1998 Chevy Suburban Low Battery Charge/Squeeling Noise

Tiny
A.SAKIMA
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300,000 MILES
Ok, at points when the car is running the battery charge gauge drops from 14 (near the middle) to somewhere below that, it varies greatly. This is also accompanied by a high pitched squeeling noise from somewhere under the hood, and the lights dim.

This has been caused so far by;
-running the lights, radio, and heat
-running the rear-defrost
-turning the wheel while parked or at very low speeds, usually in a parking situation
-lifting the snow plow

some times the engine doesn't turn over very quickly when starting.

We just replaced the starter, power steering levels are good, all the fuses are good, it happens even when the snow plow frame is attached to the vehicle and battery (we disconnect the entire thing during the summer).
The alternator has been replaced ( not new but one that we are about 99% sure works)
Monday, December 7th, 2009 AT 7:48 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
This is a guess more than anything. The squeak may be the belt tension idler, and it may not be holding the belt tight at certain times. The best thing ito check would be to take the belt off and check the pullley for aot of wobble or smoothness on the part of the bearing. The plow thing may be the belt that runs the pump for the plow. It may be loose.
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Friday, December 11th, 2009 AT 8:49 PM
Tiny
A.SAKIMA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
This was the problem. Fixed it a while ago.

Snowplow does have its own pump though.

The problem wasn't the pulley itself, it was the arm that the pulley is attached to. Thanks for the help.

If anyone knows why the ABS is messing up on this that would help. Brake pads, etc. Have all been replaced but every so often when stopping the brake pedal suddenly stops or goes farther in very easily. Almost like it would when you were sliding on ice. (It happens on dry concrete though)
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Monday, February 15th, 2010 AT 3:37 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If this brake problem is accompanied bya groaning noise then it's your abs working. It could also be air in the system or the master cylinder going bad. You would need to bleed the system to make sure all the air is out of the system. Besides the brake fluid should be hcnaged every so often anyhow, especially if it is black or dark colored.
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 AT 8:00 AM

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