A rapid repeated clicking is a sign of a weak battery. It may have just died from old age or the generator may have stopped recharging it while driving. GM has a huge problem with their generators. It's common to go through four to six of them in the life of the vehicle. What many professionals are finding out is to reduce the repeat failures, the battery must be replaced at the same time. This generator design develops big voltage spikes that interfere with computer sensor signals and can destroy the diodes and internal voltage regulator inside the generator. As batteries age, they lose their ability to absorb and dampen those spikes.
The place to start is by measuring the battery's voltage with an inexpensive digital voltmeter. It should be close to 12.6 volts if it's fully charged. If you find closer to 12.0 volts, it's okay but discharged. Suspect the generator. If you find 11.0 volts or less, the battery has a shorted cell and must be replaced.
Next, measure battery voltage while the engine is running. It must be between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. If it is low, suspect the generator.
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Saturday, July 23rd, 2011 AT 7:48 PM
