2012 LTZ Burban - Random electrical issues including attempting to die; no codes

[TheGreatOx]

Hey y’all. Thanks for checking this out. I’m stumped.

I’ve got a 2012 1500 Suburban LTZ 4x4 that will act as though it loses all power electrically. The radio/entertainment center will restart, Voltmeter will drop drastically from sitting around 14v to 10v, all gauges will act as though the Burban has completely died and restarted. Happened to the wife today and I took it out after she got home; did it to me 6 times on a 15 minute drive.

Purposely turned it off, walked around the store for 10-15 minutes then went back outside and started it. Acted completely normal; AC blowing in max setting, voltmeter sitting at 14v, no gauges flashing, drive perfectly fine.

No codes. Alternator charging at appropriate voltage, battery is fine. I e got no clue where I should be focusing next other than a bunch of battery cables but they look good. If there was a problem with them why didn’t I have issues on the way back home?

Any suggestions? Appreciate it!

 

[swathdiver]

A bad cell in an otherwise good battery can cause all kinds of electrical gremlins. However, I would start by checking your cables that come off the battery. Making sure they are tight and not corroded. These cables can and do corrode internally and ought to be replaced eventually.

What you are experiencing is usually a ground/short issue somewhere.

 

[TheGreatOx]

A bad cell in an otherwise good battery can cause all kinds of electrical gremlins. However, I would start by checking your cables that come off the battery. Making sure they are tight and not corroded. These cables can and do corrode internally and ought to be replaced eventually.

What you are experiencing is usually a ground/short issue somewhere.

Hey there,

Thanks for the response. I was leaning towards cables too; hadn’t thought about periodic replacement. I’ll get a set coming.

 

[intheburbs]

My standard procedure for electrical gremlins...

1) Check for loose battery cables
2) Go to an auto parts store and have the battery and alternator tested
3) Check for loose/frayed/corroded grounds

A surprisingly large percentage of issues can be cured by those three things.