Newbie with a battery or alternator question.

[Brewcity]

Hey guys,

I have only had my 01 Yukon (5.3L) for about 3 months now. I took it to have the tires rotated and balanced, and they said my battery is almost dead.
I also get the red battery symbol in the message center at start up, but then it goes off (not sure if this is normal). My voltage gauge reads over 14...so I am not sure if I need a new battery, or if I need a new alternator.
The battery is 2.5 years old, and the alternator seems original.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

okay you need to test the battery after the surface charge wears off meaning the car has been off for about 30 minutes its 2 and half years old so if its still good you should get 12.4 12.5 volts about my guess is yer batterys about had it here in arizona yer lucky to get 2.5 years out of a battery unless you own a optima like me
do you have a volt meter?

 

[Brewcity]

okay you need to test the battery after the surface charge wears off meaning the car has been off for about 30 minutes its 2 and half years old so if its still good you should get 12.4 12.5 volts about my guess is yer batterys about had it here in arizona yer lucky to get 2.5 years out of a battery unless you own a optima like me
do you have a volt meter?

Hi...thank you so much for the help.
Yeah...I guess the truck has been sitting for awhile (through a Wisconsin winter too) before I purchased it. I am just not sure if it was the battery or alternator, as the volt gauge reads over 14, and it does start right up every time.
I unfortunately do not have a volt meter. Should I bring it to O'Reilly to test?

 

[treehan77]

just take it to AutoZone or such and they can test it for you, and install your new battery if needed

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

with a battery thats almost 3 years old i wouldnt waste my time and just go get a new battery
good alternator voltage should be from 13.8 volts to 14.5 volts

 

[treehan77]

you're going to be there buying a new battery anyway, why not test it since you're already there lol

 

[Brewcity]

you're going to be there buying a new battery anyway, why not test it since you're already there lol

LOL...GREAT point!! : )
I guess I really didn't think this one out very well. Sorry guys.
I appreciate the replies, and the help!
Take care!

 

[southboundchicken]

When it comes to batteries i dont mess around.... A new battery is around $100-$125 ...... A tow truck just to give me a jump start is going to be close to that and all they are doing is jump starting me so i dare not turn it off until im in a safe place to do so otherwise im back on the phone calling a tow truck again .... A few jump starts and im well past the cost of a new battery if you know what i mean but definitely would hurt to have it load tested at a local parts store

 

[clandr1]

Are you having trouble starting the truck? Is it sluggish when you turn the key to start it?

1. Take it to Auto Zone and have them test the battery.
2. If they say the battery is bad, replace it.
3. If they say the battery is fine, have them test your alternator.
4. If they say the alternator is bad, replace it.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

When it comes to batteries i dont mess around.... A new battery is around $100-$125 ...... A tow truck just to give me a jump start is going to be close to that and all they are doing is jump starting me so i dare not turn it off until im in a safe place to do so otherwise im back on the phone calling a tow truck again .... A few jump starts and im well past the cost of a new battery if you know what i mean but definitely would hurt to have it load tested at a local parts store

A jump starter box is cheap insurance.
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt-jump-start-and-power-supply-38391.html