Again- Mods please put this where it needs to be (can't post a new thread anywhere but here.)
Background: On our 2006 Duramax: First had problems with low voltage, especially on start-up. Took it in and the shop replaced the alternator. About 9 months later, started having trouble with dead batteries periodically, especially if the truck was not started for 2 days. Put 2 new batteries in (about 1-1/2 years ago now). That helped for awhile. Started in with the periodic dead batteries again about 6 months ago. Last week we replaced the alternator again. Still showing lower voltage when we start the truck (somewhere around 11.5 v or so) Takes awhile for it to show 14 v charging. NO warning lights or messages regarding the charging system. Truck seems to turn over slower than it used to. Have been reading some on the internet on this topic.....sounds like this might be a "normal" thing with the changes made to alternators around 2005. At the autoparts store, the batteries test out good. Don't have a lot of confidence in it here lately...afraid I might get stranded somewhere with dead batteries.
Do you think there is something wrong? IS the lower voltage at start-up normal? If we're going dead in 2 days, there must be some sort of draw on the system, right? Any suggestions if this is thought to be a problem? One note, from some of the threads I've read here and on other places - heard mention of glow plug problems causing this.......We are NOT in a very cold climate (west Texas right now) and it happens no matter what the temp....BUT we do have one glow plug that throws a code every time we cold start (cold start as in engine cold, not outside temp cold). Could this be the source of the low voltage and/or the dead batteries?
Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Duramax Diesels Forum is my primary source of answers to my questions on our trucks! Y'all are THE BESTEST!!! :thumb:
Background: On our 2006 Duramax: First had problems with low voltage, especially on start-up. Took it in and the shop replaced the alternator. About 9 months later, started having trouble with dead batteries periodically, especially if the truck was not started for 2 days. Put 2 new batteries in (about 1-1/2 years ago now). That helped for awhile. Started in with the periodic dead batteries again about 6 months ago. Last week we replaced the alternator again. Still showing lower voltage when we start the truck (somewhere around 11.5 v or so) Takes awhile for it to show 14 v charging. NO warning lights or messages regarding the charging system. Truck seems to turn over slower than it used to. Have been reading some on the internet on this topic.....sounds like this might be a "normal" thing with the changes made to alternators around 2005. At the autoparts store, the batteries test out good. Don't have a lot of confidence in it here lately...afraid I might get stranded somewhere with dead batteries.
Do you think there is something wrong? IS the lower voltage at start-up normal? If we're going dead in 2 days, there must be some sort of draw on the system, right? Any suggestions if this is thought to be a problem? One note, from some of the threads I've read here and on other places - heard mention of glow plug problems causing this.......We are NOT in a very cold climate (west Texas right now) and it happens no matter what the temp....BUT we do have one glow plug that throws a code every time we cold start (cold start as in engine cold, not outside temp cold). Could this be the source of the low voltage and/or the dead batteries?
Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Duramax Diesels Forum is my primary source of answers to my questions on our trucks! Y'all are THE BESTEST!!! :thumb: