Battery Drain

TAHOE95

MEMBER
CHEVROLET

I have a 1995 Chevy Tahoe 4wd 4 door. When I am sitting at idle with my lights on and heater running I can watch my battery draining. I just replaced the alternator because it was bad but it still does it. When I start driving it comes back up to 14 but at a stop light it hits 9. I am at a loss about what it is. The blower motar also seems to drain it because if the heater isn't on it sits at 14 could that be the problem. Thanx

5 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

It is not uncommon to run into a bad rebuilt alternater. In some instances, I've hit 3 on the same car because the same rebuold mistake (I think) was happening. Autozone is notorious for this. What brand did you use?

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Tuesday, January 9th, 2007 AT 5:19 AM

TAHOE95

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I bought it online and the alternator works great I can run my heater and lights without it squealing under load. I believe that it is something else that is pulling to much of a current. This morning when it was cold and I was driving my voltage said 14 but when it got warm and the idle came down it started draining again so should I turn my idle up a little to compensate.

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Tuesday, January 9th, 2007 AT 12:31 PM

CARUNDELL

MECHANIC
602 POSTS

Hey tahoe,
It may just be your gauge is not accurate, take it to an autozone or advanced auto for a free charging system test. Also ask them to test the voltage at the battery at idle for ya then you'll know if its the gauge or another issue. At idle, voltage at the battery should be 13-14 vdc. Let us know!

Chris

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Tuesday, January 9th, 2007 AT 12:36 PM

TAHOE95

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The gauge is correct. With my heater off at idle it is at 13-14 vdc. When I turn on my heater on setting 3 or full it drops down at stop lights only when my headlights are on. So with only either headlights or heater it is fine but both drains it.

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Tuesday, January 9th, 2007 AT 4:35 PM

CARUNDELL

MECHANIC
602 POSTS

Ok, I'd still recommend a complete charging system check to rule in or out the alternator and battery. If those check out fine then we'll have to start looking at the amperage draw on the systems you mentioned when the condition occurs.

Chris