Electrical problem: batteries are draining when truck is parked for three weeks or longer (less days by colder weather) camper unplugged. Batteries replaced. I've also got an Isolater installed.

Asked by Krista Sep 23, 2015 at 09:24 PM about the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Work Truck LB 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Stock radio replaced, but the problem
appeared before replacement.   I had an
electrical outlet installed for my slide in Truck
Camper, and since then, I've been dealing
with battery drainage.  The outlet checked
out and is not the problem.  

Help!!!!

7 Answers

23,940

Ask them for a parasitic draw test, measure the amps as they leave the battery. use the amount as a clue. Operate everything looking for obvious problems. first. Delete circuits one by one during the draw test. Watch the meter for the big change. Disconnect components one by one. Add-ons can be suspects because of the installation methods sometimes uses and misused because of limited access and unfamiliarity with the electrical systems which constantly are changed or redesigned. After trying the things you can think of, get the power distribution and fuse panel info. Delete the circuits you are more unfamiliar with. Since it is a 3 day er, I would do the math. Lets say you have the known hours, and a 40 amp hour battery. How many amps can accomplish a no start?.............. Your technician is supposed to know............... What if it was a bulb with a crossed filament ? What's that ? it works when its not supposed to, or, merely has gone dark but the filament is sending the power to ground at a rate of a quarter amp. savvy? Any low amp circuit(s) could do it. It would not blow a fuse at that low amount. What systems or lights have a malfunction? Start there. You could inspect them all yourself. If you need help and a draw test, your RV technician at an RV dealer is like superman in coveralls. Bring your muffins and Thermos to share. perhaps.

1 people found this helpful.

Thank you! (Will try it again), even though I previously did this with the dealer and they said they found less than a .5 (something really low that I don't remember) that wouldn't be the cause as he felt it was energy used to operate all the miscellaneous operations in truck. But - I need to start somewhere- although they should have a record on file. Thanks for your response!

23,940

(.5 volts ?) (.5 mV ?) (.5 Amps?) (.5 mA) (.5 ohms?) try and find out what the readings are. The vehicle must be acting up while the reading is read, or you have to wigglle test and operate, or attempt items that can cause it. like if it has a good few days, starting charging then holding. Then you carry a passenger. then it acts up lets just say, you would operate that side, suspect those components. inspect light bulbs any time for darkened glass, disconnect add ons to eliminate them

23,940

ask how many is the reading, then you can duplicate it at home and watch for a change in the reading if you check it every few days trying to catch it, like after a notable drop in starting battery voltage. You can get a couple cheap DVOM meters and take readings at home on your available attention to it. I had a girl lose her whole car once after buying a bunch of recommended guesses. All she needed was a few readings and being patient. Next time I asked she had spent large amounts and then gave up. I never recommend that. Having a meter to switch-on that reads battery volts is safe, easy, temporary, and tells you if it was draining while it sat.

23,940

If you can measure volts remaining, you verify battery discharge. If you measure amps as they leave,by one cable, you measure amp draw. If battery discharges but no amp draw was read? that's the battery. The KAM power, (keep alive memory) is the truck's engine computer normal draw. other normal draw can add making the reading greater. we need your reading and to find what your "normals" add up to. Add on parts , non GM are very suspect. since they were added by non engineering personel. They can be entertainment, towing, camping, devices related, charger related. the parasites that the maker did not have and could be dealer installed or whomever. not blaming, just measuring because of dry camp need as it could be acceptable? we will see.

Your Answer:

Silverado 2500HD

Looking for a Used Silverado 2500HD in your area?

CarGurus has 41,010 nationwide Silverado 2500HD listings starting at $2,995.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    GuruXPQGJ
    Reputation
    1,430
  • #2
    Reelin68
    Reputation
    1,210
  • #3
    Steven Loeffler
    Reputation
    1,160
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used GMC Sierra 2500HD
543 Great Deals out of 23,462 listings starting at $3,995
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,371 Great Deals out of 122,511 listings starting at $1,995
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
1,286 Great Deals out of 53,670 listings starting at $1,999
Used Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
369 Great Deals out of 14,004 listings starting at $6,991
Used GMC Sierra 1500
2,009 Great Deals out of 71,648 listings starting at $1,900
Used Ford F-150
6,723 Great Deals out of 173,500 listings starting at $1,990
Used Dodge RAM 2500
41 Great Deals out of 1,058 listings starting at $3,650
Used GMC Sierra 3500HD
224 Great Deals out of 7,588 listings starting at $12,999
Used Ford F-350 Super Duty
731 Great Deals out of 30,330 listings starting at $3,995
Used Toyota Tundra
1,092 Great Deals out of 29,224 listings starting at $3,000
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
1,394 Great Deals out of 32,100 listings starting at $1,550

Used Cars For Sale

2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Work Truck LB 4WD For Sale
8 Great Deals out of 34 listings starting at $33,900
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Work Truck LB 4WD For Sale
3 Great Deals out of 16 listings starting at $27,988

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.