'06 Silverado Struggles to Turn Over

[kwolfe520]

I just swapped company trucks and got a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado Z-71 w/ 21,000 miles with a 5.3. The truck sat idle for about three months with only minimum usage. In that minimum usage, the employee notified me that on three seperate occasions, when he turned the key, the truck would just click. After trying over and over, the truck would struggle in cranking, then turn over. After the first episode, the truck was taken to a shop, they hooked up the computer, and found nothing wrong with the truck. The mechanic said the truck would have to be brought unable to start in order to diagnose this issue.

Now that I have received the truck, it has started every time, however each time it struggles to turn over. Once it turns over, it's fine. I took it to AutoZone this evening and they hooked up their diagnostic to find that the alternator, battery, and starter were all in fine condition.

It is obviously starting fine right now, but I travel a lot so I don't want to be sitting in the middle of no where one day dead in the water with a fairly new truck that won't start. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks
KW

[silverado122775]

I would replace the battery anyways. The load meters do not test cranking amps. Which is what is used when starting a vehicle.

[horse482]

I agree with silverado, the cranking amperage is getting low on the battery. The parts store I work at has a small hand held tester, made by otc, that test for cranking amps as well as voltage. With a battery that has low cranking amps when it is warm out it will be fine, but when it gets cold you will have a lot of problems. Cranking amps drop with the temp.

[tykrz]

A load test on the battery will show any problems with it. Clean the battery terminals and also check for a loose connection at the starter or corrosion at that connection. Also do the same with the ground cable. Since it's an '06 model and still under full factory warranty, take it back to the dealer.

[NoRiceHere01]

i would replace the battery also.about a month ago mine just died in my 01.my girlfriend drove it all around one morning and then took it through inspection.when they tried to start it to pull it out, the battery was dead.wierd but thats how it went

[joeprunc]

I had this same problem. I too thought it was the battery, but everything checked out ok when I put a Volt meter to it. I pulled off the terminals and saw how corroded they were. On the Positive all most all the threads were shot.
I replaced both the positive and negative and haven't had a problem since. Its only about a $5 fix. I think its worth checking before purchasing a battery.
Cheers

[scottmoyer]

GM has also had issues over the past few years with the positive terminal falling off inside the battery and shorting out the plates. I've gone thru 3 batteries while under warranty with my 03 Monte Carlo. The car started just fine and then wouldn't start at all. Replace the battery and you'll probably be fine.

[Silverado6x6]

I have found the Optoma or dry cell battery better for where I live where it gets down to almost -50 here in Alaska. To each his own and the climate but II like the fact there is less of a possibility of corrosion from the new dry cell batteries. Mine came from Napa and is 3 years old and still strong starting an 8.1 Vortec.