dead battery

[55-210]

This has happened twice! the dealer had it for 2 days and could not find a problem. batt. & alt. both check out fine. anybody else have this happen?

Bob

[5not4]

I don't 100% understand your question, but here's my situation.

I parked my 2002 LTZ for a week only to find the battery 100% dead when I tried to start it back up. I find it hard to believe that a battery will go bad in less than 2 years.

What's odd is a friend has an 2002 Envoy that was purchased shortly after mine and she's had to replace her battery already.

Anyone have any ideas? Are they just making cheap batteries these days?

[knucklebuster2]

Car batteries are just as good these days as they were. The difference these days is the batteries have to perform under more drastic conditions than before. If all is well, the battery should last is average life of about 4 years. By drastic conditions, I mean a few things. For one, there are tighter, smaller and hotter engine compartments these days. Having very little room, companies must make a battery smaller and stronger. The lack of space and higher operating temps also heatup the battery and tend to shorten its life. Many aftermarket accessories also stress the battery and alternator. So what is the answer? You must first check if there are any components that are drawing current from the battery when the car is off. It can be a short, a light staying on ( such as the glove box, under hood or trunk light) or a poorly wired amp/radio or other accessories. Next check that the alternator is putting out enough voltage/ amps. This means you have to check the voltage at the battery terminals under load (with all the accessories on such as blower, wipers, radio/amp, etc.) It should be putting out at least 13 volts at idle. If it drops to 12.5 or less the alt may be on its way out. It also may be malfunctioning only when it is hot. (Check if the dealer tested it when it was at operating temp). The battery must also be checked. Although it has passed a load test and voltage test, it still may not be holding a charge for longer periods of time. You may want to check the fluid level ( if possible), (the fluid should be just above the cells not to top of battery case), and its specific gravity (concentration of acid). If water is low, it may be being boiled out due to overcharging ( alt/voltage reg prob), or high engine compartment temps. If the sides of the battery case are bowed out, this is a sign it may be on its way out. There are many other variables to look at, such as battery cables, connections, etc. But all the above are a good place to start.

[kooshchick]

Truck battery died while camping had to be jumped--was bringing it to dealer for service 4 wheel drive light( 2nd time with this sort of problem). They checked battery and replaced it for failed test code. Had to wait for a part to be orderd for 4 wheel drive (a transfer case)

[dc3plt]

Originally Posted by kooshchick

Truck battery died while camping had to be jumped--was bringing it to dealer for service 4 wheel drive light( 2nd time with this sort of problem). They checked battery and replaced it for failed test code. Had to wait for a part to be orderd for 4 wheel drive (a transfer case)

One more time and your all set for the LEMON LAW!!!

[keithandmarg]

I too had a dead battery and after I had it replaced Iheard a popping noise in the dash. I took it to the dealership and it was the actuator cam that had shorted.

[keithandmarg]

It is a 2002 Trail Blazer

[drjimbo]

my battery also went dead after only 2 years and I also now have the clicking noise? Not under warranty anymore, can I replace the actuator cam myself? Also, what and where is it? thanks

[deathbynosleep]

I also had a dead battery on my 2004 only 3 months after i purchased it..they said they fixed the problem, but instead all they did was recharge my battery and a week later it died again. Finally they gave me a new battery and it's been working fine.