Orlando Sentinel

Yes, there could be a problem with battery connection­s

- Bob Weber Motormouth

Q: I have a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 with 39,000 miles on it. Normally, the voltmeter shows just over 14 volts, but recently after maybe a half-hour of driving, the reading starts to decline to about 12.75 volts. If I continue driving, it may or may not come back to 14 volts. I tried a new alternator, and the battery was recently replaced. The GM dealer service department checked it out and said this was normal. I find this hard to believe, having not done this the previous 10 years. — B.S., Momence, Illinois

A: The alternator delivers about 14.2 volts to keep the battery charged. A reading of 12.75 indicates only battery voltage. There could be a problem with the battery connection­s or the ground connection from the battery. A loose connection is possible but unlikely on a GM side post battery. The vehicle’s gauge may be misbehavin­g and connecting a voltmeter would reveal this. The new alternator may even the problem. If this has not happened in the previous 10 years, yes, there is a problem.

Q: I bought a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe High County with the 3.0 turbo diesel engine back in May 2021. Since I have had the car, I have had a problem with the check engine light coming on. It is back in the shop at the dealership for the fifth time since I have bought it. Each time I pick it up after they

supposedly solved the issue, the engine light will come back within days. The last time it was in the shop, they had it for seven weeks and replaced the diesel oxidation catalyst and two sensors. It is currently back in the shop going on three weeks now. They have GM engineers working on the car and they seem clueless on why the engine light keeps coming on. Do you think it’s a manufactur­ing defect that cannot be corrected? — S.V., Austin, Texas

A: When the shop scans for the code that sets the check engine light, is it always the same code?

If so, you may be able to invoke the lemon law. The Texas DMV website states: “The Texas Lemon Law ... helps consumers who buy or lease new motor vehicles and have repeated problems getting their vehicles properly repaired under the manufactur­er’s original warranty. The Lemon Law can help a consumer get the vehicle repurchase­d, replaced or repaired. It can be less complicate­d and less expensive than going to court.” If you have returned four times for the same defect within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles,

and the defect has still not been repaired, you may be eligible.

Q: We have a brandnew Honda CRV Hybrid. We’ve never had a car with a key fob before and we were wondering if it’s OK to leave the fob in the car when we park it in our garage. Does it affect the car in any way? — S.B., Coopersbur­g, Pennsylvan­ia

A: I suggest you keep the key fob far enough away from the car that the doors will not unlock. On many cars, leaving the fob inside allows the car to continue to communicat­e with it. This can result in current draws that may weaken the battery. Besides, cars are easier to steal if the keys (or fobs) are left inside.

Bob Weber is a writer and mechanic who became an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician in 1976. He maintains this status by seeking certificat­ion every five years. Weber’s work appears in profession­al trade magazines and other consumer publicatio­ns. His writing also appears in automotive trade publicatio­ns, Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest. Send questions along with name and town to motormouth. tribune@gmail.com.

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 ?? DREAMSTIME ?? A loose battery connection is possible, but unlikely on a GM side post battery.
DREAMSTIME A loose battery connection is possible, but unlikely on a GM side post battery.

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