Battery problem

[dna]

I've had my 03 H2 for about 2.5 years, and I've had battery problems almost from the start. I didn't even have to leave any accessories running - I would just find it dead about every 2-3 months on average - after a jump it would be fine again until another 2-3 months. I too had the battery and alt checked by GM (while still under warranty), and they said nothing was wrong - though they still put in a new battery for free (nice guys I guess). The new battery had the same problem after about 6 months.

I have a solution that works for me. I too live in Canada (Vancouver), and bought a battery guard from Canadain Tire (about $50) - it connects to your battery and monitoirs the batteries voltage - if/once it goes to a dangerous low level, it automatically disconnects the battery to prevent any further drain. Then when you return to the truck, you use a cordless remote to re-establish the connection, and you have enough power to start the truck - then as you drive the battery gets charged. This device is great too as a security measure not only does it always monitor the battery and disconnect when needed, it also has 2 settings on the remote which you can use if wanted - one is to purposely disconnect full power which prevents someone from stealing the vehicle or is great is you plan to park the truck for a week or so (like when at the airport; though all your clocks need to be reset once you reconnect) - or the 2nd setting on the remote provides only a very low voltage to the truck which keeps clocks, lights, auto locks, etc going but is not enough to crank the motor/starter - this feature too will prevent someone from stealing the truck while it keeps enough power for accessories.

I also find that even if shops tell you the battery is OK, a new battery every year is needed in my truck. I too tried to find a replacement at Canadian Tire, Lordco and other major outlets, but none had them (they all said I needed GM for $200). I bought one from Costco for $80 - it is 800 amps vs the 880 amps, but I have had no problems with it in the last 12 months (it also has a full 48 month 100% replacement warranty, so if it dies just go get a new one again). This battery is a little smaller length, but same height and width and fits perfect and tight with the stock clamp.

Go get the Costco battery and Canadian Tire battery guard - you will never need to jump your truck again, but can still let the kids watch the movies - the guard will kill the power once the battery gets low.

[Hucky]

http://www.thelapd.com/Merchant2/mer...&Store_Code=H2

[blockrockin]

the battery gaurd sounds like a great product what model number do you have ? i would like to get one. thanks alote !

[Scooter911]

I just got in from doing some current measurements and the results point to the battery.

Current measured at the battery was 35mA with the DVD player plugged in but not playing a movie.

The DVD only draws 1A when playing a movie.

Also, just being outside fooling with the battery and DVD player for 10 mins was enough to kill the battery to the point where I needed a boost... so it MUST be the battery.

I'm putting money on the fact that there must be a short between the cells causing the 'working range' of the battery to be very very small.

I never did try costco, but I'll go there today and see if they stock a battery that will fit. I want to get this fixed before next week because I'm back in school and don't have time to buy and install batteries!!

Thanks again to everyone for all the help!! Priceless!

Scooter

[ParchedMosquito]

Car batteries are not designed to be cycled (deep discharged) like that. When the voltage in the battery falls to <10V that is considered a deep discharge. The electrodes inside will begin to deteriorate badly.

After a while, the battery performance (its ability to return back to its original voltage after being charged, and its ability to deliver its rated current) will deteriorate.

How many times has your daughter done this?


Maybe find a marine battery (those are designed to be cycled, deep discharged) and put it in your truck?

[Scooter911]

I just got back from Costco and purchased a 900 Cold Cranking Amp battery for $84 Cdn. ParchedMosquito, I was actually looking at a marine battery just like you suggested, but none of the marine batteries had the ability to be side mounted, and I just don't want to be bothered right now to replace the cables on the truck - so I went with just a normal automotive battery.

My daughter doesn't go in the truck to watch DVD's too much - and when she does I'll make sure from now on that its only for a short period of time.

I'll post again in a few days to let everyone know if my problems have been fixed!!

Ps - I've attached a picture of the culprit!!

Scooter

[tower]

How does she reach the pedals?

(Adorable kid!)