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Chevy Tahoe Battery Problems

252 messages,  Last post on Feb 26, 2013 at 7:56 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, Electrical, SUV

    

Messages Page 21 of 26

#201 of 252 Re: BATTERY DRAIN IN 2007 TAHOE [kitty05] by tazz600

Mar 29, 2011 (8:37 am)

Replying to: kitty05 (Feb 28, 2011 10:11 pm)
here is the technical bulletins from GM:
 
TECHNICAL
 
Bulletin No.: 09-08-44-018
 
Date: September 25, 2009
 
Subject: No Crank/No Start, Discharged Battery, No Audio Output From Radio (Replace Amplifier)
 
Models:
2008-2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
2008-2009 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe (Equipped with LTZ Uplevel Package)
2008-2009 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL (Equipped with SLT Uplevel Package)
Equipped with Luxury Edition Package (RPO Y91) or Premium Speaker System (RPO UQS) and Built Prior to September 29, 2008
 
Condition
 
Some customers may comment that the vehicle will not crank or start and the battery goes dead. They may also comment on a loss of audio from the radio.
 
Cause
 
This condition may be due to an internal short within the amplifier that causes the amplifier to stay awake, resulting in a battery draw/load. This draw/load on the battery could discharge the battery to the point where the battery will not have sufficient amperage to start the vehicle.
 
Correction
 
Check for normal sleep mode draw of less than 30 mA. If greater than 30 mA, remove the 30A amplifier fuse from the underhood electrical center/junction block. If the draw drops more than 10 mA, the draw is likely from the amplifier. Inspect the amplifier for a green dot (a green dot indicates vehicle already has the updated amplifier). If no green dot is present and draw is confirmed with fuse pull, replace the amplifier.
 
TECHNICAL
 
Bulletin No.: 09-08-50-017B
 
Date: February 11, 2010
 
Subject: No Crank, No Start, Discharged or Low Battery (Reprogram Rear Heated Seat Module)
 
Models:
2006-2010 Cadillac DTS
Built Prior to February 2, 2010
2007-2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV
2007-2010 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe
2007-2010 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL
Built Prior to November 30, 2009
All Equipped with Rear Heated Seat RPO KA6
 
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to add build breakpoint dates. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 09-08-50-017A (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).
 
Condition
 
Some customers may comment about a no crank/no start condition or a discharged or low battery.
 
Note
This condition may be intermittent, therefore it is important to check if a revised calibration has been released on TIS2WEB for this concern, even if the condition cannot be duplicated at the dealer.
 
Cause
 
This condition may be caused by the rear heated seat module (RHSM) discharging the battery by keeping the serial data bus active, which creates a cumulative continuous draw of four amps on the battery after the vehicle is shut down, until the state of charge reaches three volts.
 
Correction
 
Important
DO NOT replace the RHSM or the battery for this concern.
 
Reprogram the RHSM with the latest software calibration.
 
Important
Select the correct calibration files for the appropriate vehicle configuration (body style) and RPO codes.
 
A revised calibration has been developed to address this condition. Technicians are to reprogram the RHSM using the Service Programming System (SPS) with the latest software available on TIS2WEB. Refer to the Service Programming System (SPS) procedures in SI.
 
When using a Tech 2(R) or a Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI) for reprogramming, ensure that it is updated with the latest software version.
 
During programming, the battery voltage must be maintained within the proper range of 12-15 volts. Only use the approved Midtronics(R) PSC 550 Battery Maintainer (SPS Programming Support Tool EL-49642) or equivalent during programming.

#202 of 252 2007 tahoe dead battery by tsccst

Apr 26, 2011 (7:16 pm)

bought a used 2007 tahoe last spring loved it had a few flaws door handle rear wiper rear defogger still loved it small problems got a good deal.until 3 months ago dead battery issue started changed battery helped some then the alternator had it to the dealer they changed the bcm put updates in the computer checked everything i paid the 490.00 bill got it back and tonight i took it back to the dealer for the same problem i just want it fixed!!!! i can not believe that gm does not know what is wrong with the tahoe and cant help the dealer fix it some how the figured out that the heated windshield washer was burning down the car and houses they are parked in this will be the last trip to the dealer for pity the next guy that gets this car.i have been a loyal gm owner all my life but if you cant fix what you sell i will have to see if the others can

#203 of 252 Re: 2007 tahoe dead battery [tsccst] by smorton1

Apr 27, 2011 (6:00 am)

Replying to: tsccst (Apr 26, 2011 7:16 pm)
I like you have been a loyal GM customer. They defentily have a problem with the 07 Tahoes. I couldn't get them to fix mine, all they would do is put new batteries in and reset the computer. I traded it with 52,000 miles, I hated to get rid of it because everything else worked great we just couldn't depend on it. I did get GM to give me a voucher towards a new product which we now have a new Tahoe. This is their last chance if I have problems with this one I won't be getting another GM product. It seems to me they should own up and recall them and fix them right. They told me that I was the first to call about the problem. Maybe everyone should call the GM headquarters in Detroit I listed their number but my message got pulled.

#204 of 252 Re: 2007 tahoe dead battery [smorton1] by wessy

Apr 27, 2011 (7:09 am)

Replying to: smorton1 (Apr 27, 2011 6:00 am)
I took insurance off my Tahoe for a month and a half and drove my daughter's car just to save on gas. I put stabil in the gas and pulled the keys out like one service advisor told me to do. I needed to drive it the other day so put insurance back on and went in to start it. I was shocked it started (slow cranking so battery was low but not dead). All these bulletins they have out saying the drain issue is with the rear heated seats and the DVD are bogus. My truck has neither. The issue in my opinion has to be with the switch or keys or something. If I leave the keys in the ignition for more that two days without starting it the battery is dead. The last time I had my truck in for the 50,000 mile service they said my battery was bad and needed replacing but I did not replace it. Try pulling out the keys every time you park it and see if that helps.
 
Wessy

#205 of 252 Re: 2007 tahoe dead battery [tsccst] by gmcustsvc

May 02, 2011 (9:29 am)

Replying to: tsccst (Apr 26, 2011 7:16 pm)
tsccst,
Has the dealer involved Technical Assistance? I apologize for your frustrations. I look forward to your response.
Christina
GM Customer Service

#206 of 252 Re: 2007 tahoe dead battery [gmcustsvc] by smorton1

May 03, 2011 (5:53 am)

Replying to: gmcustsvc (May 02, 2011 9:29 am)
Christina,
 
Gm will not do the right thing and make this issue a recall. My friend has a Nissan that had a recall on a sensor that made the gas gauge read incorrectly. They gave him a donar car and fixed the problem. My gauge wasn't reading correctly either, but that I could live with. This problem of the batt. going dead was too much. I couldn't get any satisfaction from my dealer or GM. I don't own the vehicle anymore. It aggrevates me to no end that a company that I have defended to so many others has let me and many others down. Your company deserves to go bankrupt. No more BAILOUTS and the way you're going you're going to need another.

#207 of 252 Re: 2007 tahoe dead battery [gmcustsvc] by tsccst

May 04, 2011 (11:27 am)

Replying to: gmcustsvc (May 02, 2011 9:29 am)
yes my dealer jerry hagg motors in hillsboro has fixed my tahoe at first i thought that they where guessing and was mad that they put a bcm on it and did not fix it dont think i still should have to pay for that but. the second trip to the shop it was fixed i have had no more problems total bill was around 800.00 they did not need any parts the second time just glad it is fixed love my tahoe glad i did not have too get rid of it !!!!!!!!!

#208 of 252 Re: 2007 tahoe dead battery [smorton1] by gmcustsvc

May 12, 2011 (9:49 am)

Replying to: smorton1 (May 03, 2011 5:53 am)
smorton1,
Thank you for your feedback. It is your opinion and you are entitled to it; however, as all major companies or corporations, we have standard operating procedures. GM does handle their customers individually, not all situations are the same, so they must be handled on a case by case basis. I am here to help make GM aware of our customer’s situations. The only way I can do this is with the customer’s assistance. My first step is to gather their contact information (including a good number to reach them), VIN, current mileage, involved dealer, and a break down of what they are experiencing. The best way to get me this information is a direct email. The next step in the process is the vehicle must be taken to a GM Dealer. They have a contract with GM and must look at the vehicle. For GM to know their customers are experiencing issues, they must contact GM; whether it is me via email or Customer Assistance via the telephone. This will help identify the problem and how large it is. I understand when customers are experiencing these concerns these processes can be frustrating. All concerns, whether it is with a dealer or your vehicle, are documented in the cases set up if GM is contacted directly. Any customer that would like to call Customer Assistance and speak with someone the number is in your owner manual, or email me and I can provide it to you. Any customer that would like me to assist them, please feel free to email me the information requested above.
Christina
GM Customer Service

#210 of 252 Battery problem (GMC 2007 YUKON) by north360

Aug 21, 2011 (7:17 pm)

I found this thread while looking for battery problems with the Yukon. We have a GMC 2007 Yukon that was bought new at the dealer in late 2007. From day one, it had electrical problems: the battery would suddenly be dead, the computer would lose its setting (probably due to intermittent loss of voltage) even if the battery was not dead that time and electrical accessories would stop to work intermittently. We ended up driving around with a power pack in the cargo area so that I could boost our new vehicle when it would not crank.
 
Eventually, after several trips to the dealer, they replaced the fuse fox (under warranty); they said it was "fused". The problems stopped though we did have some concerns in retrospect that such a situation might have created an overheating and possibly a vehicle fire in the garage.
 
Jump forward a few years of essentially problem-free operation. Then, earlier this year we did the recall that involves removing the heated windshield washer module. While this is a very useful option, we definitely wanted the module removed, as per the GM recall, because the GM recall notice states that "it is possible for the heated washer module to ignite and a fire may occur". Again the fire hazard.
 
When I started the vehicle at the dealer's place immediately after they had done the recall service, I noticed that the engine hour display on the dashboard showed 0.0. I had not taken note of what exactly it had read before but I know for a fact that it had been a meaningful number. I pointed this out to the tech. He went to the shop area, came back and said "the battery must have gone dead while they removed the heater". I pointed out that this did not make sense because the battery had gone dead many times before (and many times after, as I was about to find out) without resetting the counter. Anyway, I was informed that nothing could be done because this is the way it is now. I was upset at this, and still am, but the vehicle was serviced and running (and presumable so without this risk of electrical fire).
 
However, since that day we have again ongoing (though not daily) problems with the battery losing its charge overnight or in 2-3 days.
 
One time after the battery had gone dead again, the shifting points were all weird. The engine ran at high rpm and did not shift up. The indicated fuel consumption was very high, not surprisingly so. I called GM Customer Service from the vehicle and after a long chat with a friendly and knowledgeable tech, we came to the conclusion that the vehicle was not at immediate risk of damage if driven at low speed for a short distance. I had to continue my drive to work and did so at low speed, and in fact the shifting problem disappeared by itself. This scenario has happened twice, which is certainly not every time that the battery has gone dead. Because many functions are controlled by the computer, I would not be surprised if the high rpm and failure to upshift were also a result of the dead battery.
 
During that phone call to GM Customer Service, I also mentioned that the hour meter had shown 0.0 after the heated windshield washer recall service had been carried out and that I had been told that this was "because the battery must have gone dead". While not commenting directly on that statement, the tech did mention that the recall procedure called for the service tech to reprogram the actual hours if required. Obviously, this had not been done. Why do the they tell me that "the battery must have gone dead" when they know better? Or perhaps they did not know better!
 
Anyway, that brings me to the current status of the vehicle. The battery still goes dead overnight or in 2-3 days.
 
I was looking at replacing the battery and will do so if needed, but I don't want to replace the battery if the problem is with the vehicle.
 
That is when I discovered this thread with GM Bulletin No.: 09-08-50-017B with the clear GM instructions "Important: DO NOT replace the RHSM or the battery for this concern". The solution according to the GM bulletin is to "Reprogram the RHSM (Rear Heated Seat Module) with the latest software calibration". I certainly will NOT rush out to buy a new battery.
 
It's Sunday night and tomorrow morning I will call GM Customer Service and perhaps the dealer about this. I am somewhat reluctant to do the latter considering the fact that the problem started to happen after they did the recall service where I was told that "the battery must have gone dead" and where the actual engine hours were not reprogrammed (and perhaps not even recorded).
 
It's ironic that, as I am writing this, I have received the monthly OnStar Vehicle Diagnostic by e-mail. That message informs me that no technical issues have been found with our vehicle (all green). Looking at the time stamp, it is clear that these data have been collected while our vehicle sat idling in the driveway to partially recharge the battery after having been boosted with the power pack because of a totally dead battery. I know, I should not let let it idle, instead I should drive around (with the power pack in the vehicle for sure), but I do not have the time nor the inclination to do so.
 
I still drive around with a power pack in the cargo area and I have had to use it on many occasions. In fact, we have replaced the original power pack with a new one with higher capacity. When we want to use the vehicle, I usually get ready 10 minutes earlier to allow for the boosting, if needed. My wife is reluctant to use the vehicle because she does not want to have to go through the "boost with power pack routine". Should we be concerned again about the possibility of an electrical fire?
 
It's a great vehicle when it runs, but this is not what we expected when we bought a new vehicle that is maintained regularly at a GM dealership. We wish they would fix these electrical/computer problems once and for all.

Messages Page 21 of 26

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