Battery Upgrade!

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Downintheyukon

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So I bought about a month ago a 2011 gmc yukon xl with 70k miles, I went out yesterday to remote start the SUV and noticed is was slow to turn over but started everytime. I went to the local AutoZone and long story short said my voltage regulator was bad. So now for the upgrade! I decided to make sure it never slow started again and installed Mechman 240 amp alternator ( I wanted the 370 but my pregnant wife said no) and since I was messing around with the wiring I did the big three upgrade and dual battery upgrade. This is only my second post so please be nice but I am open to criticism. Please forgive the zip ties on the firewall I'm thinking on how I can clean up the double 00 gauge wires. What do yal think?!

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Jason in DLH

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So I bought about a month ago a 2011 gmc yukon xl with 70k miles, I went out yesterday to remote start the SUV and noticed is was slow to turn over but started everytime. I went to the local AutoZone and long story short said my voltage regulator was bad. So now for the upgrade! I decided to make sure it never slow started again and installed Mechman 240 amp alternator ( I wanted the 370 but my pregnant wife said no) and since I was messing around with the wiring I did the big three upgrade and dual battery upgrade. This is only my second post so please be nice but I am open to criticism. Please forgive the zip ties on the firewall I'm thinking on how I can clean up the double 00 gauge wires. What do yal think?!

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Looks great! Nice work!
 

Joseph Garcia

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Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Great job!
 

swathdiver

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So I bought about a month ago a 2011 gmc yukon xl with 70k miles, I went out yesterday to remote start the SUV and noticed is was slow to turn over but started everytime. I went to the local AutoZone and long story short said my voltage regulator was bad. So now for the upgrade! I decided to make sure it never slow started again and installed Mechman 240 amp alternator ( I wanted the 370 but my pregnant wife said no) and since I was messing around with the wiring I did the big three upgrade and dual battery upgrade. This is only my second post so please be nice but I am open to criticism. Please forgive the zip ties on the firewall I'm thinking on how I can clean up the double 00 gauge wires. What do yal think?!

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If you did all of that for a slow battery, what did you do after your wife told you that you were having a baby? :)
 

petethepug

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I saw your handy work on the cables, dielectric grease and the immediate, deliberate solution to the battery failure issue and thought this guy knows how to re-engineer stuff for plan to fail situations. Makes sense now with your aviation background.

Can’t have enough residual power supply on these trucks if Mom’s cruising in them. 1, 2 or more kids means a lot of idle time when there’s appointments and multiple hops. Sitting in accessory mode on hot days will drain a battery quick when preoccupied with other stuff.

A higher output alternator is a smart move. During initial start up you don’t want the alt to work hard charging the system back up. It’s already running a gagilion other high load accessories. Yup, that’s the Seabee’s get it done way. Welcome from SoCal!


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