dreaded dead battery problem

[Raging Rio]

Happened to me to this morning, just like it has happened to many others.  Battery was completely dead.  AAA got it jumped for me and I headed to work.  I noticed when I backed in to my parking space, my driver's side mirror was going nutz trying to keep turning down.  I suspect that's probably what drained it last night.  I messed with the controls and it stopped....i did the mirror syncro method, but I doubt that will do anything.....

will take it to the dealer in the next few days.....in the meantime, I am ordering a dual battery kit.....

[stalzd]

Take it in for recall# 07007 but be careful the dealership(Champion Chevy in Houston) did this upgrade for me while fixing my "service suspension system" problem(the part just came in today) and now my TPMS doesn't work.  It did it manually and the tire pressures come up until I shut the truck off and then on the next start up all I get are dashes.  The service manager told me I had to drive 30mph down a one-way street with my left eye closed and it would work but we all know better because we read the owners manual and they dont.  I'm taking it in for my suspension system problem and for the tech. to fix my TPMS problem tommorrow.  I will let everyone know if this fixes my 07 LTZ.

[Raging Rio]

sorry to hear that.....I hope not to experience the same issue.  From what I read in a few other of the battery threads, it appears most have not had any probs after.

[VA Z71]

Stalzd,
The issue with your TPS not working is a simple one, basically the tech that performed the update did not finish it completely.

[diarmuidf]

I also experienced the dead battery problem after the truck sat unused for 5 days. The dealership performed the update to the BCM and when they went to charge the battery it would not hold a charge so they replaced the battery as well. Since then I have not had any problems and the truck sat for 10 days while I was on vacation.

[AVcop]

Happened to me to this morning, just like it has happened to many others.  Battery was completely dead.  AAA got it jumped for me and I headed to work.  I noticed when I backed in to my parking space, my driver's side mirror was going nutz trying to keep turning down.  I suspect that's probably what drained it last night.  I messed with the controls and it stopped....i did the mirror syncro method, but I doubt that will do anything.....

will take it to the dealer in the next few days.....in the meantime, I am ordering a dual battery kit.....

Rio, that's exactly what I did, so that even IF the stock battery goes dead again, I've got a back-up I know will work. Very wise investment. Good luck, getting the recall done. I haven't had another issue with it since, so take it in and let them handle that for you and you should be in good shape if it's done correctly.

[Raging Rio]

Rio, that's exactly what I did, so that even IF the stock battery goes dead again, I've got a back-up I know will work. Very wise investment. Good luck, getting the recall done. I haven't had another issue with it since, so take it in and let them handle that for you and you should be in good shape if it's done correctly.

AVcop, did you do the painless or the wrangler?  the wrangler is nice being all inclusive....but the price...eeek....where did you mount the switch?  i'm a little unsure of where to put it....

[AVcop]

I chose the Painless system. I read a lot of posts from other members like I CHNGE and others who have done this. I spent the extra $$ and got the weather proof kit. I mounted the switch...how bout I post a pic on here so you can see where I'm talking about. Red and green lights are to the left of the switch mounted vertically. Driver side console is where I put mine. Also, the front kick panel under the steering wheel would be a good place to mount a switch if you like that spot. I have drained my stock battery more than a few times screwing with my head unit and that Optima yellow top saved my butt. This is something I recommend to everyone. 

[Raging Rio]

I chose the Painless system. I read a lot of posts from other members like I CHNGE and others who have done this. I spent the extra $$ and got the weather proof kit. I mounted the switch...how bout I post a pic on here so you can see where I'm talking about. Red and green lights are to the left of the switch mounted vertically. Driver side console is where I put mine. Also, the front kick panel under the steering wheel would be a good place to mount a switch if you like that spot. I have drained my stock battery more than a few times screwing with my head unit and that Optima yellow top saved my butt. This is something I recommend to everyone. 

that seems like a decent spot....how far does the switch stick out?  have you ever knocked it to the reserve battery by accident?  I'm 6'3" and afraid I might snag it there.....i was almost thinking of mounting it inside the center console.....

[AVcop]

It doesn't stick out that far. I've never knocked it on by mistake. Inside the console would be good, or even on that flat part of the console under the lid.

[Raging Rio]

It doesn't stick out that far. I've never knocked it on by mistake. Inside the console would be good, or even on that flat part of the console under the lid.

thanks

[llorca]

Happened to me to this morning, just like it has happened to many others.  Battery was completely dead.  AAA got it jumped for me and I headed to work.  I noticed when I backed in to my parking space, my driver's side mirror was going nutz trying to keep turning down.  I suspect that's probably what drained it last night.  I messed with the controls and it stopped....i did the mirror syncro method, but I doubt that will do anything.....

will take it to the dealer in the next few days.....in the meantime, I am ordering a dual battery kit.....

The mirrors turning down is a setting which can be turned on or off by you on the instrument panel.  I believe it is a setting that say s"parking mirrors" or something to that effect.  When you put the truck in reverse they turn down to see the curb area or what you may run over while you back up.  I don't know if this has anything to do with the battery issue.  I was just at the dealer for ither issues and they did the battery drain update, which I did not have an issue with.

[Raging Rio]

So i got the update friday, 5/18.  Went out to the truck this morning......completely dead again!   

now I am getting quite pissed off with this...so am I the only one who had the dead battery prob come back after receiving the e-85 update?

[Raging Rio]

so I got the truck back today.....they ran the update again and replaced the battery.....for whatever reason I had to use the TPMS relearn function this time.....i didn't have to the first time, so maybe they didn't run the update correctly the first time?  not sure, only time will tell.....

[stalzd]

I hope your TPMS still works after you re-start the truck.

[Raging Rio]

I hope your TPMS still works after you re-start the truck.

it does...

[2007LS]

that seems like a decent spot....how far does the switch stick out?  have you ever knocked it to the reserve battery by accident?  I'm 6'3" and afraid I might snag it there.....i was almost thinking of mounting it inside the center console.....

I made a small aluminum bracket to mount some switches on under the lip of the dash.

switch bracket

[ThunderHorse]

I chose the Painless system. I read a lot of posts from other members like I CHNGE and others who have done this. I spent the extra $$ and got the weather proof kit. I mounted the switch...how bout I post a pic on here so you can see where I'm talking about. Red and green lights are to the left of the switch mounted vertically. Driver side console is where I put mine. Also, the front kick panel under the steering wheel would be a good place to mount a switch if you like that spot. I have drained my stock battery more than a few times screwing with my head unit and that Optima yellow top saved my butt. This is something I recommend to everyone. 

Hi AVcop, keeping your powder dry I hope.  Where do I get that switch system to switch batteries. 2 way radio's suck juice sometimes. Need two batteries.

[AVcop]

Check out this link for sumittracing. That's where I got mine.

My dumba$$ forgot to add the link 
Here it is
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?Ntk=KeywordSearch&DDS=1&searchinresults=false&y=18&N=+115&Ntt=painless+dual+battery+kit&x=29

[ThunderHorse]

OK I'll try sumittracing, thanks

[ThunderHorse]

Looked it up and it went to auto racing, must have spelled it wrong. U got the web site?

[AVcop]

I modified my previous post to add the link I was talking about.

[ThunderHorse]

  Then...........LOL

[AvaLance]

It happend to me this morning I am taking it in to the dealership tomorrow.

[goose2]

Went to go for a ride in the avy on this beautiful Fathers day and guess what? The dreaded dead battery. there is one good thing about this. My friend that owns the wrecker company is making some extra cash towing my 07 suburban and my 07 suburban.

[AVnFun]

I think GM just has a problem with all batteries. The same thing has happended to the Hummers. I have a Yellow Yop that is new and would like to also use it in the AV. Should or Can I use it along with the stock? and if so where do I get this done or is it easy enough that a Cave man can do it ?

[sperry]

It may take a therapist. They're smart.


A yellow top is an AGM which has different charge characteristics. It would certainly charge but doubtfully to it's full potential if the factory battery is in parallel with it.

[ThunderHorse]

I would try summitracing.com
Might give you an idea how to hook them up for charging.
I haven't had a chance yet, been too busy trying to run wiring for  GPS / fishfinders on my boat.

Edit: Loooonngg link.

[Raging Rio]

after my second update, it hasn't happened to me again.  sorry to hear about the others who it has happened to.....

[efduffer]

Chalk up another mysterious "dead battery" scenario.

Yesterday there was enough juice to unlock and barely move seats, flaky radio operation, etc, and just a 'click' when turning the key. The day before it had a slight drag when starting that morning, but the rest of the day was fine. I should have known better. This is 7 weeks and 2,400 miles into ownership.

5 seconds hooked up to another car started the beast. Service dept said everything checked out fine, full battery, charging system OK, all connections solid and tight. Even let it sit overnight to try and duplicate the situation. All is OK now. Asked about the key fob update and tech said it didn't need it as the firmware already had that fix in.

Who knows. I'm just dreading being out on the lake all night and then being stuck at the ramp because the truck won't start. Boat in the water and no where to put it. And not many jump start options at 2 AM...

[sperry]

That sounds like my story. I gave up and replaced it with my first AGM. `"More than OK" since. It WAS the POS oem battery!

They (dealers) just have to follow the guidelines in order to warranty the battery. Those guidelines aren't thorough enough, obviously.

[Raging Rio]

Chalk up another mysterious "dead battery" scenario.

Yesterday there was enough juice to unlock and barely move seats, flaky radio operation, etc, and just a 'click' when turning the key. The day before it had a slight drag when starting that morning, but the rest of the day was fine. I should have known better. This is 7 weeks and 2,400 miles into ownership.

5 seconds hooked up to another car started the beast. Service dept said everything checked out fine, full battery, charging system OK, all connections solid and tight. Even let it sit overnight to try and duplicate the situation. All is OK now. Asked about the key fob update and tech said it didn't need it as the firmware already had that fix in.

Who knows. I'm just dreading being out on the lake all night and then being stuck at the ramp because the truck won't start. Boat in the water and no where to put it. And not many jump start options at 2 AM...

you might want to consider buying a jump starter....they can be purchased at any auto parts store.  I keep mine in the truck now full time....

[sperry]

you might want to consider buying a jump starter....

I had to do that with my OEM battery.

It's really sad that one has to do such with a new truck. Shame on you GM, for making no effort to look into this issue.

[ThunderHorse]

Do those jump start gismo's have to be charged once in awhile or do they stay ready all the time?

[sperry]

Most have just a 15AH SLA motorcycle battery, which should get a refresh charge every 6 months or after a use.

They work by just storing some (just enough) energy into the (presumed) just run-down vehicle's starter battery.

If one had a way to stack some alkaline flashlight "D" cells (9~10 of them) it would not need as much "fresh charge" attention as the jumper box. Just don't store the batteries so long that they corrode and let you down when you need them. That bailed me out once (`was with a friend).

The drawback to the flashlight battery system is the batteries are more of a one or very few times use.
Using NiCD's or NiMH's isn't such a good idea, as they'll likely be flat when you need them.

[ThunderHorse]

Yes, would think the D cells would be only good for one shot.
I might check into one of those jumper gismo's.  Had seen them before but seemed like you'd have to keep them charged until you use the vehicle which would be a pain.
Thanks for the info and they are probably dry cell battery. Like I use in trail camera's and hog feeders.

[Raging Rio]

the jumper starter needs to be charged after use or few a few hours every couple of months.  It really is no big deal.  Mine also have a DC to AC converter built in, as well as an air pump.

[ThunderHorse]

I appreciate all the imput.  I'm going to check around and see who has the best deal on one. 
 I have jumper cables but seems like no one whats to give a jump anymore, too much computer stuff can get messed up.   

[llorca]

14,000+ miles, have owned it over a year now, and this morning guess what - dead battery!!!!!!  And they did the battery issue update last time I was at the dealer!!!  I agree with the above posts that GM basically has a bad battery problem.  A buddy of mine with a 2004 GTO, has had numerous battery replaced in his under warranty.

[Mongo Ranger]

My AV broke down yesterday and while it was in to have the transmission overhauled the service manager said that there were 2 recalls on my AV.  One was for the E85 which I have gotten notice of and the other was for battery run down protection.

So you might want to start calling your dealer because it seems GM has come up with a possible fix.  He said that it addressed the issue with some of the modules not going into sleep mode and draining the battery.

Info on RO:
07033 SVC UPD-INVENTORY & CUSTOMER VEHS-BATTERY RUNDOWN
RECALL
PERFORMED RECALL 07033 - REPROGRAMMED BCM

[Raging Rio]

happened to me again today (3rd time)....I'm getting really tired of this....and I've even had the update twice now.....if this continues I am going to read up on the lemon laws.....

[steve841]

happened to me again today (3rd time)....I'm getting really tired of this....and I've even had the update twice now.....if this continues I am going to read up on the lemon laws.....

I'd take it to another dealer....  we got plenty of idiot dealers here ...

[Motordawg]

Drove the granddaughters up to Atlanta from Savannah, stayed at the Embassy Suites, right next door to the Georgia Aquarium and Coke Museum, and across the street from the Centennial Olympic Park.

We were within walking distance of everything we wanted to see, so the Avalanche was parked in the covered Valet parking for two days without being started. Not really much different then at home (I have a take home patrol car I use for work, sometimes the Avalanche isn't started for a few days).

Upon our attempted departure back to Savannah, Valet couldn't get the Avalanche to start, the battery was dead.

We jumped it and got it going but all the settings (LT3) were WAY off. After resetting everything, the tire air pressure settings are nothing but dashes. This was set for me at the dealership..I messed with it, but nada..nothing but dashes.

Will have to take it in to the dealer for whatever..

[supertech]

The majority of you guys having dead battery related issues is directly due to programming issues with the BCM.  The campaign for reprogramming of the BCM and just the BCM is #07033.  Campaign #07007 also involves the reprogramming of the BCM but also includes a reprogramming of the RCDLR (remote control door lock reciever) of which controls your keyless entry AND your tire pressure monitoring system.  Those having #07007 done have the chance of their TPMS lamp on due to the TPMS sensor locations having to be relearned after its done.  Remember, if its just the tire looking symbol on the dash thats on, its a pressure issue, if the service tire monitor system message is displayed, sensor location needs to be relearned, or possibly the tech didnt set up the tire type in the RCDLR.
            Campaign #06162 is an ECM update involving E85 issues and has nothing to do with battery rundown concerns.
            Now, if your BCM has been reprogrammed and your still having issues with a dead battery, talk to your dealer about having the battery tested, but LOAD TESTED, not just with the MIDTRONICS tester.  The midtronics tester is known to pass faulty batteries from time to time and a proper load test will catch a failure if the midtronics doesnt.

[waxelvis]

This has happened to me 3 times.   Fortunately, the wife's Torrent has been right next to me each time.

For mine I don't think it's a battery issue.   Unlikely anyway.   It happened both when it's warm and cold.   But when the truck sat parked on the frozen lake at the cottage for 6 days in Februrary in minus 20 temps, it fired right up.   Go figure.

I think I might invest in a dual system either way.

[coltchris]

Well, add me to the list!!  Taking to dealership at 8:00 AM Thurs.  I've had battery go dead (3) times in 8500 miles.  First time about three months ago, thought I might have left dome light on; so just jumped and moved on.  Then had it in for oil change and dealer informed me of recall (never received notice). So I took it in the next day, and they did the re-program.  This was a couple months ago, and the battery has gone dead two more times since!!!  Obviously, not fixed.  I'm going to copy this thread and take it with me to the dealer tomorrow.

[waxelvis]

Had the reprogram done today.   We'll see if the problem recurs.

[USA1fan]

Wow.  So many folks having this problem.  Knock on wood, but so far the only time I've had a dead battery in my Av is still the time that was clearly ALL my fault, the first weekend after I got it home no less. 

I'd still put most of the blame on the batteries too, because my dad's 04 Silverado went through the same scenario (battery kept dying) with the factory battery.  I hope the rest of you folks have your issues addressed for good.

[coltchris]

Well, took it in on 8-9 as stated above, and the battery was shot!!  Replaced battery and re-programmed.  Hopefully this will correct problem!  Technician seemed fully aware of problem and says it should be corrected.  We'll see.

[ThunderHorse]

Had the same problem with my 06 Yukon.  One month, no problems, next month dead battery twice in that month. GMC changed the batteries even though they showed good. 
One thing the battery guy said after 3 battery changes in one year, was make sure your A/C blower switches and A/C were always in the off position when you leave the vehicle. He says sometimes the blower will come on at temp changes even though you don't have the A/C on or engine running.  Sounds like a manufacture problem to me.
Point being, I always put the A/C blower switch to the "o" position and A/C off and my battery problem quit.  But thats a Yukon.        FYI

[USA1fan]

Wow.  GM has issues, either with the batteries, or with their truck lineup, or maybe both (and I don't just mean the 900's).  We spoke with my mother last evening, and she says that their 2004 Silverado is having this problem again.  It did this before (dead battery after sitting no more than a week or two), and they had it to the shop multiple times, and attempted fixes included battery replacement as well as reprogramming.  At this point she's ready to get rid of the truck.  It's in outstanding condition, with less than 20,000 miles on the odo, but if you can't get it to run when you want to use it, I guess it might as well be junk. 

[Raging Rio]

happened to me yet again....i'm taking it back tomorrow once more...if not fixed, i am pursuing action under lemon law...i really like the truck, but this isn't just a rattle or something relatively minor....i really hope i get lucky and this stops....it even happened once when i didnt bother to take it in, i was just too tired of this.....

[cooldoctor1]

 >:(
Raging Rio and others, I have not bought an 07 Av yet, but planned to see one nexxt week.    With all these issues (gasoline overflows when filling, dead batteries, et cetera), I am really rethinking my potential purchase.    GM is really a lousy brnad, and I have sworn in the past that I would not buy anotehr one (I have had plenty of GMs, and currently drive a 2004 Express Conversion vanm and a 2004 GMC Sieraa 1500 4wd).    Maybe I'll just get a topper cap for my Sierra, which at least starts every time and doesn;t have rotten features like R85 and 8/4 cylinder shifts, and such.  

I feel for you guys.    I am watching your thread.    This is not right.    Moral support from me.    CD1

[steve841]

Raging Rio and others, I have not bought an 07 Av yet, but planned to see one nexxt week.    With all these issues (gasoline overflows when filling, dead batteries, et cetera), I am really rethinking my potential purchase.    GM is really a lousy brnad, and I have sworn in the past that I would not buy anotehr one (I have had plenty of GMs, and currently drive a 2004 Express Conversion vanm and a 2004 GMC Sieraa 1500 4wd).    Maybe I'll just get a topper cap for my Sierra, which at least starts every time and doesn;t have rotten features like R85 and 8/4 cylinder shifts, and such.  

I feel for you guys.    I am watching your thread.    This is not right.    Moral support from me.    CD1

Hold up a minute....
This is the thread for issues...  EVERY maker's cars have issues.  Don't let that stop you from buying one.  I love mine!!!!  just wish I'd have waited for the 6.0L.

Find a Honda forum and Im sure you will see their cars aren't perfect either....

Buy it, enjoy it... if it breaks ... have em fix it.

[cooldoctor1]

 :9:

Steve841. . .  I am seeing a vehicle described here that, whether new or with 14k miles, randomly doesn't start.  

Perhaps that is on the Honda Forum, but I doubt it.   Rattles and cheap finishes are a trademark of GM and are as emblematic of the brand as is Liz Taylor's White Diamonds perfume on my Auntie June.   But to be leaving a White Sox game in the bowels of Chicago at midnight from a grimy parking lot sandwiched between an all-nite Popeye's Chicken and a Ned's Pawn Shop & Check Cashing Pagoda, that beast better turn over.  

Know what I'm sayin'?

[steve841]

Steve841. . .  I am seeing a vehicle described here that, whether new or with 14k miles, randomly doesn't start.  

Perhaps that is on the Honda Forum, but I doubt it.   Rattles and cheap finishes are a trademark of GM and are as emblematic of the brand as is Liz Taylor's White Diamonds perfume on my Auntie June.   But to be leaving a White Sox game in the bowels of Chicago at midnight from a grimy parking lot sandwiched between an all-nite Popeye's Chicken and a Ned's Pawn Shop & Check Cashing Pagoda, that beast better turn over.  

Know what I'm sayin'?

LMAO ... 

Nothing a 9mm can't cure.

[xtoenergy]

I was curious to know what formal recalls have been issued on the 2007 LTZ Avalanche.  These would be good to know about being a new Avalanche owner.  BTW I love the truck.

[steve841]

There are no "recalls" ... there are however a few 'service updates' which amount to software updates....

[xtoenergy]

do you know where i can become familiar with these

[turbo2316]

Had the dreaded dead battery problem again yesterday. Second time in the past month and all of the updates have been done. It's back at the dealer today so hopefully they can go through it more thoroughly this time than they did while I waited last time. The last time it was in for this they only tightened down the positive battery terminal by one more full turn. I was really thankful that I hadn't had this problem with my AV like so many others have had and wham I'm in the same boat. I am thinking that the battery may have a bad cell and I hope that they just replace it today. My father has a 2007 Silverado that he doesn't drive too much because of having a company vehicle but I told him to make sure that he takes it in for the updates. I'm sure the computers are the same for both vehicles. I'll let you know what the outcome is once I hear from the dealer today.

[turbo2316]

Just an update on how things are going which isn't really sounding too good. Dealer has had the truck for almost a week now and still hasn't found anything. The first night that they had it they said they did see a spike in drainage with the testor. Spoke to them this morning and pretty much the same status that they haven't found anything and they haven't tried replacing anything either as I have not been informed of anything being replaced. I did tell them though that when I hit my brakes at night with the headlights on that the lights dim just for some kind of information helpful or not. Does anyone else's AV's headlights dim when they hit the brake pedal? Spoke to a friend of my fathers the other day who is a professor teaching GM mechanics in Delaware. He suggested that it may have a bad resistor in the alternator but that it could also be a multitude of other things since there are multiple computers and the main computer does not monitor all of the other computers. You would think that they could plug right into the main computer diagnostic port to find out what is causing this to pin point the actual problem. I just don't want to have to drive around afte finding nothing again and just anticipate and wait for the battery to be dead again and have to carry around my jump pack all the time. This shouldn't be happening on a truck that is only a 1-1/2 years old. Sorry for the long run on explanation but thanks for reading/listening and any helpful info from others would be greatly appreciated.

[dhebert]

2007 Avalanche---took delivery on Feb.  9--dead battery on 4/13, dead battery on 5/7, dead battery on 7/27, dead battery on 10/19.  Battery has been replaced once, and now tester says bad cell again.   I have heard the dealer's explanation about sleeper modules, reprogramming computer, etc. , etc. ,  --this truck has died four times on me, dealer seems very perplexed, while I am now very disappointed.

[Didit]

I had the same thing happen to me  two weeks ago, they traced it back the starter pulling to many amps at startup, and the solenoid apparently stuck open after shut off draining the battery, I certainly hope they are right, grrrrrr



Didit

[NVABob]

The dead battery problem is not exclusive to the Avalanche. While I haven't had a problem with the battery on my Avalanche, I did have a problem with a battery in a new car I bought this past spring.

If one looks at the Nissan/Infiniti and Toyota/Lexus forums and lists you'll see other people that have had similar problems.  Looks to me like there is some failure in the battery industry's QA/QC programs.

[2007CSI]

Mine threw a traction control service light that stayed on. When I took it in, there were no codes in the computer. I also asked them to check the battery and it was bad. They think that is what caused the light.

Also, they had to replace the entire navigation system for another issue.

[deano_1]

Mine has been in at least 4 times for this  The most recent time it was there for 10 days.  They did some research and they think it was begin caused by two things.  They installed a new fuse block and a fuel pump sensor.  Apparently, they  believe that the fuel pump sensor was somehow draining the battery.

I also had problems with the tailgate and backdoors not locking.  At first I couldn't get into the tailgate, it wouldn't unlock, so I took it to the dealer and they said they fixed it. Drove it home and discovered that the back doors didn't lock and the tailgate wouldn't stay locked. The actuator would make a noise and you could actually see that locks were  moving up and down for the back doors but they would not stay locked and the tailgate would not lock at all.  They fixed this but i don't I don't know what parts they installed to fix this. 
 
They had to install some other electrical component that fixed that problem. 

I will keep you posted.

[patfarr723]

No one's written on this one is almost two years so I'm curious if this is still happening...

My battery is mysteriously draining over an extended period of time (hours) but I haven't been left stranded yet.  2007 LT with 36,700 miles.  No lights are left on (with exception of what the DIC controls), no phone chargers are plugged in, and I have no electrical mods.  No nav system, no heated seats, no park assist, no remote start, no power folding mirrors, no memory seats. 

This week started off with the truck not quite starting up with the snap that it usually does.  Got a little more sluggish every morning.  Then 4 hours after I got home from work, it barely started.

Rushed to Advanced, had them do their batt/alt test, everything checked out fine to them.

Wondering if I need to just buy a new battery (only 2 years old) or carry it into the dealer and hastle with them.  I have zero experience with the dealership in town.

Truck runs strong when running, but I doubt she'll start in the morning before work if she barely started this afternoon.

[ltxi]

First suspect is always the battery....

[anglarry04]

and that includes connections...check for looseness, frays, and the powdery stuff in connection.   JUst do your stupid checks...they may pay off

[patfarr723]

Yeah.  Dealer said the same thing.  They didn't want to even touch it without me changing the battery first. 

Took to a battery shop in town.  Did a much more thorough check than Advance did.  I was only getting 300 CCA of a 715 CCA rated battery so they swapped it out for $105.  Much better price than Advance who wanted $174 for whatever brand they had on the shelf.  I asked Advance for an Optima Red Top, couldn't get one for a week, and I have no idea what they would charge me.  I needed a good battery now so I bought the Deka battery from the Voltex shop, and they installed it so I wouldn't have to mess with the cross member.

So if this one drains, I'll take it to the dealership and with my Major Guard warranty.

Its just weird I only got 2 years out of the factory battery...that's why I put a heavy assumption on something being wrong.

[chAVey]

Add me to the listing.  In-Laws had my AV today, went to p'up dogs (from groomers), came back to drop off dogs and AV died in driveway.  Tried the letting it sit, removed the red (+) wire for 15 mins, etc.  Nothing.  Hooked up jumpers to the Malibu and the AV started right up in the time it took me to walk around to the drivers seat - never even reved the Malibu.  Going in tomorrow for checkup and RO 07033 (if applicable).

[ltxi]

Yeah.  Dealer said the same thing.  They didn't want to even touch it without me changing the battery first. 

Took to a battery shop in town.  Did a much more thorough check than Advance did.  I was only getting 300 CCA of a 715 CCA rated battery so they swapped it out for $105.  Much better price than Advance who wanted $174 for whatever brand they had on the shelf.  I asked Advance for an Optima Red Top, couldn't get one for a week, and I have no idea what they would charge me.  I needed a good battery now so I bought the Deka battery from the Voltex shop, and they installed it so I wouldn't have to mess with the cross member.

So if this one drains, I'll take it to the dealership and with my Major Guard warranty.

Its just weird I only got 2 years out of the factory battery...that's why I put a heavy assumption on something being wrong.

NBS uses a strange (Group 48?) battery. Smaller and with specialized cable connection configuration that makes dropping in a Red Top a custom deal. I'm not sure I trust it much and dead in two years, although probably on the short end of the curve, doesn't really surprise me. I'll run mine for a third winter and then replace it just on GPs.

[BIGTOY#3]

I had the dead battery problem 4 times until I started unpluging all my accesory from the 12volt outlets when I shut the truck off, and that was 11months ago. Mabey there is connection.

[chAVey]

Add me to the listing.  In-Laws had my AV today, went to p'up dogs (from groomers), came back to drop off dogs and AV died in driveway.  Tried the letting it sit, removed the red (+) wire for 15 mins, etc.  Nothing.  Hooked up jumpers to the Malibu and the AV started right up in the time it took me to walk around to the drivers seat - never even reved the Malibu.  Going in tomorrow for checkup and RO 07033 (if applicable).

Took it into the dealer.  All they did was switch out to a new battery under warranty.  We'll see if I have to go back in 2 months.

[angshan]

On my 3rd GM battery for this same issue. everytime they tell me its a bad cell and dont know why it keeps happening.

[ca2kjet]

My 2007 Avy is about to hit 60,000 miles... I came out this morning to go to work and the truck is 100% dead. No cranking, just dead! What the heck happened?! I've never had a battery problem before, is my battery just dead at this point and needs replacing?

[klawler9]

I have had this problem on my 07 numerous times. I have had one new battery and the problem came back. I don't think it has anything to do with the battery because I can jump it and only let the alternator re-charge the battery from completely dead and the battery doesn't give me another problem for a couple of months.

Several of the dead battery's may have had to do with me leaving the keys in the ignition (all the way off obviously). I like the theory about the chargers but the battery is so dead that this seems unlikely.

I think it is the computer getting some diagnostic tool stuck like a PC sometimes does. It keeps looking for an answer from a sensor or something and it only stops when the battery dies completely. What else could run them down in a few hours to where there is not the slightest charge left and yet the battery easily comes back to life from the alternator alone?

Somebody must have an answer to this.

[hoffkm]

I had my Avalanche drain the battery 4 or 5 times like so many of you.  For me it would only happen when the truck sat out in the sun for at least 24 hours.  I had it in to the dealer I purchased it from twice and all they wanted to do was point to things I have added to the truck like my Ipod adapter.  Even after removing everything I did they still threw up there hands.  This led me to another dealer who with my assistance (I'm an engineer by trade and enjoy troubleshooting, sometimes!) and a lot of monitoring, we traced it the rear seat flip down video monitor.  It had a short when it was warm from the + battery connection to the DVD + and - inputs from the radio.  I proved this with a hair dryer and multimeter.  The short would warm up the radio to a point where you couldn't touch the case.  This would "wake up" the radio and it would come on to turn on it's cooling fan.  Once on it would also spin up the navigation DVD drive (in preparation for someone entering the vehicle) and draw a total of about 5.5 amps!  This drained the battery pretty fast.  New video screen was installed and no problems since.

What I cannot understand is why when you turn your vehicle off there is still power to all the "appliances" in your truck.  In the old days, when you turned the key off it cut all power to everything except the headlights and the dome light.  Only chance to drain a battery was to leave the headlights on or a dome light on.  All the conveniences in vehicles these days (radio stays on until you open the door, power locks, etc.) have made things so complicated that there are 1000 times more chances for things to go wrong.

[ken70]

sounds in keeping with my theory that it is not a battery issue. I have also noticed it more in hot weather. I have also noticed my CD player making funny noises oike it is trying to load at odd times. I bet they are connected to the battery issue.

If you have this problem please write down exactly the circumstances and share them with us all so we can come up with a solution.

[ca2kjet]

I should have mentioned in my previous post that I have the navigation unit in my truck and one day I came out at night from a restaurant and noticed the screen was on! I know the DVD makes a loading noise once in a while or when you open the door(s) but the SCREEN was actually on! Nothing was showing on the screen. Just a blank black lit up screen. Have yet to see it again. Also, when my battery died it was during a cool temperature night and pretty dry (in the 60s or so). I've been wondering if something computerized got stuck and killed the battery. Haven't noticed an issue so far.

[klawler9]

I think we are onto something. CD/DVD player or nav system?

[angshan]

nav with the flip down back seat monitor here.

[ca2kjet]

nav with the flip down back seat monitor here.

Same here.

[klawler9]

I suspect a CD or a DVD in the changer trying to load. That little motor could potentially drain the battery in a couple of hours I would think. IT also might turn on a screen. I don't have the nav system btw.

[hoffkm]

I also have the nav with the flip down back seat monitor.  This weekend should be a good test if the new screen fixed the problem or not.  All but one of my dead batteries have been while camping (truck sets outside for the entire weekend without being started, I now carry a battery charger everywhere I go).  We are going camping up in Michigan and it is supposed to be sunny so the truck should heat up inside nicely.  I'll let everyone know the results.

By the way, it anyone wants to test this you can disconnect your flip down monitor easily by removing the four screws that hold it in the truck (you can see them when you flip the screen down) and unplug the screen.  Let the truck set out in the sun all closed up for two days and then check the battery.  I have a feeling that this issue may be isolated to my truck but everyone else's issues may be related to mine in some way with a minor short in the vehicle somewhere causing an appliance in the truck to turn on by itself.

[adamjeeps]

I have had this problem 2 times in the 2 years I have had my Avy.  I don't have Nav or rear dvd.  Both times I have jumped the battery and it has recharged (still using the original today).  I took it to the dealer the first time it happened and they said the battery tested good.  I do believe the first time it happened I did leave my key in the ignition in the garage overnight.

[richiegas]

Battery was dead the other day. Actually dead the day after I brought it back from service for my backup sensor.

Battery Also died last month when my tint guy was tinting the windows.

I haven't told my service station about the battery yet. I'm pissed off, because i just bought the truck. It was supposed to be a certified used truck. That means all recalls and problems should have been updated and fixed with the truck. You cannot certify something without a thorough evaluation, this is b/s

Seems like the battery doesnt keep its charge. My tint guy only had the doors open for half an hour and the battery died. And while the truck was being serviced they probably had the doors open.

I picked it up from service. Then i drove home, parked it, then drove to night class, parked it. Then drove home. Maybe a total of 30 miles after i got it from service. The next morning, completely dead. The charging system should have charged it.

I've read all about the other situations, recalls, tsbs, battery replacing, starter solenoiods, navs, rear monitor, etc. I dont have nav by the way.
This is insane. Next time, when it will happen again, I'm going to have the truck flat bedded to the service station with the battery dead and say fix it test it do something. make sure it don't happen again.

ALSO, can the designers fix this reply box, it doesn't scroll as you type. very annoying!

[hoffkm]

I also have the nav with the flip down back seat monitor.  This weekend should be a good test if the new screen fixed the problem or not.  All but one of my dead batteries have been while camping (truck sets outside for the entire weekend without being started, I now carry a battery charger everywhere I go).  We are going camping up in Michigan and it is supposed to be sunny so the truck should heat up inside nicely.  I'll let everyone know the results.

By the way, it anyone wants to test this you can disconnect your flip down monitor easily by removing the four screws that hold it in the truck (you can see them when you flip the screen down) and unplug the screen.  Let the truck set out in the sun all closed up for two days and then check the battery.  I have a feeling that this issue may be isolated to my truck but everyone else's issues may be related to mine in some way with a minor short in the vehicle somewhere causing an appliance in the truck to turn on by itself.

After setting out in the sun all weekend the truck started right up Sunday morning.  Cross my fingers but I believe it to be fixed for me at least.

[klawler9]

Dropped it off at the dealer on Friday. They didn't get to it until after 3 so they did not even look into the problem (starting to hate the dealer). I sent it to the dealer for a problem with the transmission, warning light, this phantom battery issue and an oil change. All I got was a $60 oil change.

Anyway, although I haven't had the battery problem in more than a month I had it 3 times this weekend! I can only think that they drained the battery with the door open and I didn't have enough time to recharge by driving. I did not have a CD in the changer, I don't have the NAV system and I did not leave the keys in the ignition. I did have the door open for 5 minutes while I was loading up the kids so perhaps the battery was super low and the open door drained it fully.

Bottom line: still no idea what is causing this!

[richiegas]

charging system, it's gotta be. Battery is ok after its charged. seems like it doesn't stay charged

[ltxi]

Battery ......... seems like it doesn't stay charged

Should tell you something....first suspect is always, always the battery...you have a bad battery...replace it.

[klawler9]

Dealer called me and told me one of the cells is dead and they are replacing the battery. We shall see if this holds.

[ltxi]

Dealer called me and told me one of the cells is dead and they are replacing the battery. We shall see if this holds.

Probably will.....personal agenda -- AC-Delco OEM batteries get three winters and then they're replaced...always! Old one goes onto a float charger for back up.

[angshan]

In my case its every 2 months. I'm on my 3rd one in 6 months.

[bobmnh]

I suspect a CD or a DVD in the changer trying to load. That little motor could potentially drain the battery in a couple of hours I would think. IT also might turn on a screen. I don't have the nav system btw.

My 2007 Avalanche is 30 months old, this morning it had the "dead battery" for the third time in 30 months. It happened in the first two weeks, about a year later and now today. This morning after I connected the battery charger, I used the remote to unlock the passenger door,  the CD player was moving discs around. The last time I used the CD changer was yesterday and I had it on random discs. Since I hardly ever use the CD changer, now I wonder if that is why the battery has gone dead only a few times in 30 months.

[Denman]

I have not had any Battery issues other then having to replace it after a little over three years,  but that is normal out here in Vegas the heat just sucks the life out of them.

[highflyinbean]

I cannot leave my truck parked over the weekend without getting a dead battery. I have to start/drive it every day. First I thought that the Viper Alarm would drain it... also the Edge Power Programmer is always plugged in to the truck... but even with these off it will die. SOMETHING is draining the battery in these trucks! Wonder if a fresh battery and a dual battery kit with a deep batt tied in would take care of the problem.