What was the problem..I didn't understand shit from this guy just showing the dash without running the track...what was he fixing...we know that's normal on new or old tracks ...the truck is not smart that's just the design of it
My truck does the same but my battery went out. I was scared so i bought a new one and works just fine. Im glad i found this video i was about to buy a alternator
Hey everyone i figured out a solution that’s free and it works. Voltage will never go down below 13.9 when truck is running. I got a 2017 Silverado 5.3 Ecotec. I have been having the same issue with voltage drop. I do run an amplifier for my subwoofers so it was hurting my amplifier a lot with the voltage drop. Even with 3 kinetik 2400 AGM batteries it would still go down to low 12s volts but Here is the trick to fix it. It takes 2 seconds to do it. And I mean 2 seconds. When you start your truck. Turn your lights on and the voltage will stay at 14.0. The whole time as long as the truck is started. Turn off headlights and u will see it drop immediately. Works for me. Hope this helps guys and gals.
Thank you. Brother! Just got the truck a month ago, and I took a trip from Miami to North Carolina. And on my way back saw my battery gaged was going down and I had 7 hours left till get home. Thank you brother again!!
Recently noticed this also on my '16 Silverado and was worried something was wrong with the alternator or battery. Only had it for a few months so still getting used to it. Thanks for the vid
My 2015 Silverado with 4.3 Does that after running for several minutes, after running few errand don't see it move. I recently bought this truck used had it for a week replaced battery and alternator
Literally almost bought an alternator 😂 thanks dude! Mine fluctuates. Doesn’t do it all the time. Saw it a few days ago, and today again but it went back up after about 5 mins of driving.
Sometimes this fluctuation can be caused by resistance in your battery cables. If the resistance gets too bad you will have electrical issues to your computer components. I had this problem with my 2016 Chevy suburban. My steering module kept losing communication which would cause loss of power steering. Which is electrically assisted. I would also lose infocenter and some dash nerd lights would come on and then back off. There is a tsp about this issue. So if you have some funky issues besides voltage being up and down I suggest looking into resistance on your battery cables.
@@joeroe2839 the solution for my suburban was to replace the positive battery cables that are infused into the fuse box. So the fuse box was actually replaced too. Looking at my post it was 8 months ago. I've had zero issues since.
Excellent work man. Simple and to the point. I was trying to help a coworker figure this out and you answered his question. I actually learned something new as well about the computer regulated charging.
That’s exactly how it works, I bought my 2020 Silverado about 4 months ago and I always saw the charging level at 14 and above, so to me it was the way should be, my truck had the old battery, I realized that the battery was going bad when failed starting the truck, so I bought and installed a new one, the GM manufacturer recommended. Guess what happened, I’m driving and starting to see that volt fluctuating, I thought my alternator was going bad. It scared me…. Checked the manual and right there it tells you that is normal and it will fluctuate from low charge to high charge, of course the reason before was always at 14 because the battery was bad. So my people don’t freak out, it’s normal!
@@josecamacho7234 In 2016 he had people, high ranked and very good and ethical staff who tried to keep him on following the constitution, that’s why most his closest staff don’t support him any longer and believe he’s a dangerous person to America, this time along with the the shameless decision of the Supreme Court giving a president full immunity is not going to happen, as he said he would like to have the military, the judicial and legislative to do his will…. Anything more closer to a dictatorship, but don’t take from me or his 40 plus close staffers…..just listen to what he said
Thank you for this post, Ignore the haters. I have a 2014 high country 6.2L 1500 Silverado, finally actually read the manual-states in there that there will be fluctuation in the charging system.
Sweet, mine looked just like that. Was showing 12.1v and dropping using a scanner. Actually killed a battery while idling. I'm so glad people post this with no actual operating data given. Really helpful when you try to get troubleshooting help and everyone says "Its normal, check out his video!!!!!!" But now I know my truck is totally good, thanks!!!
Thank goodness. Been driving my husbands truck for the last few weeks and recently saw the fluctuation on the dashboard. My stomach dropped and wondered wtf. Glad I found this video quickly on YT. Thanks bro.
Well, hell, I wish I'd seen this about a week ago! Just bought a Seirra that is pretty much doing exactly this. Replaced the alternator. Same thing. Took it to a shop who said they couldn't find a problem. Took it to another shop today who is going to check it out tomorrow! This video would have probably saved me some money and aggravation!
Never noticed until my battery died and left me stranded. Swapped the battery and it lasted a week and it was dead again. Ended up having a bad voltage regulator and had to replace my alternator. Now it fluctuates like that. How are you supposed to know the difference between “doing what it’s supposed to do” and an actual problem.
BS mine ran straight up at 14 volts at all times. 36,000 miles. Now it runs straight up for a while and then drops down to like you show on your video. Alternator is getting replaced
THIS is exactly what I saw on my 2018 silverado. Dealer checked out and report was " it is operating within the factory specifications". They never at any time told me the charging system algorythm in the computer is what is telling it to do that and IS NORMAL. I have noticed that since I added the second battery under the hood behind the Left headlamp that the voltage runs just a tiny bit higher on the gauge than when it was only charging ONE BATTERY. I run big power winches on my trailers and on the truck when needed. You need a second battery to do that or it will destroy the alternator and other things in the electrical system. I also pull a 5th wheel camper toy hauler with 3 coach batteries to keep charged. So that is a total of 5 batteries to keep topped off while driving. Never had an issue . Never had to upsize the alternator either. The trick was starting out with fully charged coach batteries to begin with.
Am so glad you did the video, thank you so much for the clear and to the point explanation. I watched many videos and finally yours answered my question. Talking about stuff but showing the simple thing is useful a specially for one who is not familiar with it and having to deal with as a beginner. Thank you again 👌
Big time help! Except I was 2 hours out on a 6 hour trip home my gauge started doing this. Scared the hell out of me so I turned around went to Napa and installed a new battery in their parking lot. Feel pretty dumb now😂
Mine fluctuates rapidly but we run a lot of equipment like a police light bar etc. That said, if you turn on tow/haul mode or the headlights, it should increase the voltage output and keep it at a higher level. This is a rather old feature in GM vehicles to save a small amount of fuel by throttling the alternator output.
Not sure if this true in all cases. I just replaced the battery in my 2014 a few days ago and everything seemed fine. However, during a short run into town an hour ago, I noticed my gauge hanging out on the low end of your "acceptable range". (I looked because the window seemed to struggle going up) Turned the truck off at the destination and restarted .... 14+ volts so I figured it was a fluke. Coming back home, again it started out at 14 volts but quickly dropped to 9-11 volts within a minute or two of driving. In the 9+ years I've owned this truck, I've NEVER noticed my gauge anywhere except 14+ volts. I'm thinking this new battery is bad but not sure.
i hate that feature because if the alternator was really taking a dump i would have just assumed it was just the feature kicking in and then id be at a stop light when the truck stops running
I have been working on this problem all summer and I found out that mine was the fuses on top of the battery 135 dollars at the dealer in NH best money I spent all summer
Mine is doing this and alternator and battery are fine but started just clicking when I go to start it a few times before it starts so I’m not sure,checked for loose connection and so far can’t find anything
Just replaced my battery. I saw it today while I was driving voltage was just above 12. Got home, shut the truck off, started it back and it read 14. I tested the alternator before I changed batteries, and it read good so I’m going to assume this is normal…. Even though I have never noticed this before. I’ve had this 2018 gmc Sierra for about a year now
Good video. All vehicles allow the battery voltage to fluctuate and some of the gauges are just inaccurate themselves. Got a Ford work truck that has a fictitious volt meter, probably sourced from China. The Alternator and battery are fine.
Once the engine is warmed, the oil pressure will increase or decrease with engine speed. As long as you have at least 10 psi of pressure for every 1,000 rpm on the tachometer, you are OK. Less than that the bearing clearances (main bearings) have probably increased due to wear, or the oil pump is wearing more, or a combination of both, but fluctuation as the engine miles and age increase are pretty normal. One way to increase the operating oil pressure a little is by switching to a slightly higher oil weight (first number, 5W-30 vs 10W-30, or even 15W-40 in some cases). The new selected wt. has to be acceptable in your Owner's manual chart for oil viscosities vs outside operating temperatures. With an increase in oil weight, your mpg might go down a bit, but protecting the engine outweighs the small mpg change, IMO.
My work truck does the same thing except I also get the Red battery light with a read out on the center display saying that the battery/charging system needs serviced and I also have times when it won't start,it won't engage or starter drags. Both the battery and alternator have been changed and has same issues
Mine just started doing this. I have a 2015 Silverado. My first 4 years of having the truck it never did this. I replaced the battery in 2019. It died one day and I replaced it. I noticed after I replaced it the voltage dipped down while on a 30 minute trip. I replaced the alternator and it ran a tad high for about a week and now it’s doing this fluctuation… I hope it’s nothing
Ok my 2014 just started doing this a couple of months ago. Before this it stayed at 14 volts and barely moved. I replaced the battery, alternator twice, complete negative cable harness, cleaned all the grounds and the whole positive unit on top of the battery. If I put my truck in park while running the battery charge service comes on and the battery light. Give it a little gas and it goes off. The frustration has me almost willing to get a payment again.
Bad connection somewhere. Rather a terminal with oxidation or corrosion. Sometimes oxidation is hard to notice. Or maybe a poor ground to frame or missing ground from body (not frame). Or bad cell in battery. The fact you rev and it gets better means more charge and more amps available.. if alternator and battery are good , it’s working or terminals
hi ive had chevy for over 20 years currently 2014 one thing I noticed lights dim when I roll down windows . to fix that I added a second battery now its not an issue. now I have gained 10% miles per gallon and my gauge is always on 14 or above . I would recommend a second battery since I feel its not enough to just have one try it and call my bullshit if I'm wrong but its a big difference with lighting and performance
Thank you so much for this.. My 2015 Suburban drops to around 12-13 volts when driving with no headlights. If I turn my headlights on it runs right in the middle until I turn my A/C on and then it drops back to 12-13 when idle, will jump back to the middle while driving. I’ve had mechanics tell me my alternator voltage regulator was bad but my truck always cranks right up. Thank you for this video, I just bought this truck a few months ago and never seen voltage jump up and down like that.
My 07 chevy classic does the same thing, looks identical to that. Start it up in the morning and it's right at 14. 20 mins down the road and it's at 12.6. But it makes sense though what you're saying!!
The problem occurs when the "smart" alternator does not adequately charge the battery. Multiple starts in a short period leave the battery drained & the engine barely turns over making starting a challenge. I've found loosening the terminals, cleaning them & retightening solves this problem.
I know you posted this video years ago but I’m having trouble with my 2018 Silverado lt , would low battery voltage cause it to stall out by idling while in park ?
Is this fine? Cus' I need to confirm if it's fine. If It is fine that's great but if it's not fine, not so great. So it's fine right? Jus' tryna' fine out. Thanks.
🇨🇦 Thanks for this information I just bought a 2017 GMC a couple of weeks ago and noticed that, I was about to go back to dealership. Just noticed that my domestic GMC is built in Mexico and my wifes Import X5 is built in South Carolina? What is going on here?🇨🇦
Mine literally just started doing this after i replaced the battery. Had a bad batteryso it went dead. Replaced the alternator, cleaned the main ground wire that's connected on passenger side firewall and that remedied it for a week. I bought my high country brand new in 2018 and it never did this before. It had gobe through 2 batteries though. It now drops so low that my "battery charging system" warning light cones on then goes off. I'm lost.
My 2015 Silverado with 4.3 Does that after running for several minutes, after running few errand don't see it move. I recently bought this truck used had it for a week replaced battery and alternator
For 5 years my guage never came off of the 14v mark. Now today it dropped to 13.something for about 120 miles then on my way home 180 miles it was stuck on 14v again. And when i was coming home it was dark and lights were running.
Mine's did that a couple weeks ago but it was my alternator I love metal shavings so I changed it out don't have the problem no more the issue that I have that I'm concerned about now is my oil pump fluctuate very low until I give it gas when I am idling and whenever I stopped to back up add pork it they all pressure is low it almost feels like it's stalling or something I sure hope it's not the oil pump is about to go bad my first GM truck and I have spent a lot of money on it already five for a new transmission changed out the alternator the PCV valve thermostat housing I love my truck but I am very disappointed I didn't have this much issue with my 04 Dodge Ram just had to change the gearing in the transmission that's it I love my Sierra but I am thinking about selling it every time I come close to repainting it and thinking about level in it and put some new tires on it something always come up
My 15 never did this, battery died a month ago ( 7 years old) bought the Interstate and now gauge reads lower than it ever did before, Could always read straight up
New to trucks here. Just got a new battery for my 2014 Silverado, (battery was old by 5yrs & completely dead) now im receiving service battery charging system. Probably obvious meaning to service alternator but idkk idk
My 2018 Silverado does the same thing but recently it’s starting to also say service the charging system when it dips down. Then around 30 seconds or less later the voltage goes back to at or above 14 and the service message goes away. That service message popping up doesn’t seem normal to me.
Same thing for me, the issue occurs when it is running, voltage is often low, not just at the start. And I had a new battery put in, and it still does the same thing.
The dealership gives you a free month of on star right when you gonna have a problem with the battery. Once I replace the battery I noticed that needle doing the same thing
My battery leaves me stranded every single winter because of this. New battery, driven daily, won't start. Every winter. First and last GM truck I ever buy.
Thank you I replace mine new battery 500$ battery the really good one and still doing this 😅 truck start up good runs good now I feel better watching this video 🤣🙏🏾🫶🏾
My 19 sierras oe battery stays at 14 I’ve replaced it with 2 brand new AGM batteries that I fully charged prior to install and with both batteries the gauge surges back and forth from 14 down to 12.5 then back up then down about 6 times and then stays at 12.5 and will not go above. If I put the original battery in it’ll go to and stay at 14. I hate this truck.
I have 2 brandnew YellowTop Optima batteries wired parallel and and higher voltage brand new alternator, since installing I have been having this problem! N e suggestions? Maybe new sensor?
Just bought a 17 model and it did the same thing. Freaked me out so bad still don’t like that it’s made to do that but I’ve never had anything this new with all the electronics
So Why does my battery drain? If I do not put a charger on my battery once a week it will die. Everyone says this is normal, even the dealer, but my battery is not charging. I have put two batteries in my truck in the last 6 months and two alternators. I can unplug the two small cables and check alternator output and it will be at 14v.
I drove from Mexico to Texas with the AC turned off because the voltage was at like 11 😢 it was 95 degrees outside lol I tought the truck was going to die 😂
Do you have anything from Chevy that says that is normal? My truck just started doing this during the last month or so. I've owned the truck since it was new in 2014. It hasn't always done that. I think the voltage regulator is getting ready to die..
as you explained how it charged it would of been nice to see you start it to show everyone that it does work that way. GREAT video
What was the problem..I didn't understand shit from this guy just showing the dash without running the track...what was he fixing...we know that's normal on new or old tracks ...the truck is not smart that's just the design of it
All HERO's don't wear capes!!! Thanks bruh!!!
My truck does the same but my battery went out. I was scared so i bought a new one and works just fine. Im glad i found this video i was about to buy a alternator
Hey everyone i figured out a solution that’s free and it works. Voltage will never go down below 13.9 when truck is running. I got a 2017 Silverado 5.3 Ecotec. I have been having the same issue with voltage drop. I do run an amplifier for my subwoofers so it was hurting my amplifier a lot with the voltage drop. Even with 3 kinetik 2400 AGM batteries it would still go down to low 12s volts but Here is the trick to fix it. It takes 2 seconds to do it. And I mean 2 seconds. When you start your truck. Turn your lights on and the voltage will stay at 14.0. The whole time as long as the truck is started. Turn off headlights and u will see it drop immediately. Works for me. Hope this helps guys and gals.
Thank you. Brother! Just got the truck a month ago, and I took a trip from Miami to North Carolina. And on my way back saw my battery gaged was going down and I had 7 hours left till get home. Thank you brother again!!
Recently noticed this also on my '16 Silverado and was worried something was wrong with the alternator or battery. Only had it for a few months so still getting used to it. Thanks for the vid
Same got a 18 model
My 2015 Silverado with 4.3 Does that after running for several minutes, after running few errand don't see it move. I recently bought this truck used had it for a week replaced battery and alternator
Still helping people thanks I noticed my 18 yukon go a little above 14 and then other times down to 12 it makes sense now
Appreciate it 👍
Literally almost bought an alternator 😂 thanks dude! Mine fluctuates. Doesn’t do it all the time. Saw it a few days ago, and today again but it went back up after about 5 mins of driving.
mine too brotha
I recently just noticed this on my truck. And instantly thought “crap my battery is going” glad I just happened to stumble upon this vid!
Sometimes this fluctuation can be caused by resistance in your battery cables. If the resistance gets too bad you will have electrical issues to your computer components. I had this problem with my 2016 Chevy suburban. My steering module kept losing communication which would cause loss of power steering. Which is electrically assisted. I would also lose infocenter and some dash nerd lights would come on and then back off. There is a tsp about this issue. So if you have some funky issues besides voltage being up and down I suggest looking into resistance on your battery cables.
I have a 2018 silverado and it just started doing this today.
@@jacobjordan9514 did you do anything About it yet?
What was the solution this just happened to my parents suburban??!
@@joeroe2839 the solution for my suburban was to replace the positive battery cables that are infused into the fuse box. So the fuse box was actually replaced too. Looking at my post it was 8 months ago. I've had zero issues since.
I took my truck to the dealership to have this done. There is a technical service bulletin about this issue. So Chevy should definitely know.
Thank you, just put a new battery in yesterday. Never seen it there until now. Thanks again. 👍
Excellent work man. Simple and to the point. I was trying to help a coworker figure this out and you answered his question. I actually learned something new as well about the computer regulated charging.
Thank you, first video I found researching this. Just recently bought my 2018 1500 LT and was a little concerned but not anymore.
That’s exactly how it works, I bought my 2020 Silverado about 4 months ago and I always saw the charging level at 14 and above, so to me it was the way should be, my truck had the old battery, I realized that the battery was going bad when failed starting the truck, so I bought and installed a new one, the GM manufacturer recommended. Guess what happened, I’m driving and starting to see that volt fluctuating, I thought my alternator was going bad. It scared me…. Checked the manual and right there it tells you that is normal and it will fluctuate from low charge to high charge, of course the reason before was always at 14 because the battery was bad.
So my people don’t freak out, it’s normal!
This applies to 2016 too?
@@josecamacho7234
In 2016 he had people, high ranked and very good and ethical staff who tried to keep him on following the constitution, that’s why most his closest staff don’t support him any longer and believe he’s a dangerous person to America, this time along with the the shameless decision of the Supreme Court giving a president full immunity is not going to happen, as he said he would like to have the military, the judicial and legislative to do his will…. Anything more closer to a dictatorship, but don’t take from me or his 40 plus close staffers…..just listen to what he said
Thank you for this post, Ignore the haters. I have a 2014 high country 6.2L 1500 Silverado, finally actually read the manual-states in there that there will be fluctuation in the charging system.
I just installed a new alternator and battery . Truck works like a charm now . Haven’t had any issues with low voltage
Sweet, mine looked just like that. Was showing 12.1v and dropping using a scanner. Actually killed a battery while idling. I'm so glad people post this with no actual operating data given. Really helpful when you try to get troubleshooting help and everyone says "Its normal, check out his video!!!!!!" But now I know my truck is totally good, thanks!!!
Thank goodness. Been driving my husbands truck for the last few weeks and recently saw the fluctuation on the dashboard. My stomach dropped and wondered wtf. Glad I found this video quickly on YT. Thanks bro.
Well, hell, I wish I'd seen this about a week ago! Just bought a Seirra that is pretty much doing exactly this. Replaced the alternator. Same thing. Took it to a shop who said they couldn't find a problem. Took it to another shop today who is going to check it out tomorrow! This video would have probably saved me some money and aggravation!
Never noticed until my battery died and left me stranded. Swapped the battery and it lasted a week and it was dead again. Ended up having a bad voltage regulator and had to replace my alternator. Now it fluctuates like that. How are you supposed to know the difference between “doing what it’s supposed to do” and an actual problem.
right, this didnt help me at all lol it's definitely the regulator
My 2016 silverado did the same thing until I put in a AGM battery, now it stay at 14
BS mine ran straight up at 14 volts at all times. 36,000 miles. Now it runs straight up for a while and then drops down to like you show on your video. Alternator is getting replaced
I have to AGM, mine did that until I added a 4awg ground on the passenger side thru the BMS sensor,stays at 14.4 and when charged drops to 13.9
@@donoosterbaan2288 was it? The alternator?
THIS is exactly what I saw on my 2018 silverado.
Dealer checked out and report was " it is operating within the factory specifications".
They never at any time told me the charging system algorythm in the computer is what is telling it to do that and IS NORMAL.
I have noticed that since I added the second battery under the hood behind the Left headlamp that the voltage runs just a tiny bit higher on the gauge than when it was only charging ONE BATTERY.
I run big power winches on my trailers and on the truck when needed.
You need a second battery to do that or it will destroy the alternator and other things in the electrical system.
I also pull a 5th wheel camper toy hauler with 3 coach batteries to keep charged.
So that is a total of 5 batteries to keep topped off while driving.
Never had an issue .
Never had to upsize the alternator either.
The trick was starting out with fully charged coach batteries to begin with.
This never happened on my 2008 Sierra.
Am so glad you did the video, thank you so much for the clear and to the point explanation. I watched many videos and finally yours answered my question. Talking about stuff but showing the simple thing is useful a specially for one who is not familiar with it and having to deal with as a beginner. Thank you again 👌
Thanks I just got my Silverado and was searching this very issue that come to find out isn’t an issue I appreciate this
Mine does the same thing. Been doing it since I got it. Never had an issue. Always starts
First noticed this on my 2015 Doublecab driving back from Arizona. Called the dealer and they said what you said. Thanks for the content
Big time help! Except I was 2 hours out on a 6 hour trip home my gauge started doing this. Scared the hell out of me so I turned around went to Napa and installed a new battery in their parking lot. Feel pretty dumb now😂
I did the same 😂😂
Did the new battery do the fluctuating too?
I just bought a 2021 Silverado, Saturday, and I noticed the voltage grop this morning... I was like wtf.... thanks for clearing that up
And now I feel like an idiot, thank you for the awesome video!
Mine fluctuates rapidly but we run a lot of equipment like a police light bar etc. That said, if you turn on tow/haul mode or the headlights, it should increase the voltage output and keep it at a higher level. This is a rather old feature in GM vehicles to save a small amount of fuel by throttling the alternator output.
Thanks 4 the info. Just bought a 2020 Silverado 2 months ago. An notice tht voltage move was wondering.
Not sure if this true in all cases. I just replaced the battery in my 2014 a few days ago and everything seemed fine. However, during a short run into town an hour ago, I noticed my gauge hanging out on the low end of your "acceptable range". (I looked because the window seemed to struggle going up) Turned the truck off at the destination and restarted .... 14+ volts so I figured it was a fluke. Coming back home, again it started out at 14 volts but quickly dropped to 9-11 volts within a minute or two of driving. In the 9+ years I've owned this truck, I've NEVER noticed my gauge anywhere except 14+ volts. I'm thinking this new battery is bad but not sure.
i hate that feature because if the alternator was really taking a dump i would have just assumed it was just the feature kicking in and then id be at a stop light when the truck stops running
I have been working on this problem all summer and I found out that mine was the fuses on top of the battery 135 dollars at the dealer in NH best money I spent all summer
Thank you very much.you saved me alot of stress.i bought a new to me 2016 sierra and it does this
Mine is doing this and alternator and battery are fine but started just clicking when I go to start it a few times before it starts so I’m not sure,checked for loose connection and so far can’t find anything
Just replaced my battery. I saw it today while I was driving voltage was just above 12. Got home, shut the truck off, started it back and it read 14. I tested the alternator before I changed batteries, and it read good so I’m going to assume this is normal…. Even though I have never noticed this before. I’ve had this 2018 gmc Sierra for about a year now
Thanks for the info i just 2014 silverdao it done today altenator checked good thanks
Good video. All vehicles allow the battery voltage to fluctuate and some of the gauges are just inaccurate themselves. Got a Ford work truck that has a fictitious volt meter, probably sourced from China. The Alternator and battery are fine.
Thanks for the info, definitely answered all my questions
Mine does the same thing. I’m not going to lie I did get alil worried being this is my first truck I’ve ever owned lol. Thanks for clarifying
I recently had this problem with my truck thanks for the peace of mind
If you're voltage spikes in these trucks it can cause the TCM to fail. It's happened to 3 different 2500hd pickups I've owned.
I have a 2016 Serria and my tcm failed so I had it replaced and now my voltage is spiking.
Is the oil supposed to do that as well because mine does that in my 2015 chevrolet Silverado 1500 lt
Once the engine is warmed, the oil pressure will increase or decrease with engine speed. As long as you have at least 10 psi of pressure for every 1,000 rpm on the tachometer, you are OK. Less than that the bearing clearances (main bearings) have probably increased due to wear, or the oil pump is wearing more, or a combination of both, but fluctuation as the engine miles and age increase are pretty normal. One way to increase the operating oil pressure a little is by switching to a slightly higher oil weight (first number, 5W-30 vs 10W-30, or even 15W-40 in some cases). The new selected wt. has to be acceptable in your Owner's manual chart for oil viscosities vs outside operating temperatures. With an increase in oil weight, your mpg might go down a bit, but protecting the engine outweighs the small mpg change, IMO.
Thank you very much for this information is good to know this is my first Chevy 15 I just wanted to make sure it's kind of worried me a little bit
Mine started doing it this weekend and freaked me thank you for the video
me too
Really appreciate the video had the same issues with my truck
Mine literally kicked back up while I was watching this. Thanks for this video
My work truck does the same thing except I also get the Red battery light with a read out on the center display saying that the battery/charging system needs serviced and I also have times when it won't start,it won't engage or starter drags. Both the battery and alternator have been changed and has same issues
Mine just started doing this. I have a 2015 Silverado. My first 4 years of having the truck it never did this. I replaced the battery in 2019. It died one day and I replaced it. I noticed after I replaced it the voltage dipped down while on a 30 minute trip. I replaced the alternator and it ran a tad high for about a week and now it’s doing this fluctuation… I hope it’s nothing
Same here, just added a battery and new alt. Did the same when i was going out town. Freak out and had too grab my other truck.
What was the issue?
Same here what was the issue?
Ok my 2014 just started doing this a couple of months ago. Before this it stayed at 14 volts and barely moved. I replaced the battery, alternator twice, complete negative cable harness, cleaned all the grounds and the whole positive unit on top of the battery. If I put my truck in park while running the battery charge service comes on and the battery light. Give it a little gas and it goes off. The frustration has me almost willing to get a payment again.
Bad connection somewhere. Rather a terminal with oxidation or corrosion. Sometimes oxidation is hard to notice. Or maybe a poor ground to frame or missing ground from body (not frame). Or bad cell in battery. The fact you rev and it gets better means more charge and more amps available.. if alternator and battery are good , it’s working or terminals
It's because of the voltage regulator on these trucks.
hi ive had chevy for over 20 years currently 2014 one thing I noticed lights dim when I roll down windows . to fix that I added a second battery now its not an issue. now I have gained 10% miles per gallon and my gauge is always on 14 or above . I would recommend a second battery since I feel its not enough to just have one try it and call my bullshit if I'm wrong but its a big difference with lighting and performance
Been having same issue I plan on adding a second battery now thanks
Thank you so much for this.. My 2015 Suburban drops to around 12-13 volts when driving with no headlights. If I turn my headlights on it runs right in the middle until I turn my A/C on and then it drops back to 12-13 when idle, will jump back to the middle while driving. I’ve had mechanics tell me my alternator voltage regulator was bad but my truck always cranks right up. Thank you for this video, I just bought this truck a few months ago and never seen voltage jump up and down like that.
My 07 chevy classic does the same thing, looks identical to that. Start it up in the morning and it's right at 14. 20 mins down the road and it's at 12.6. But it makes sense though what you're saying!!
The problem occurs when the "smart" alternator does not adequately charge the battery. Multiple starts in a short period leave the battery drained & the engine barely turns over making starting a challenge. I've found loosening the terminals, cleaning them & retightening solves this problem.
Thanks! I just noticed this on my 21 Sierra and I was worried Very helpful!
Mine does it while running it stays about 12volts then kicks in for about 5 minutes then goes back down 5 hour road trip still going strong
Mine is always lower than 14 and my dashboard brightness will fluctuate from dim to bright all on its own.. any idea what it might be?
I Changed Alternator Before I found out about this system! Woulda been nice to know about this before I spent $200 on an alternator!
I thought it was the alternator as well. Now I feel like dumbass after spending $370.00 on a new alternator 🤦
@@kaidenreynolds2822 I think GM Ford or whoever uses this type of system should inform the buyer before we run into this sorta situation
I know you posted this video years ago but I’m having trouble with my 2018 Silverado lt , would low battery voltage cause it to stall out by idling while in park ?
Yea had the same problem
Hi great info! Did this thought apply while the truck is on too??
I just replaced my battery on my 2015 and it started doing this. Why did it never move from 14 the first 5 years I had it?
Love the vids man. You ever thought about putting baby squat on a dyno to see what your making hp and for torque?
It’s basically stock with heavy wheels, numbers would be terrible lol would be fun though
Is this fine? Cus' I need to confirm if it's fine. If It is fine that's great but if it's not fine, not so great. So it's fine right? Jus' tryna' fine out. Thanks.
is your truck still doing that?
🇨🇦 Thanks for this information I just bought a 2017 GMC a couple of weeks ago and noticed that, I was about to go back to dealership. Just noticed that my domestic GMC is built in Mexico and my wifes Import X5 is built in South Carolina? What is going on here?🇨🇦
A little off topic, but are you still using range technology? If so, anymore issues?
What issues was the Range plug in causing?
Make sure you get the right alternator . My car came with a 170 amp
Autozone gave me a 150
Just happened to me on a 2015 sierra, and about to get a new alternator, thanks
Mine literally just started doing this after i replaced the battery. Had a bad batteryso it went dead. Replaced the alternator, cleaned the main ground wire that's connected on passenger side firewall and that remedied it for a week. I bought my high country brand new in 2018 and it never did this before. It had gobe through 2 batteries though. It now drops so low that my "battery charging system" warning light cones on then goes off. I'm lost.
Took the fear right out of me thanks Brother
Get to it brother…. We get it bro ahhh there you go I gotta listen now thanks in advance
I noticed this on my 2012 silverado and not used to that. So it's pretty normal for most of the newer chevys?
Can be fluctuations but 9 to 14 is a bit much. To me that's a huge red flag that it probably needs a new battery & maybe an alternator as well.
its a ground issue I believe they made poor ground straps to the frame
I really appreciate this video and your input, thank you!
What about your temperature gauge stops working and the fans kick on high i replaced the battery and that fixed it until it done it again
My 2015 Silverado with 4.3 Does that after running for several minutes, after running few errand don't see it move. I recently bought this truck used had it for a week replaced battery and alternator
For 5 years my guage never came off of the 14v mark.
Now today it dropped to 13.something for about 120 miles then on my way home 180 miles it was stuck on 14v again.
And when i was coming home it was dark and lights were running.
Mine's did that a couple weeks ago but it was my alternator I love metal shavings so I changed it out don't have the problem no more the issue that I have that I'm concerned about now is my oil pump fluctuate very low until I give it gas when I am idling and whenever I stopped to back up add pork it they all pressure is low it almost feels like it's stalling or something I sure hope it's not the oil pump is about to go bad my first GM truck and I have spent a lot of money on it already five for a new transmission changed out the alternator the PCV valve thermostat housing I love my truck but I am very disappointed I didn't have this much issue with my 04 Dodge Ram just had to change the gearing in the transmission that's it I love my Sierra but I am thinking about selling it every time I come close to repainting it and thinking about level in it and put some new tires on it something always come up
My 15 never did this, battery died a month ago ( 7 years old) bought the Interstate and now gauge reads lower than it ever did before, Could always read straight up
My 2017 goes down that low after putting in drive and going now it sits there dont get no lower is that bad or is it what you explaining here
Had me replace all 4 nothing thk u BRO❤🎉
New to trucks here. Just got a new battery for my 2014 Silverado, (battery was old by 5yrs & completely dead) now im receiving service battery charging system. Probably obvious meaning to service alternator but idkk idk
Did you solve this? Mine is doung the same. Oreillys says its the voltage regulator on the alternator
@@86davidrwas it?
@@johnnysanchez-ld7bg yes. I had it reman’d at a local shop
My 2018 Silverado does the same thing but recently it’s starting to also say service the charging system when it dips down. Then around 30 seconds or less later the voltage goes back to at or above 14 and the service message goes away. That service message popping up doesn’t seem normal to me.
What ended up happening?
Following! Having same issue
Same thing for me, the issue occurs when it is running, voltage is often low, not just at the start. And I had a new battery put in, and it still does the same thing.
@@jasonkarls2384 I put a new battery in my 18 and yes it’s still does the same crap. I wonder if doing the big 3 would help ?
🤦🏼♂️ how do people think the battery and charging system work
The dealership gives you a free month of on star right when you gonna have a problem with the battery. Once I replace the battery I noticed that needle doing the same thing
Thanks man it was scaring the shit out of me
Parking is a different story but what if you driving the truck and notice the gauge drops here and there?..
My battery leaves me stranded every single winter because of this. New battery, driven daily, won't start. Every winter. First and last GM truck I ever buy.
Thank you I replace mine new battery 500$ battery the really good one and still doing this 😅 truck start up good runs good now I feel better watching this video 🤣🙏🏾🫶🏾
Why would a brand new battery not start the truck if this is normal?
I just got a ceavy my voltage meter does that thanks for the info on video
My 19 sierras oe battery stays at 14 I’ve replaced it with 2 brand new AGM batteries that I fully charged prior to install and with both batteries the gauge surges back and forth from 14 down to 12.5 then back up then down about 6 times and then stays at 12.5 and will not go above. If I put the original battery in it’ll go to and stay at 14. I hate this truck.
I have 2 brandnew YellowTop Optima batteries wired parallel and and higher voltage brand new alternator, since installing I have been having this problem! N e suggestions? Maybe new sensor?
1:47
But did it do this the first year or two truck was bought new?
Just bought a 17 model and it did the same thing. Freaked me out so bad still don’t like that it’s made to do that but I’ve never had anything this new with all the electronics
I got a 2016 suburban have the same issue when it’s running is that normal?
Yes its completely normal, same thing my Suburban and Tahoe are doing.
My gmc 2018 Sierra just got new alternator and battery it never moved until i got those two thing changed. Why would that be ?
So Why does my battery drain? If I do not put a charger on my battery once a week it will die. Everyone says this is normal, even the dealer, but my battery is not charging. I have put two batteries in my truck in the last 6 months and two alternators. I can unplug the two small cables and check alternator output and it will be at 14v.
Is it normal for the battery gauge to drop to under the 14 while driving then go up to 14
I drove from Mexico to Texas with the AC turned off because the voltage was at like 11 😢 it was 95 degrees outside lol I tought the truck was going to die 😂
Do you have anything from Chevy that says that is normal? My truck just started doing this during the last month or so. I've owned the truck since it was new in 2014. It hasn't always done that. I think the voltage regulator is getting ready to die..