My truck seems to have an alternator problem

Tiny
JIM SHIRRON
  • MECHANIC
  • 2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
My truck seems to have an alternator problem. When hot, the voltage will drop to 12.5 sometimes and stay there, then for no reason, jump back to 13.7-14. Engine revs or electrical load does not seem to matter. It has every electrical accessory available with a 160 amp alternator. The battery is relatively new also. The voltage drop is slow, not sudden, as is the rise. I have checked every connection I can find, to the point of checking terminal grip. I was an ASE Master tech before closing my shop a few years ago, and would have sold a customer an alternator already. I am on disability now, and $275.00 is a big chunk of money. Do you have any ideas of something I might have missed?
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010 AT 6:46 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
LOUIESERVICE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Jim, my name is Louie, and I am extremely well known on the IATN as an expert on alternator/charging problems. The probability is there is absolutely nothing wrong with your vehicle because it is a computer controlled version of the GM RVC (regulated voltage control) or SARVC (stand alone regulated voltage control) system. http://www.motor.com/article.asp?article_ID=1606 If there are not any PCM alternator codes then there are not any charging problems, or a bad alternator. Louie
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Thursday, May 13th, 2021 AT 7:49 PM
Tiny
CREWKERN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I am having the same issue with my 2007. I changed alternator and battery due to being away from home and did not want to break down on i95. I am still noticing the voltage fluctuation and yes I like the answer it may be normal. I just never had fluctuation before which is concerning especially when it is low for a long stretch. I will keep you posted. John from NJ
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Thursday, May 13th, 2021 AT 7:49 PM
Tiny
YULEEDUDE
  • MEMBER
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Did the new alternator fix your issue? I replaced my battery in April because it was three years old and it went out. I also just replaced my alternator this week due to the exact voltage fluctuations that you described. The problem is, the fluctuations are still happening. I have. 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 with a 6.0 Vortex MAX. It is the newer body style. I am desperately searching for a solution since I travel a lot on the weekends. Battery connections are tight, but I have not check the ground or at the starter yet. Thanks in advance for any help offered.
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Thursday, May 13th, 2021 AT 7:49 PM
Tiny
THE MAESTRO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
11 July 2017. I have a 2007 Silverado that I purchased new and it has overcharged since new. The dealer replaced the alternator once and I have replaced the boiled to heck battery three times. As I suspected, the answer that the computer is controlling the charging is my best guess also. I do not think the mechanics knew this when they replaced the alternator. Is there a software fix for this problem?
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Thursday, May 13th, 2021 AT 7:49 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 43,072 POSTS
I would think there is a bad ground between the engine and frame and body. Check all ground straps and you should find the problem.

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, May 13th, 2021 AT 7:49 PM

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