1LE with Low Volts

[Mark T]

2200 miles on 2014 1LE, usually sits in garage during the week and during poor weather days.

Tonight I want to take the wife out for a spin in the car, and it is dead. I mean dead.

Pushed it out the garage and jumped it off. It started fine.

So I decide we should go for a spin and charge her up a bit. Never mind the concern of it going dead in a week.

After about 30 minutes of driving I note the volt meter shows no more than 13 volts, and shortly before getting home, dropping to 12 volts.

The whole time all interior accent and gauge lights are dim, and the mylink screen is dim.

Note all other functions operate normally. Signals and headlights, hud, radio. Fine.


So what the hell? (demonstrating frustration)

[DefiantXSoldier]

Take it back to the dealer. You are covered for 3 years for all electrical. I'm sure they will give you a new battery if that what is wrong.

[CamaroTom]

Use your warranty and take it to the dealer pronto.

[Spektrum]

The battery likely has a dead cell and the alternator can't keep up trying to charge the battery AND keep the electrical system alive.

Definitely take it in for warranty repair before it leaves you stranded. May want to tow it if you don't feel comfortable.

[motorhead]

Originally Posted by Spektrum

The battery likely has a dead cell and the alternator can't keep up trying to charge the battery AND keep the electrical system alive.

Definitely take it in for warranty repair before it leaves you stranded. May want to tow it if you don't feel comfortable.

I've had this happen a couple of times with a mustang and a chevy truck. Batteries both times.

[WiredAVS]

As to why the dead battery no clue, could be numerous things. ECM keeping modules alive, interior light left on, etc......hell maybe just a weak battery.

Being the car fired right off during jumping is a good sign. A good battery that has holding capacity usually recovers amperage fairly quick while a weak battery will usually take a couple of tries to jump off.

As far as the gauges going to 13-12volts is normal during driving. The state of the battery is read and if it falls within a certain criteria, the alternator is shut off to eliminate over charging.

Did you notice if the battery gauge ever read 13-14 volts after the jump? I would let it sit overnight or for a couple of days and see it if drains the battery. If so, like most recommend, a trip to the dealer to let them figure it out.

[Cool1LE]

I believe you did the write up on the M2W switch? Have you checked all your connections etc. to make sure your not draining to ground somewhere or have some kind of short etc.- I would check this before any warranty claim

[Mark T]

I did yes and yes I will remove that today before bringing it to the dealer.

Just to note that I did verify the m2w was still operating properly yesterday when I had the low volts issue.

And the alternator was either unable to provide the current to charge the battery, even though there was suffecient volts and current to run the engine and electronics.

It does sound like a dead battery to me at this time.

Although I recall the onstar lights were on the whole time in my mirror.

Dead again this morning. Dealer closed till tomorrow.

[Mark T]

Ok. I was mistaken this morning.

I thought it was dead but didnt try to start it. So I just tried and it fired back up immediatly.

Then I backed it out of the garage into sunlight, and the displays brightened right up.

Then I pulled it in the garage out of the sunlight and the display dimmed to almost out.

Then I found the thumbwheel on the left of the steering column, and brought up the display brightness.

So I dunno.

Gonna charge her up today and see how it goes.

Also gonna disable the m2w module and see if I can find a switched power source to power it off.

Gonna keep an eye on this.

[Mark T]

Well it has been a couple of days and everything is just fine.

Starts up like a race horse.

Charges at a little above 14vdc.

I dunno. It is slated to sit a week after I wash it.

We will see. But it has me befuddled.

[CreeperRS]

I just had a similar issue as yours. This past Sunday I was crossing the border back home. While waiting in line I noticed my voltage had dropped from 13.4V to 12.5V. I had owned a 2010 SS for 4 years and that car never had less than 14.2V. Took it to the dealer, they called me yesterday, said it was a faulty alternator. My car should be fixed today!

[TommyTheCat]

dealers usually get screwed out of the good batteries for their new cars, it's probably just that.
could be the alternator killing the battery too but more than likely your battery is simply not holding a charge

[Mark T]

Just an update...

Car has sat 6 days unstarted.
M2w still installed.
Batter still charged.

[J-vette]

Might want to get a trickle charger for it. Mine sits long at times also but I've haven't noticed any issues with starting yet (knock on wood). I'll hook it up to a trickle charger eventually though.