What's Up With GMC P/U Truck Batteries????

Farmallhal

Well-known Member
I bought my 2009 GMC Sierra 4 wheel drive V-8 gas pick-up new in February 2009 and I just put the third battery in it today. The first AC-Delco battery which came installed in the truck lasted about 2 1/2 years. Another new AC-Delco original replaced that one and today went to use the truck to transport some implement items to a metal finisher and you guessed it - wouldn't start. I couldn't even jump start it with a running vehicle. Had to remove the battery in the garage and get another new battery. Bought the best one O'Reilly Auto Parts had and installed it as I thought I should try something else instead of another AC-Delco.
Is anyone else with newer GMC/Chevrolet pick-ups having the same lack of battery life in their vehicles. Thanks for any comments but just wondering why the lack of battery life in my pick-up which is parked inside every night and not subjected to any abuse, Hal.
 
Accordin to a mechanic where I usta work, any time we got into a truck, it was 'operator abuse'!!!!!
 
Try disconnecting the battery when you are not using the truck to see if it's the problem is the battery or a current drain in the truck.

I finally installed a battery quick disconnect in one little used 1994 pickup when I could not find the current drain.
 
I have an 08 model that I just replaced the battery yesterday.It was still good,just thought I would change it before winter.My 2001 duramax battery lasted 9 years.
 
For what it's worth if you leave anything plugged in to the cigarette lighters while not using the truck it can run things down quick--radar detector or gps unit (even if the unit is turned off just charging).

I really wish those outlets turned off with the key.
 
It could be something weird that stays on all the time. I had a Mercury that kept running down, eating batteries. One night my little daughter, riding in the back seat, wondered why there was a light on in the glove box. Well, day-um!
 
I have heard of some battery issues caused by overheating due to airflow through the engine compartment. I do not remember what models those were.
 
I forget the years exactly, does yours have a switch up on the ceiling for plow lights or something like that? I thought there was problems with these left on or making a drain. Any aftermarket items or a trailer on usually? I have a bunch of GM vehicles with plows, 2 way radios, trailers etc., don't usually have drain problems.
 
Part of the problem is battery location,jammed in the back corner of the engine bay,next to the firewall,heater core and a/c evaporator. If you are in a warm climate, the battery just cooks with under hood temps exceeding 250+ degrees.Add in all the electrical loads,plus one or two 140 amp plus alternators if optioned that way.
We had Suburbans when I worked in Iraq and the batteries would fail in 9 months to a year. They would be basically cooked dry.
 
I once had a sticky relay for the delayed interior light shutoff in my car.

I tracked it down by disconnecting one of the cables on the battery and using a small volt meter in the "Amps/Current" measuring mode. On this vehicle, my normal reading is around 3 milliamps. When the relay was sticking, the reading much higher than that... around 40 mA or something like that. You could trouble-shoot further by pulling fuses one at a time until you find the culprit.
 
That is NOT a common occurrence in those trucks, in fact most OE Delco batteries last a very long time. I would have it checked for overcharging and drains, and if nothing is found, try an Interstate. My 2 cents
 
I have had great luck with oem batteries, but I only keep them 5-7 years. never replaced one, but we will see with the 13, but when I leave it sit for 2 months when we are down south they recommend disconnecting it, so I do.
 
Just a follow=-up to some of the responses received to this point and some supplemental information. No, nothing was left plugged in to a power outlet, the lights or wipers were not left on, and their is a small parasite type draw in all new vehicles to power all the electronics installed in the new generation vehicles. I believe the vehicle would have to set for weeks for the parasite draw to run a good battery down. The truck is certainly not an abused vehicle as it has less then 12K miles on it at present and is only 5 1/2 years old. I try to drive it at least every couple of weeks and we just returned from a 700+ mile trip about two weeks ago. The voltmeter on the dash usually indicates slightly over 14 volts when running shortly after start up and drops down even lower after charging the battery back to it's voltage maintenance level.
One thing that s puzzling to me is a much shorter warranty on the size 48 battery which is used in these pick-ups with 5 and 6 year warranties on the same level quality batteries right next to them on the shelf.
 
Not the same model GMC, but last year I just replaced the original battery in my 2002 GMC Sonoma. I think 11 years is a pretty good deal.
 
I like Interstate batteries also and in fact have been replacing all batteries with the Interstate brand. Went to the local outlet that handles Interstate first but he didn't have one in stock and said the delivery truck wouldn't be back for a couple of weeks. Don't do Wal-Mart batteries either and felt O'Reilly's was the best remaining choice I had available but could have tried a Die Hard at Sears but that was across town and wanted to get the truck ready to roll.
 
It would be interesting to know who makes AC Delco batteries now. Up to 15 years ago, they were made by Delphi. When Delphi went bankrupt, Johnson Controls bought the assets and made a deal with GM to make their OEM batteries for awhile. In my opinion, Johnson Controls makes great batteries. Also makes them for Subaru, Honda, Ford, Walmart, Interstate, etc. I bet some other el-cheapo place is making the newest AC Delcos now. I don't know though. I have zero faith in anything GM does now adays since they took our tax dollars.
 
Bought my '05 Silverado about 18 months ago, with just over 100,000 miles. Replaced the battery shortly after getting the truck, it was a Delco and was wrapped in rubber, so I think it was original! I was quite impressed with that one!
 
The delco battery in GMC truck lasted about 6 years. The delco in buick was 7 years old, still good, but I put a new one it because I was planning a long trip.
 
I had a problem with a rear window defogger that the switch was bad on. Didn't realize what the problem was until I put mu hand on the rear window, and found it to be warm, when the car had been parked all night.
 
No nothing like that is in this truck which is an All Terrain SLT leather interior model. It has stuff like heated mirrors, heated seats, heated rear window and other convenience type options and a far cry from a "work truck" model. I will probably be taking it to an auto electric shop to see what if anything is drawing power from the battery so we can rule that out. Thanks for your comments, Hal.
 
I've had repeat battery failures with my 01 Silverado.

About 2 years is what they average. I replaced the original with a Walmart, replaced it under warranty a couple of times, blamed the Walmart poor quality, started buying different brands, still no solution.

Every one had failed the same way, no warning, just total failure, like an internal connection fails. Every one has failed in the summer months, so I'm assuming it's some weird engine compartment heat problem.
 
If I may make a suggestion. I have no idea whether or not Delco batteries are or are not the worst batteries made these days or the best, but if you are on your third one, either your truck has something going on like over charging the batteries and burning them up, or you just have some serious bad luck with Delco brand batteries. Batteries can get to be pretty expensive and since you just got a new one and are probably set for a while, I'd have my charging system checked out, be proactive before it happens instead of reactive after the expensive fact. Regulator in your alternator may not be doing its thing. If all checks out, next time the battery goes bad, try a different brand because I'm sure that your warranty is being prorated and you are paying something during the replacements.

Best of luck.

Mark
 
My brother bought a new 07. He'd only had it a short time and started having trouble. He would go home for lunch and when he came back out to go back to work the battery would be dead. The thing was towed to the dealership a million times. Finally GM said the next time it happens tow it in and don't touch it - we will fly people in from Detroit to look at it. By the time it was all over they had replaced nearly every electrical component on the truck. Something solved it and he's had the same battery since. Maybe it isn't a battery issue.
 
I have an 09 Chevy bought in feb of 09 like yours. I still have the original battery. Truck gets used daily. I think you have something not right in your electrical system or just plain bad luck.

Do you do anything special with this truck? Like a lot of jumpstart ing or run a winch, fuel pump on external tank? Have any not factory extras put on?
 
I still have the original Delco battery in my 07 Chev 2500 HD. I also have the original Delco Battery in my 2004 Saturn. I did buy a new battery for my truck last winter but its still setting on the shelve, I never installed it.
It sounds like you may have something else going on.
I know we are on the fourth battery on my wife's 07 Dodge Mini Van.
 

I put 3 new ones in my 2008 impala during the winter . I find if the car sits too long with the security on , the battery voltage drops to low and it won't fully recharge . So, I bought a small solar panel and sit it inside on the dash and that seems to help keep the battery charged.

Larry Ont.
 
I had a ford f 350 truck that did that. Set in the truck on a dark night and look at the dash and any interior door lights that are hidden while the door is closed. hood light and glove box light. The door lights down at the bottom of the door was one of my problems and the other was a dash light on that couldn't be seen in the daytime.
 
Your truck probably needs battery cables. GM had a problem with the crimps on that style that intermittently cause a no start/no jump. Move them around like to change the battery and they work fine for awhile. You need to check the voltage drop from battery terminal to starter while cranking. If over 200mV drop, the cables are suspect. Use factory replacements, don't try to cobble parts store universal cables.
 
If it's taking 2-1/2 years it's not parasitic draw or overcharging. Those would ruin a battery much quicker than that.

My '03 Chevy's OE Delco battery went 7+ years. I replaced it proactively, figuring how much longer could it last?

My '02 had a Diehard in it when I bought it 4 years ago. Left the camper plugged in for a few weeks, and found it dead as a doornail in my barn. That one was self-inflicted.
 
Around my "hood" growing up, 45k was a valve job and 90-100 was the OH. Brake adjustment every 2 weeks, never could get them where they wouldn't pull to one side. 25k on replacement. Vacuum wipers that quit when you were trying to pass on the mostly 2 lane roads we had back then.....when you needed them most......and on and on. We mention it quite often how fortunate we are to be part of this era of time here at my house.

I am not one of the old car fans that restore and all. I had enough of them back when they were the means of transportation.

I've had my 2011 Silverado 3 1/2 years and had it back to the dealer yesterday for the 3rd time. Reason: Camber adjustment due to tire wearing improperly, aka front end alignment......country road syndrome. First and second times were wiring harness repairs where rats had done their handy work. Sorry Allan but I don't call that junk.

I have a digital color tv that I have had for over 7 years. Bought, brought it home sat it down, turned it on, and it hasn't moved from the spot. No tubes burning out, no tuner needing cleaning, no red lines along your white collar because the thing is out of convergence.........and on and on. Got a refrigerator and washer and dryer, same story...............and on and on.

Mark
 
I remember having to install a larger than stock battery in some Cadillac Escalades and Cateras to cure some dead battery problems. I don't know all the details though. I just sold the parts.
 
Hal,
I have yet to ever have a battery fail early. I stress YET!

In my time, I did ruin a battery because the rear defogger stayed on even when the car was keyed off.

I ruined two batteries before I finally figured out the voltage regulator was overcharging it.

I would believe you have a draw somewhere or a poor charging system. Just a guess.
 

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