2003 Sierra Battery Dead...

breaks42 · 07-04-2008, 10:41 AM

The problem with my truck is that the battery will not hold a charge when connected to my truck. Holds charge just fine out of truck. When I put it back in the truck with a full charge it drains it. The battery is a brand new optima red top. Alternator has been changed already under warranty. Truck is dead every time I need to start it. Sometimes there is enough charge to start it, but most of the time it is completely dead. I have heard of recalls and things internally drain the battery. Another problem is that I can not find a reliable place to take my truck and get a honest answer about what is wrong and get it taken care of. The GM dealership hasn't caught the problem and usually keeps my truck for a week to tell me I had a bad sensor and problem persists. The kids working at the auto parts store worked at Taco Bell or Blockbuster last week and are not much help either. I am pretty handy and do most of my own repairs, but this is something internal I can not pin point. Anybody else have issues like this? Let me know...

75K30 · 07-04-2008, 11:09 AM

Welcome to the site;

Sounds like a pretty big drain on the battery. You can isolate the drain by disconnecting the battery and installing a simple test light in series. The light will illuminate if a draw is presesnt. You can then disconnect fuses until the light goes out.
When the light goes out, you will have found the circuit responsible for the draw.
Remeber to keep the key off, and do not try to turn the ignition "on" when the test light is installed.
You are looking for circuits that are functional with the key "off".
Also remember that the radio will have a draw for the station pre-sets, so do not be fooled by this, and maybe isolate this first.
I suspect either another piece of audio equip. like an aftermarket amp is on, or the glove compartment light remains on while the vehicle is off.
Either way, the test lighht method will find your trouble.
Good Luck

leolkfrm · 07-08-2008, 06:00 AM

Just a thought can you see your cargo light or do you have a cap on it? it might be on

07-04-2008, 10:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
breaks42 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1	2003 Sierra Battery Dead... The problem with my truck is that the battery will not hold a charge when connected to my truck. Holds charge just fine out of truck. When I put it back in the truck with a full charge it drains it. The battery is a brand new optima red top. Alternator has been changed already under warranty. Truck is dead every time I need to start it. Sometimes there is enough charge to start it, but most of the time it is completely dead. I have heard of recalls and things internally drain the battery. Another problem is that I can not find a reliable place to take my truck and get a honest answer about what is wrong and get it taken care of. The GM dealership hasn't caught the problem and usually keeps my truck for a week to tell me I had a bad sensor and problem persists. The kids working at the auto parts store worked at Taco Bell or Blockbuster last week and are not much help either. I am pretty handy and do most of my own repairs, but this is something internal I can not pin point. Anybody else have issues like this? Let me know...

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
1994 GMC Sierra 4X4, EGR prob., battery drains	trunkmonkey	Chevy Truck Forum	5	04-01-2008 05:15 PM
ABS light come on my GMC Sierra 2003	ATMandre	GMC Truck Forum	8	02-15-2008 05:19 PM
Adding Cruise COntrol 2003 Sierra	gaiter	GMC Truck Forum	2	09-26-2007 05:52 PM
2003 GMC Sierra window motor regulator	Udlose213	Truck Classifieds	0	08-21-2007 01:23 PM

07-04-2008, 11:09 AM	#2 (permalink)
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,384	Welcome to the site; Sounds like a pretty big drain on the battery. You can isolate the drain by disconnecting the battery and installing a simple test light in series. The light will illuminate if a draw is presesnt. You can then disconnect fuses until the light goes out. When the light goes out, you will have found the circuit responsible for the draw. Remeber to keep the key off, and do not try to turn the ignition "on" when the test light is installed. You are looking for circuits that are functional with the key "off". Also remember that the radio will have a draw for the station pre-sets, so do not be fooled by this, and maybe isolate this first. I suspect either another piece of audio equip. like an aftermarket amp is on, or the glove compartment light remains on while the vehicle is off. Either way, the test lighht method will find your trouble. Good Luck

07-08-2008, 06:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
leolkfrm Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N.Y. Posts: 636	Just a thought can you see your cargo light or do you have a cap on it? it might be on