Battery Voltage drop new battery

2020BLK1LE · 03-31-2023, 09:50 AM

I have a 2020 Camaro ss 1le an my battery hand started dropping below 14v down to about 11v I replaced battery issue is still occurring. Car sometimes has no power an stumbles no CEL or codes. Car has full power some days an runs amazing then sometimes it runs like shit I’m lost.

SomeGeoffGuy · 03-31-2023, 10:26 AM

I am pretty sure the charging system works like you are describing - sometimes it will be at 12 volts, then it will charge up at 14. It doesn't just charge at 14 all the time. It probably shouldn't fall completely out of that gray zone on the gauge that starts at about 10 o'clock on the gauge.

I think you have two issues going on, though, and whatever is causing your other issue is unrelated. Any mods? The stumbling issue is caused a lot by burned wires near the exhaust or loose engine grounds.

-Geoff

ctrlz · 03-31-2023, 10:54 AM

New battery in a 2017 2SS.
My voltage (at least as reported by the dash gauge) fluctuates from 11.5 to about 14.5. No cranking or other electrical issues. This is how it's supposed to work. That grayed out area shows the "normal" range.

adamjwilson · 03-31-2023, 11:15 AM

Did you check the infamous wiring harness under the coolant reservoir to ensure the harness is not in contact with headers? (possible burnt wires)

2020BLK1LE · 03-31-2023, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjwilson

Did you check the infamous wiring harness under the coolant reservoir to ensure the harness is not in contact with headers? (possible burnt wires)

I have not I’ll check under the coolant reservoir today.

2020BLK1LE · 03-31-2023, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SomeGeoffGuy

I am pretty sure the charging system works like you are describing - sometimes it will be at 12 volts, then it will charge up at 14. It doesn't just charge at 14 all the time. It probably shouldn't fall completely out of that gray zone on the gauge that starts at about 10 o'clock on the gauge.

I think you have two issues going on, though, and whatever is causing your other issue is unrelated. Any mods? The stumbling issue is caused a lot by burned wires near the exhaust or loose engine grounds.

-Geoff

It’ll drop to the let bar in the gray zone for a split second while at a stop light then it’ll go back up to 14v. A yes I’m full bolt ons kooks headers stock plugs an wires. It’ll stumble for a bit then get a burst in power.

SomeGeoffGuy · 03-31-2023, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2020BLK1LE

It’ll drop to the let bar in the gray zone for a split second while at a stop light then it’ll go back up to 14v. A yes I’m full bolt ons kooks headers stock plugs an wires. It’ll stumble for a bit then get a burst in power.

Check wire bundle on the passenger side and see if it is too close to the headers. Seen that a lot.

-Geoff

Nothing like an SS · 03-31-2023, 12:28 PM

Voltage on dash is voltage of charging system, not the battery, it fluctuates by design, increasing and decreasing output as needed, and not related to your other issue.

2020BLK1LE · 03-31-2023, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SomeGeoffGuy

Check wire bundle on the passenger side and see if it is too close to the headers. Seen that a lot.

-Geoff

Harness is about 1”-2” inches away from the header not burnt. Going to pull plugs & check wires

arpad_m · 03-31-2023, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2020BLK1LE

I have a 2020 Camaro ss 1le an my battery hand started dropping below 14v down to about 11v I replaced battery issue is still occurring. Car sometimes has no power an stumbles no CEL or codes. Car has full power some days an runs amazing then sometimes it runs like shit I’m lost.

As others stated, you have two separate issues. Actually, probably only one, the one that causes the stumbling, because based on your photo, your battery works just fine.

The gauge in this photo indicates 12.75 V, which is perfect. This is a dual function gauge, its display switches automatically between the actual battery voltage (like in your picture) when the alternator is not charging, and the charging voltage of 13.5 to 14.5 V when it is. If the actual voltage ever indeed dropped to 11 V, that'd be a problem, but then you wouldn't even be able to start the car.

2020BLK1LE · 04-07-2023, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arpad_m

As others stated, you have two separate issues. Actually, probably only one, the one that causes the stumbling, because based on your photo, your battery works just fine.

The gauge in this photo indicates 12.75 V, which is perfect. This is a dual function gauge, its display switches automatically between the actual battery voltage (like in your picture) when the alternator is not charging, and the charging voltage of 13.5 to 14.5 V when it is. If the actual voltage ever indeed dropped to 11 V, that'd be a problem, but then you wouldn't even be able to start the car.

So I hooked up hptuners an these are the codes I’m getting now. Car revs up by its self on start up.

OB0001 · 04-07-2023, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nothing like an SS

Voltage on dash is voltage of charging system, not the battery, it fluctuates by design, increasing and decreasing output as needed, and not related to your other issue.

what he said

ctrlz · 04-07-2023, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2020BLK1LE

So I hooked up hptuners an these are the codes I’m getting now. Car revs up by its self on start up.

Wiring problem is my bet. Probably heat from the headers cooking the insulation.

arpad_m · 04-07-2023, 07:11 PM

ctrlz beat me to it, that's a likely culprit based on the codes you posted.

03-31-2023, 09:50 AM	#1
2020BLK1LE Drives: Chevrolet Camaro SS 1Le Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Cali Posts: 14	Battery Voltage drop new battery I have a 2020 Camaro ss 1le an my battery hand started dropping below 14v down to about 11v I replaced battery issue is still occurring. Car sometimes has no power an stumbles no CEL or codes. Car has full power some days an runs amazing then sometimes it runs like shit I’m lost. Attached Images

03-31-2023, 10:26 AM	#2
SomeGeoffGuy Drives: 2023 2SS Convertible Join Date: May 2009 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 1,063	I am pretty sure the charging system works like you are describing - sometimes it will be at 12 volts, then it will charge up at 14. It doesn't just charge at 14 all the time. It probably shouldn't fall completely out of that gray zone on the gauge that starts at about 10 o'clock on the gauge. I think you have two issues going on, though, and whatever is causing your other issue is unrelated. Any mods? The stumbling issue is caused a lot by burned wires near the exhaust or loose engine grounds. -Geoff __________________ '12 2SS RS Convertible - Traded in. '16 2SS Convertible - White on white, mag-ride, NPP, nav. Sold! '23 2SS Convertible -Same as above except orange.

03-31-2023, 11:15 AM	#4
adamjwilson Drives: 2022 Camaro 2SS A10 Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: FL Posts: 524	Did you check the infamous wiring harness under the coolant reservoir to ensure the harness is not in contact with headers? (possible burnt wires) __________________ 2022 Camaro 2SS/ Whipple 3.0 / 2"Headers/ PRC LTX Heads/ Forged Internals/LT4 fueling/ DSX Aux/ DSX Flex Fuel/ Meth Injection/ Katech 112 TB/ RotoFab Big Gulp/ Corsa NPP/ Various exterior mods

04-07-2023, 07:11 PM	#14
arpad_m Drives: 2018 Camaro 2SS A8 Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 11,627 View My Garage	ctrlz beat me to it, that's a likely culprit based on the codes you posted. __________________ 2018 Camaro 2SS — G7E MX0 NPP F55 IO6 735 rwhp \| 665 rwtq Magnuson TVS 2300 80mm pulley \| Kooks 1 7/8" LT headers \| JRE smooth idle terminator cam \| LT4 FS & injectors \| TSP forged pistons & rods JMS PowerMAX \| DSX flex fuel kit \| Roto-Fab CAI \| Soler 95mm LT5 TB \| 1LE wheels \| 1LE brakes \| BMR rear cradle lockout \| JRE custom tune 1100 - 1/30/18 \| 2000 - 1/31/18 3000 - 2/06/18 TPW 2/26/18 3400 - 2/19/18 \| 3800 - 2/26/18 4300 - 2/27/18 \| 4B00 - 3/01/18 4200 - 3/05/18 \| 4800 - 3/14/18 5000 - 3/16/18 \| 6000 - 3/19/18

03-31-2023, 10:54 AM	#3
ctrlz Drives: 2017 2SS, 50th pkg, M6, MRC, NPP Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Ocean City, NJ Posts: 3,182	New battery in a 2017 2SS. My voltage (at least as reported by the dash gauge) fluctuates from 11.5 to about 14.5. No cranking or other electrical issues. This is how it's supposed to work. That grayed out area shows the "normal" range.

03-31-2023, 12:28 PM	#8
Nothing like an SS Faster!!! Drives: 2020 Camaro 1SS 1LE Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 991	Voltage on dash is voltage of charging system, not the battery, it fluctuates by design, increasing and decreasing output as needed, and not related to your other issue.

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