Possible Negative Battery Cable Issue

49847 Views 70 Replies 18 Participants Last post by BDCCruze, Apr 12, 2018

LiveTrash

Discussion Starter · Dec 13, 2017 (Edited)

I'm using the full fan speed and have the heat on maximum (I assume activating the electric heater assist) and also using the heated seat on full. Obviously this is going to cause quite a significant amount of power draw. When ever I take off from a stop and the car does its thing of kicking back into gear from its "neutral" state, the lights will dim rather substantially and the blower fan speed will drop a bit. It only will happen for a very brief moment before the lights resume normal brightness and the fan normal speed. My question is, is it enough of a draw to cause those the lights and fan to do as I described? Anyone else experience this, or could it be a negative battery cable issue?

Also, I don't recall if it ever did this before, but the audio volume will always reset to 12 or 13 (can't remember which) when ever I get back in the car and start it up. All my favorites stay saved and there are no other indicators or a battery issue.

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LulzT1

· #2 · Dec 13, 2017

Did you inspect the cable for corrosion? What setting is your HVAC set to? I have the original cable and haven't had any issues.

As far as the volume, there is a setting to reset the volume to a specific value on startup. Mine is set to 10, that way I don't start the car and blow my eardrums out at 5am lol maybe check what yours is set to?

ChevyGuy

· #3 · Dec 13, 2017

Yeah, I think the radio is normal. The alternator is controlled by the BCM and I suspect it's dropping the alternator to allow the engine to do that initial "get underway". The load and the health of the battery will determine how noticeable that is.

I've been noticing that on startup, there's a several second delay before the alternator kicks in, and it's noticeable in the headlight brightness. At least, that's my theory. It appears to be waiting to make sure the engine is stable before turning on the alternator load.

Reactions: 1

MRO1791

· #4 · Dec 13, 2017

Is it the original Battery? If so, I would recommend early replacement. The original Battery had only 730cca, while the Delco replacement has 850cca. Both my 2015s have new batteries. The originals were still working, but cranking was getting slower and the voltage would fluctuate more, similar to what you describe here, not so much with the new and improved batteries. Right now Amazon has. 20% off coupon.. makes it about $150, pretty hard to beat for an AGM Battery.

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LiveTrash

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 13, 2017

MRO1791 said:
Is it the original Battery? If so, I would recommend early replacement. The original Battery had only 730cca, while the Delco replacement has 850cca. Both my 2015s have new batteries. The originals were still working, but cranking was getting slower and the voltage would fluctuate more, similar to what you describe here, not so much with the new and improved batteries. Right now Amazon has. 20% off coupon.. makes it about $150, pretty hard to beat for an AGM Battery.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

Yes, original battery. Any other reasons to do an early swap? Could it cause permanent damage to any electrical components with the fluctuating voltage? I'll keep an eye on the voltage today to see if I notice anything. I'm in Canada so your coupon probably won't apply to Canadian Amazon. I'll have a look around for this battery though. Cranking is definitely getting slower.

Reactions: 1

Tomko

· #6 · Dec 13, 2017

Your battery will not survive a sustained cold snap.

Reactions: 1

MRO1791

· #7 · Dec 13, 2017

LiveTrash said:
Yes, original battery. Any other reasons to do an early swap? Could it cause permanent damage to any electrical components with the fluctuating voltage? I'll keep an eye on the voltage today to see if I notice anything. I'm in Canada so your coupon probably won't apply to Canadian Amazon. I'll have a look around for this battery though. Cranking is definitely getting slower.

Definitely replace the battery. The starter draws more AMPS with a voltage is LOWER.. it's basic ohm's law, and the extra current stresses the starter, the solenoid, and then once you do start, the alternator works harder trying to charge that back, to a battery that is not playing as it should and could. Most of the electronics should be internally protected.. but there is no question that unstable voltage increases the likelihood that those internal protections are single point safe and the possibility of additional damage increases sharply. The battery is the most likely component in a modern car to fail and leave you stranded.. it's simply not worth saving a few bucks to hold out on replacing it until it does fail hard, especially given the damage to the starting and charging system that can happen in the dying last days of the battery. There was a time when the electrical demands were pretty small to run a car, just the ignition and headlights at night, in fact the headlights were the big load, once running.. in those days you could get away with pushing a battery to failure and have some time to plan, those days are gone.. you need power to run the fuel pump, the ECU, the glow plugs, and all the other computers, BCU, Airbags, etc.. all that before you even turn the key to engage the big load of the starter.. The first sign of slow cranking, or other sign of battery failure.. do not hesitate, replace, you won't regret it.. you can have the old load tested and see exactly what is going on, I'm sure it will fail the 365 amp test, the new one has a 425 amp test, right there tells me the new battery is significantly improved, along with 850cca vs. the original only being 730cca.

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Blasirl

· #8 · Dec 13, 2017

[h=1]Special Coverage #14311: Negative Battery Cable[/h]

Reactions: 1

Tomko

· #9 · Dec 14, 2017

http://www.cruzetalk.com/forum/64-g...scussion/155881-factory-battery-replaced.html

Reactions: 1

LiveTrash

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 14, 2017

What should I be searching for in Canada? Can't find it on Amazon and to buy from NorthStar's website is going to cost way more in shipping than I want to spend.

Am I just as well off going to the dealer to get one from them? :/

Rivergoer

· #11 · Dec 14, 2017 (Edited)

LiveTrash said:
What should I be searching for in Canada? Can't find it on Amazon and to buy from NorthStar's website is going to cost way more in shipping than I want to spend.

Am I just as well off going to the dealer to get one from them? :/

A few ideas on battery brands here http://www.cruzetalk.com/forum/64-g...scussion/211202-diehard-gold-agm-battery.html

This http://www.remybattery.com/intimida...MIpuWzhcWI2AIVisVkCh1hbA5CEAkYASABEgJt8PD_BwE is the battery I got in October.

As far as Canadian batteries, I’m in the lower 48. Maybe @Tomko or @boraz can help.

Reactions: 1

IndyDiesel

· #12 · Dec 14, 2017

Rivergoer said:
A few ideas on battery brands here http://www.cruzetalk.com/forum/64-g...scussion/211202-diehard-gold-agm-battery.html

As far as Canadian batteries, I’m in the lower 48. Maybe @Tomko or @boraz can help.

I don’t think sears is selling that battery anymore, I don’t see it on the their website.

Reactions: 1

Tomko

· #13 · Dec 14, 2017

LiveTrash said:
What should I be searching for in Canada? Can't find it on Amazon and to buy from NorthStar's website is going to cost way more in shipping than I want to spend.Am I just as well off going to the dealer to get one from them? :/

Battery Plus

Reactions: 1

Tomko

· #14 · Dec 14, 2017 (Edited)

LiveTrash said:
I'm using the full fan speed and have the heat on maximum (I assume activating the electric heater assist)

Been curious for a couple of days to understand why you would be operating your HVAC on max heat and max fan speed.

We’re you intentionally trying to test your electrical system?

MRO1791

· #15 · Dec 14, 2017 (Edited)

This link doesn't work? https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006N91C2M?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd

Looks like the price dropped again still showing 20% coupon.. not sure if that will work in Canada. I got free prime shipping, delivery in 2 days..

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MRO1791

· #16 · Dec 14, 2017

Search for "ACDelco 94RAGM Professional AGM Automotive BCI Group 94R Battery"

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MRO1791

· #17 · Dec 14, 2017

Wow, is it really that insanely overpriced in Canada on Amazon? Found it here: https://www.amazon.ca/ACDelco-94RAGM-Professional-Automotive-Battery/dp/B006N91C2M

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boraz

· #18 · Dec 14, 2017

$220 at canadian tire

i get my batteries at costco

still on OG one in the cruze

Reactions: 1

weimerrj

· #19 · Dec 14, 2017

Tomko said:
Your battery will not survive a sustained cold snap.

Or often a short one.

weimerrj

· #20 · Dec 14, 2017

I bought an Advance Auto Parts AGM battery, one size larger than stock, and it was *less* expensive than a regular size and style battery.

Still about $180, though.

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