it was pulling 12 amps. Any ideas? Someone said maybe it is a computer issue in that my alternator and battery are not working together like they should.


I am going to get the alternator checked on the way home today.

 

[plush]

Ok, my alternator was pushing 47 amps. The guy said it should be at least 60 (minimum)

Anyone have a high-output alt? The ones that put out 250 amps? would this be good?

Which one? having never bought one of these, $299 to $449 seems a BIG step.

http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-4967-new-high-output-alternator-gmc-yukon-07-08-15093928-**-8301.aspx

http://www.mechmanhighoutputalterna...treme-Service-GM-alternator-(late-model).html

 

[t2sfd]

I have a 2008 Tahoe which I've owned for over a year. It was a certified used with 42,000 miles on it. I've had my battery die three times in the past year, twice for unknown reasons. The first time was due to the same reason as yours, I was playing the stereo while cleaning the truck. I had only been playing it for about 1/2 hour and when I went to start the truck it was dead.

The next two times (last one was one week ago) was for reasons still unknown. After I had it jumped it was perfect. I had it to the dealer, they kept it overnight and checked everything out and couldn't find nothing wrong with it. Although I have roadside assistance, I keep a power pack in the back just in case I have to jump it and don't want to wait for roadside assistance.

There are other cases of the dead battery issue that I've found through google searches, but nobody really had any luck in finding what the reason was.

I'd have to check into the 60 amp minimum that the guy told you about. I'd think that the amp draw would change depending on the load.

 

[NASTY GM]

If you guys have the factory battery thats the problem. The battery GM puts in these trucks are a joke! I put an Yellow Top in mine and have never killed it. I have 2100 watt stereo and 2 air compressors for my bags.

 

[t2sfd]

Initially I thought I had the original battery, but I recently had the service manager give me a print out of all warranty claims on my truck. Turns out the battery was changed 1 1/2 years by original owner at 30,000 miles. Other interesting point showed up too which really caused me some concern.

Battery Replacement - 30,900 miles
Replacement of Body Control Module - 26,600 miles
Replacement of Powertrain Control Module - 18,900 miles
Replacement of Power & Grounds Distribution wiring - 18,900

As you can see, there's been quite a bit of parts replacement regarding the electrical system, needless to say, I just recently traded the Tahoe in.

 

[plush]

any help on the alternators


Which one? having never bought one of these, $299 to $449 seems a BIG step.

http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-4967-new-high-output-alternator-gmc-yukon-07-08-15093928-**-8301.aspx

http://www.mechmanhighoutputalterna...treme-Service-GM-alternator-(late-model).html

 

[t2sfd]

I don't know if the alternator is your problem. Although if you want to change it, might want to get the cheaper one so that you won't be out a lot of money if it's not the problem. Do you have an aftermarket stereo that's drawing a huge amount of amperage, or any other added on systems that would add an increase in load to your system?

I just upgraded a previous post after I had my service manager from the Chevy dealer pull the warranty claims on my Tahoe (prior to my ownership). I can see where my truck had electrical issues prior to me buying it so I just recently traded it in. They changed the battery and every computer module on the truck along with the wiring and I was still having the dead battery issues. Same year truck as yours. As of last week, I no longer own it.

Is your truck still under any type of warranty? Take it to the dealer and get their input.

 

[plush]

I don't know if the alternator is your problem. Although if you want to change it, might want to get the cheaper one so that you won't be out a lot of money if it's not the problem. Do you have an aftermarket stereo that's drawing a huge amount of amperage, or any other added on systems that would add an increase in load to your system?

I just upgraded a previous post after I had my service manager from the Chevy dealer pull the warranty claims on my Tahoe (prior to my ownership). I can see where my truck had electrical issues prior to me buying it so I just recently traded it in. They changed the battery and every computer module on the truck along with the wiring and I was still having the dead battery issues. Same year truck as yours. As of last week, I no longer own it.

Is your truck still under any type of warranty? Take it to the dealer and get their input.

as far as stereo and electrical, it is all stock. I have a 3month/3k warranty from the dealer I bought it from. However, it does not cover battery/alt. Pretty much powertrain, just like the Gm 100k powertrain. I'll call the GM place and see what they can pull for me.

 

[plush]

Ok, took it to shop, after paying $49.99 they checked the charging system. They said it was the battery. I turned down the OEM Delco for $160. He seemed surprised by that. i had been looking at the Optima Yellow Top D35. However, it is $240 at O'reilly, the only place by me that sells it. You can get it online at Amazon


http://www.amazon.com/Optima-Batter..._3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1315354036&sr=1-3

but everywhere I read said trying to get warranty servie if you bought online is nightmare.

 

[ChevyGuy]

I have had good luck with Optima batteries. If your not doing a lot of cycling with your battery, save a few bucks and just get a red top.