Eletrical

Tiny
JOHN5000
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 8 Cyl 5.3L
Engine

What is wrong with my truck when it does all the things listed
Symptoms. Voltage regulator drops. Abs light will flash on, seat belt light flashes some, engine reves up and down. The door locks were locking and unlocking. This happens at the same time or sometimes its just one thing then the other, radio goes in and out.
Wednesday, March 9th, 2016 AT 1:33 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,916 POSTS
Chances are the generator is failing. You can verify that by measuring battery voltage while the problem is occurring. It must be between 13.75 and 14.75 volts with the engine running If it is low, that will cause numerous computers to become confused and do weird things.

If the generator needs to be replaced, you must replace the battery at the same time unless it is less than about two years old, to reduce the number of repeat failures. Since the '87 model year, GM has had a real big problem with their generators developing huge voltage spikes that can damage the internal voltage regulator and diodes, and interfere with computer sensor signals. The battery is the key component in damping and absorbing those spikes, but as they age and the lead flakes off the the plates, they lose their ability to do that.
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Wednesday, March 9th, 2016 AT 1:47 PM

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