2011 Silverado 1500 charging issue
 

I have a Boss plow on my truck and the past couple years, the alt will go into no/low charge when I use the plow. This drains the battery down rather quickly and the alt never kicks back in to charge it. I have to shut the truck off and re-start to get the alt to come back on line.

I have read where these trucks do have a "feature" where the alt will reduce charge load when the battery is full, for better fuel mileage and I think this has something to do with my issue.

Anyone else run into this and has a fix ??
Thanks guys...

That feature is disabled in tow/haul mode - give that a shot.

I have a 2018 Silverado that started doing the same thing about 3 weeks ago i do not have any added accesories truck has 26,000 miles i bought it new. It has happened about 4 times in the last few weeks.

Ralph,

I'd install a known, good battery as a starting point in repairing this concern. We have seen this problem with late model GM pickups and vans.

Bill

Just put in a new DELCO battery about 6 months ago

I put a new battery in within the last 2 years too. Big 900 CCA NAPA, zero issues pulling any of my trailers. It's the plow motor that trips this. I don't do commercial work either, it is just for my home with 450' of driveway plus 2 large turn arounds. Plow was bought new in the fall of 2015, the year I bought the truck.
I will definitely try Tony's suggestion the next time I need it. So far this winter, that has been twice a week. We are 20" over average snowfall for this time of winter.
Hope the states down the mighty Mississip are preparing for flooding...

Ralph,

I understand, but we stopped selling AC Delco batteries about 3 years ago due to the failure rate we were experiencing. This is after we kicked interstate to the curb after the same problem (mostly with the 65 group batteries in Ford products.) After doing much research, we are currently selling NAPA batteries being they are made by East Penn manufacturing using only new contents, not recycled lead ect. We have only had a few warranties in 3 years and we sell about 200 batteries a year. Just a quick question, did this issue when plowing just come up, or has it been since you had the plow? My 2005 K-2500 454 4L80E I purchased new has 2 batteries from the factory in the Snow Plow Prep package. Another thing to check is the Amp draw on the plow motor. It's tested the same as a starter. Let me know how you make out. Good luck.

Bill

Mine has been an ongoing issue for a few years now. Main reason I replaced the battery, thinking it was weak. I can check the draw of the motor and yes, the truck should really have 2 batteries but didn't seem worth the cost and time for home only use.
If I put the trans in neutral and rev the engine before lifting the blade, it doesn't happen, but when I am moving and angling/feathering it and pushing the lift button a few times at low rpm, the alt drops out.

Sounds like the alternator is losing the self exciting circuit due to low engine RPM caused by the load hit from the plow pump.
Couple things to try is:
-Use the Tow/Haul mode, this may override the smart charge alt function.
-Unplug the black load sensing module on the negative side near battery, defaults alt to full charge mode.
-Put a smaller diameter pulley on the alternator.

I don't have a plow or any other aftermarket accesories, Just started to do this a few weeks ago happened about 3 or 4 times in the past few weeks, I turn the engine off and restart and it is OK needle hangs out around 14 volts truck is driven daily