1997 Chevrolet Tahoe Logo
Posted on Dec 26, 2009
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Gone through 3 batteries, they drain until they won't charge, and have to get a new one

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Megasom

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  • Posted on Dec 26, 2009
Megasom
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It sounds that you have a problem with your car alternator charging system: it should be indicated by a charging warning red light being permanently on.
If you have a multimeter, you can check the voltage at your battery terminal:
- with motor off, the voltage should read around 12.8V with anything under 11 v indicating a 'shorted' bad battery.
- with motor running, the voltage at the battery terminal should be around 13.8V with any reading above or below that indicating that your car alternator or regulator is faulty.
ps. I am really surprised that you needed to get 3 replacement (new) car batteries: this can only be caused if you are actually 'cooking' them: this would be caused by your alternator regulator allowing a high (over 14V) voltage and thus 'boiling' the electrolyte away and damaging the battery plates!

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