Guessing the battery needs to be replaced

[Robbabob]

Over the past few weeks, wife tells me:
*Truck won't start with A/C on
*Truck won't start with typical turn key to start and release. It's standard time out won't start it. Second attempt does.
*Truck just had a rough idle at start up, then recovered on its own.

My findings a little while ago:
*Truck started up just fine.
*I can't get Torque (guess I forgot how to get there from here) or Car Gauge Pro (new to me and I can't figure it out) to show me real time data. Apparently there are no pending codes, as a scan come up clean.
*Tested alternator at battery terminals with engine on, 14 volts.
*Tested battery with engine off, registered in the lowest green section, 200 CCA (I think was the zone)

Obviously not enough cranking capability, so it appears it's ready to be replaced.

Battery was replaced by PO about 2 1/2 years ago. You'd think it might have lasted longer.

Any input to consider "something else as the problem" will be appreciated.

Thanks all!

 

[Mooseman]

Well, taking the battery to the parts store for testing should confirm if it's good or not.

 

[Daniel644]

yeah, if it's only getting 200 CCA then that battery is likely toast, have it checked at the parts store, thats less then a third of what it should have.

 

[dmanns67]

200 CCAs is low considering a brand new battery is 750-800 CCAs. I would definitely replace the battery before the cold weather hits.

I experienced your "typical turn key to start and release not starting". Had my charging system inspected and turned out to be ok. However, my battery was found to only have 250 CCAs. Replaced the battery and all is well.

**My battery was around 2 years old as well.

 

[Tiggerr]

Iirc the stock battery is 550CCA.
Clean your thottle body before you hook up new battery as well.

 

[07Denali]

I just did this today as the Envoy has left my looking for a boost a few times lately. I replaced the battery and while it was out cleaned the throttle body and MAF also replaced the air filter. Wow its alive now lol

 

[Robbabob]

Great input guys. I appreciate all the confirmation.

Wife has other plans for our free time this weekend (on our boat), so she's taking the truck to our friends service station for the check and swap. I'll be cleaning the TB next week after work, I guess.

Cheers in 5 hours!

 

[Robbabob]

Couldn't edit at work, so now I am past the edit window at home.

Wife confirmed alternator was good and battery was bad. They changed it for her, labor free of charge!

That is all. Thanks again!

 

[Mooseman]

You're all good for the double post. Thanks for the update.

 

[Robbabob]

Been busy at work AND at the lake. Problem NOT solved after all. Still labors to start; easier/quicker to start with AC off, but the problem remains.

I'm going to check the spark plugs, just because, and see if any are fouled. Still no CEL.

Everything pointed to the battery, so any other input will be great!

Thanks again!
Robb

Edit: Plugs look fine.

 

[Mooseman]

Just out of curiosity, have someone crank it and you try and see if the A/C compressor also turns during cranking. It shouldn't of course

Just wondering if something is going on with it.

 

[Robbabob]

Just out of curiosity, have someone crank it and you try and see if the A/C compressor also turns during cranking. It shouldn't of course

Just wondering if something is going on with it.

First attempt after being off for an hour+: AC turned off, looked as though the compressor was turning as it cranked, then the auto start just turned off (I was using a key fob remote start).

I reset the key fob and tried again: no compressor motion and it started quickly. Every attempt after that, with or without the AC on, it started. Wife came out and stated that the real trouble is when cold. After it's been started, it will be okay until it cools down again.

I'll check it again in a couple of hours. Do you think I should try with the AC on or off? I'm thinking with it off; just to see if it spins in an off state, anyway. I'll check back to see if you want it on or to check anything else.

Thanks, my friend.... it was a new direction!

Edit:

Wife thought truck had been off long enough. AC dial turned off. Just before it started, the compressor started turning. Not at first crank, but it did turn before the engine was actually running. Then it stopped turning when the engine did start.

hmmmmm

 

[Robbabob]

Would it behave different using remote start or manual? It cranked right up this morning using the remote.

 

[Mooseman]

It shouldn't. You're just bypassing the key. So possibly the ignition switch?

 

[Robbabob]

Thanks for staying with this.

What does pressing the accelerator with the key off do? I'd think nothing, but the wife swears that allows the truck to start. I did it the other day, too, and yes, it immediately started.

I'm starting to think maybe the gas pump is not giving me proper pressure. I'm going to have to research the testing method. Right now, it's going to have to work until she frees up my time, LOL.

 

[gmcman]

So this has an aftermarket remote start? If so, who did the install?

 

[Robbabob]

Sorry for the late reply, I've not been on much since I landed the new job.

Update for all: The lake and working always getting in the way, we dropped the truck off at our trusted repair shop Monday after work and they parked it inside for the night. They found a puddle of fuel under the rear end the next morning! Turns out, the fuel pump and a gasket needed replaced.... we never saw any puddles when we drove off and rarely smelled fuel. I say rarely, did sometimes after driving up our mountain; just thought it was exhaust and engine heat.

Everything is fine now... except the sending unit doesn't work. Taking it back next week for a replacement assembly.

PO said he replaced the pump 6 months before our purchase. Dang fuel pump did not last long (assuming he did replace it)!

Thanks again for all the input.

Cheers

 

[Mounce]

Weird that you didn't get a P0440 for gross(large) leak