[jmoore19]

Morning guys.

My 01 Silverado has a REALLY tough time starting in the winter. Its not bad in the summer, but in this cold weather it gets tough. I replaced the battery last winter, and it worked great for a while. But days like today I walk out and try to start it, and it has a really tough time. I had the alternator tested at Oreilly's and they said that was good. What else could it be? Also when I start my truck, it whines like the belt is going bad, or that the alternator is charging. Any ideas?

 

[jmoore19]

It doesn't really seem like the starter, but more like the battery doesn't have that much power.

 

[jmoore19]

Does it start normally if jumped to another vehicle? Does it start normally if left on a charger over night (2 amp or 5 amp rate)? How are you keeping the battery properly charged?

I haven't really tried those things, since it starts on its own. I can try and leave it charged overnight tonight on a battery charger. I don't ever charge the battery since it seems to charge on its own (during the summer, not so much the winter)

 

[jmoore19]

Only when it is cold.

 

[jmoore19]

ive seen a few times that these auto stores say things like your battery / alt is fine.. and it still ends up being the problem.

i put my bet on the alternator. and if you change it out.. just go ahead and buy a new belt (they arent that expensive) and throw it on.

Might look into upgrading to the 130 amp alternator if Im going to replace it anyway.

 

[jmoore19]

I used to have that problem, way back when I got the pickup. However now, I have just a TINY parasitic draw, I don't think it would make that much of a difference.

 

[jmoore19]

Have you had the battery tested? I realize that it is only a year old, but they come with warranties for a reason. If they all lasted 5 years or more, there would be no need for a warranty.

Seems like focusing on the battery is the right way to go at this point.

Might have to check into that, I did buy it from walmart. I knew it wasn't a top of the line option, however it was a quick fix at the time.

 

[jmoore19]

I'm starting to think that replacing the alternator is my best bet. Thanks dufflayer!