4 Most Common Chevy Silverado Battery Problems
The battery in any vehicle is virtually the most important component, without which you will not be able to operate your vehicle. It is responsible for supplying the electrical current required to start the engine as well as powering all electrical accessories inside the vehicle. So, what happens if you start experiencing battery problems?
Chevy Silverado battery problems are frustrating, to say the least. They are often indicated by a slow engine crank, flickering dashboard lights, and a clicking noise accompanied by no-start condition in your car. Well, these problems arise due to several issues. These include a faulty alternator, parasitic draw, internal degradation of the battery, and if you leave your parked for a long time. The fix to the problems will depend on the specific issue, hence accurate diagnosis is vital so you can get your car battery in good working condition.
This article explains in detail the common Chevy Silverado battery problems, including their causes, symptoms, and how to fix them.
What Are the Symptoms of the Chevy Silverado Battery Problems?
Below are the most common signs that you have underlying battery problems in your Chevy Silverado.
Slow Engine Crank
The 12-volt battery that the Chevy Silverado comes equipped with is a very vital component. It works to power the starter motor which turns over the engine ready to run. Hence, if the battery has insufficient charge, the engine may crank slowly or not crank at all. Thus, this is the first sign of a dying battery.
Clicking Noise and No Start
The main reason why you may be hearing any clicking noises accompanied by a no-start condition on your Chevy Silverado is a weak battery. It often implies that the battery has insufficient charge in the battery—enough to activate the solenoid, but not enough to power the starter. To successfully start the engine, the starter motor requires a very high electric current. Hence, if this does not happen, then the battery is weak.
Flickering Dashboard Lights
Another sign of a weak battery that you are not likely to miss is flickering lights on your dashboard. If the battery does not have sufficient charge to power the starter motor, and you attempt to crank the engine, the battery voltage will go so low that it will not be able to power the accessories, lights, and starter properly. This explains the flickering lights and no start condition.
What Are the Causes of Battery Problems in the Chevy Silverado?
There are several causes of the battery problems in your Chevy Silverado
Faulty Alternator
The alternator component in a vehicle serves to convert mechanical energy from the engine to electricity. This is the electricity that powers all the accessories as well as charges the battery. If this alternator malfunctions for whatever reason, it will not be able to carry out its function, and in turn, all the electrical load of the entire vehicle will be shifted to the battery. This causes the battery to be drained too quickly.
Fix
You do not have to replace your battery in this case. Alternators are designed to last over 100,000 miles—if you have not crossed this mark, you can test the voltage at the battery terminals. If you find that the alternator is malfunctioning, you may have to replace it with a new one.
Internal Degradation of the Battery
Internal degradation is one major culprit and occurs due to old age. Most of the batteries have a designed lifespan of 3 to 5 years. However, this is often shortened by several factors such as driving habits and extreme conditions.
Fix
The best solution to this is to replace your battery with a new one. There is not much you can do with an old battery—it will cause more problems even after any repair.
Parasitic Draw
Parasitic draw is the phenomenon that occurs when your vehicle keeps drawing excess electric current even after the ignition is turned off. In extreme and rare cases, a parasitic draw can also drain out your battery every time the car is parked overnight.
Fix
You can test parasitic draw using a multimeter. The temporary fix for this is to jump-start your battery every time you want to get it started. In extreme cases, you may need to replace your battery with a new one.
Car Parked for a Long Time
Ideally, car batteries require regular charging as they tend to lose their charge with time. If your Chevy Silverado has been left sitting in the garage for far too long, the battery will be completely drained out. You will not be able to start your vehicle with a dead battery.
Fix
To ensure that your vehicle’s battery remains adequately charged, you are advised to drive the vehicle for at least 30 minutes once a week.
FAQs
How Do I Test the Battery in My Chevy Silverado?
The easiest way to check the 12v battery in the Chevy Silverado is by measuring its voltage using a multimeter. If healthy, the battery should record 12.6 volts or more when fully charged. For best results, use a voltmeter as it gives you a rough idea of the battery’s condition.
What Is a Ground Connection?
Typically, the negative terminal of your battery is often connected to the chassis of your vehicle—this is referred to as ground connection. The engine also requires a ground connection to function. This is why there is always a ground wire or strap to connect the engine to the chassis.
Conclusion
The battery of the vehicle can be likened to the heart in the human body—very vital. Hence, battery problems should be taken seriously. If anything, you cannot operate your vehicle with a failing battery. Hopefully, this article has shed some light on the different causes of battery problems, and how to fix them.
