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Avalanche electrical short


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dfs
New User

Feb 12, 2009, 6:16 PM

Post #1 of 7 (1610 views)
Avalanche electrical short Sign In

Hello, I have a strange problem. I have searched Google for hours with no answers.
I have a 2002 Chevy Alavanche. I turn the key to on and lights on the dash flash and I can hear clicking sounds. Some times after I turn the key to off, I can still hear clicking. I left the key on and looked around the engine, I could smell acid from the battery and the ground terminal was hot. It seems obvious that it's a short, but I don't know where to begin. I was able to get it started twice but the electronics were not working correctly. I just took the battery to Autozone and it is good, battery connections are clean and tight. I also cleaned the ground on the firewall. Any suggestions would help.
Thanks!!
Duane


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Feb 12, 2009, 6:23 PM

Post #2 of 7 (1609 views)
Re: Avalanche electrical short Sign In

Duane; Generally, when you can 'smell' the acid, it is due to the battery being sulphated and/or the charging system is overcharging, cooking the battery. If it is overcharging, it will ruin the battery, and could cause damage to other electronics. I don't want to 'jab' AZ, but I'd take to a reputable shop and have the charging/starting system analyzed before you get too excited about the other electronics. Due to the smell you mentioned, it may be too late for the battery, regardless of what AZ said.
Loren
SW Washington


dfs
New User

Feb 12, 2009, 6:56 PM

Post #3 of 7 (1608 views)
Re: Avalanche electrical short Sign In

Thanks Loren, I am hoping to take it to my repair shop tomorrow. I am worried about frying the computer or other expensive electronics. Trying to track it down myself may cost more is I fry something.


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Feb 12, 2009, 7:39 PM

Post #4 of 7 (1605 views)
Re: Avalanche electrical short Sign In

Absolutely. Good luck.
Loren
SW Washington


dfs
New User

Feb 13, 2009, 10:16 AM

Post #5 of 7 (1589 views)
Re: Avalanche electrical short Sign In

Update:
Just heard from the shop. The battery has a internal short. The battery has top and side posts, the reason Autozone showed the battery good, was that they tested using the top post, the short was in the side post which is were the cables are attached. No other electrical damage was found.
When I returned from Autozone, I almost took the battery out of my wife's car just to be sure but I did'nt because AZ said it was ok.


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Feb 13, 2009, 2:32 PM

Post #6 of 7 (1582 views)
Re: Avalanche electrical short Sign In

dfs; Great news! Glad to hear it was so simple. Have a great weekend.
Loren
SW Washington


Todd Norton
User

Feb 15, 2009, 5:15 PM

Post #7 of 7 (1570 views)
Re: Avalanche electrical short Sign In

if you were to cut a battery in half (which i dont suggest you do ) you would find that not only are the top and side posts connected they are one piece so i suspect az dropped the ball on that one it happens Todd






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