This is bowhunting related in that I was getting my stuff ready to go out hunting in the morning and I tried starting the truck only to find the battery 100% dead. It was dead the other day too and I had it jumped, drove around for awhile and then let it run for about 20 minutes in hopes that it would charge up again. Instead it's dead and frozen solid. I did try two different chargers on it before I noticed it was a block of acidic ice. (I work from a home office so I don't drive everyday, just in case you were wondering) This is the second Walmart Everstart battery in a year and a half that has gone bad. The first one only lasted a month and a half and I was hooked up to a boat ready to go on a trip when it died. Grrr. I really wanted to out hunting in the morning too. End of rant.
Christine, You may want to have your Voltage Regulator checked. I had similar problems with an old Ford I drove back in the 90's, and found that I was overcharging and burning the battery up because the VR wasn't doing it's job "regulating." Just a thought, that might save you "ranting" a little. Not sure how much VR are nowadays, but it was a $15 part back then, that could have saved 3 batteries. All under warranty, but still frustrating to get stranded.
If it was over-charging, wouldn't the acid/water level be low from the boiling? This one had the levels up where they should be. Maybe I'm wrong on it boiling off? The voltage gauge also has been normal. (but then, my gas gauge doesn't work right, so why should the voltage one work.) I'll check the voltage when I get a new battery. Thanks.
The voltage regulator is usually intrinsic to the alternator. When you get your pro-rated battery installed, have them test your alternator. It may not be putting out enought power to keep it charged.
Nope, I doubt it's anything other than what was mentioned in the original thread... "Wal-Mart Battery" Ive went through so many, Reason being, I always take them back and get a new on for free. But they suck. I'm glad I only run a walmart battery in my old pickup, So it's not a major issue.
Christine, Last time I replaced my battery about 3 1/2 years ago, I spent more than I usually do and got a stronger Interstate battery... Best move! Never gives me trouble, and last week we had actual temps of -30, I hadn't started my truck in 4 days and she didn't even hesitate. I thinks this is one of those "you get what you pay for" items. I'd think that there was some underlying problem either with your alternator, or a short somewhere... but this is not the first (or last) time I've heard of problems with Wal-mart batteries. Still worth having it looked at though.
My last battery was the highest cold cranking amp battery Walmart had that would fit my truck. I'm a fan of high CCA, I used to live in ND along the Canada border. (then again my old IH Scouts started way easier than this Chevy) I did go through batteries with my scouts but it was because they would break while I was bouncing around off road. (the stock battery clamps long since rusted away). I bought an Optima Red Top for my scout and it seemed to hold up well. If the battery terminals were the same as my Chevy, I would have swapped out the batteries when I sold it. On the other hand I bought Optima Blue Top batteries for my boat and they did not seem to be worth all the extra cash. I sure wish there was a Costco around here. I hate Walmart but it's the most convenient thing around here for shopping (and it's 13 miles away.)
What about a Farm and Fleet, they've got good ones, and not too expensive. Also, if its that hard to start, maybe you should lighten up on the oil. If you don't run synthetic, try blend, or go with 5 weight(5w-20/5w-30. I use that new Mobil 1 0w-30, which claims to have protection similar to 10w-30. That stuff is awesome!!
Thanks for the suggestions. I've pretty much used 5w the whole time I've had the truck. The last oil change may have put in 10w but that's pretty recent compared to the starting issue. (It's not a big deal, but it takes two or three cranks to get it running) I don't think it's the actual turning over that makes it hard to start. I think it's a fuel injector or computer issue. The truck is due for a tuneup. I just don't have the cash to take it in right now. Last tune up was nearly 900.00. (I did put brakes on a couple months ago and that cost me 1100.00) My friends tell me it's just a 'Chevy thing' so I never really worried about having to try a couple times to get it running. Maybe it's more than just a 'Chevy thing'? The new battery is a farm and fleet one. Let's hope it works better than the Walmart ones. I haven't tested the voltage yet.
Christine!!!!! You got TAKEN!!!! Hell, I had 4-wheel brakes and rotors turned for under $400 on my 04 Durango. And a basic tune-up should never cost that kind of $$$$.
How did you find somebody to turn rotors nowadays? My rotors were too far gone even if I could find somebody that still turned 'em. They were the originals with about 130,000 miles on them. I took my truck to the dealer for the tune up. I thought it was pretty ridiculous but you should hear how much my mom paid for the tune up on her lexus. :-O Remember the good old days when you just went to NAPA and bought some new plugs and cables, a filter or two and were pretty much set? (well, maybe you don't, but I do)
