Battery Problem?

[jawill8301]

I have a 2000 V6 Chevy Blazer. When I was riding around today I noticed that the volt meter was hovering around 12 volts. I stopped at 2 stores and it was still around 12 volts but getting lower so I headed home. The battery light came on, on the way home. I checked the voltage on the battery and I get 11.78Volts. After the truck sat for an hour and half I can't get it to start. I checked the battery again and its still at 11.78Volts. Anybody have any ideas as what wrong?

As an added note, I have seen the battery meter on the dash drop from 14 to 12 before and then correct itself. BTW, it is raining out and that's when I notice my fluctuating volt meter from before?? Coincidence?? My battery is 2 years old and the alternator is 14 months old.

[JC327]

Check the condition of your battery and starter cables, make sure there is no buildup or corrosion. Check both the positive and ground connection.

[jawill8301]

Originally Posted by JC327

Check the condition of your battery and starter cables, make sure there is no buildup or corrosion. Check both the positive and ground connection.

All cables are clean and no corrosion. I just check voltage again and I get 11.98Volts! I had a friend suggest it might be a wet distributer cap?

[refrigerationdude]

Distributor cap has nothing to do with battery voltage. You either have a bad battery, loose connections, or a bad alt. THe alt puts out voltage when running, sounds like it wasn't putting anything out and all your accessories (fuel pump, computer, etc.) ran off the battery to get you home and by then the battery was ran down too weak to restart or even recoup enough to hit 12v. I'd start with the connections then proceed to the alt. Jump it, or charge the batt, and have the alt tested if possible, autozone does it for free.

[jawill8301]

Originally Posted by refrigerationdude

Distributor cap has nothing to do with battery voltage. You either have a bad battery, loose connections, or a bad alt. THe alt puts out voltage when running, sounds like it wasn't putting anything out and all your accessories (fuel pump, computer, etc.) ran off the battery to get you home and by then the battery was ran down too weak to restart or even recoup enough to hit 12v. I'd start with the connections then proceed to the alt. Jump it, or charge the batt, and have the alt tested if possible, autozone does it for free.

Thanks I think you might be right about the alt. I put it on a trickle charge last night and it started right up. I drove it around a little bit this morning and it was fluctuating between 12 and 14 Volts again. My guess is the Alt. Anyone have any recommendation where to buy the best alt. and what kind? Obviously my last one didn't last.

[mike2004tct]

Originally Posted by jawill8301

Thanks I think you might be right about the alt. I put it on a trickle charge last night and it started right up. I drove it around a little bit this morning and it was fluctuating between 12 and 14 Volts again. My guess is the Alt. Anyone have any recommendation where to buy the best alt. and what kind? Obviously my last one didn't last.

It's the alternator problem (make sure your belt is in good shape before spending $ on the alternator)
The choices are about the same from any major chain parts store.
I'd go with either Napa (preferably) or Autozone/Partsamerica-Advance.
GM will sell you a unit for double the price of the parts store with the same guarantee.

[Gabe25]

Originally Posted by jawill8301

Thanks I think you might be right about the alt. I put it on a trickle charge last night and it started right up. I drove it around a little bit this morning and it was fluctuating between 12 and 14 Volts again. My guess is the Alt. Anyone have any recommendation where to buy the best alt. and what kind? Obviously my last one didn't last.

Most Definitely the alternator. I would check with who you purchased your alternator from. The part shop over here have a 3 year replacement warranty.

[jawill8301]

Originally Posted by Gabe25

Most Definitely the alternator. I would check with who you purchased your alternator from. The part shop over here have a 3 year replacement warranty.

The parts store we went to before was in Maryland and I live in North Carolina now. I ended up going to AutoZone and getting a new Alternator it has a lifetime warranty and I can get it replaced at any AZ with just a phone number. So far so good, I have a steady voltage on the dash and registers 14.5 across the battery.

[Gabe25]

Check your voltage output at different RPM’s at well as getting the temp. up to normal running. The other thing you should look at is you serpentine belt.