Voltage gauge at 10 ... even with new battery

[JoeBoo]

New member and first time poster (although I have gleaned information from the threads for a while)

I have a 2015 Tahoe and today a few minutes after driving away from the house I noted that the dash voltage gauge was at about 10. It was also giving some unusual messages on the "info center". After I got to my destination ( about 3 miles ) I made the mistake of shutting off the engine. It would not restart - not even crank. It was as if there was no juice whatsoever. Not recalling when I had installed the Interstate battery I decided to remove it and take to the auto parts store. They said they could not test it because it needed to be charged first. I charged it at home ( multi-meter showed 11.1 V but it was charging at about 8 amps). Installed a new Interstate from Costco and the rig started but registered the same 10 volts on the dash. There was also an unusual smell under the hood. I hurried home the 3 miles from where it had stranded me and disconnected the battery to prevent further drain.

Not sure what to check/replace next since the problem wasn't the battery. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

PS. The vehicle has an Ignition Interlock Device due to a poor decision on my part (DUI) but that hasn't caused me any electrical problems in the past 3 months since it was installed

 

[swathdiver]

Well, what are the DIC messages?

You might be getting discharged batteries that are no good. A fully charged battery will be over 12.5 volts, a battery with a state of charge at about 75% will be 12.3 to 12.4 volts.

11 volts is dead, like dead dead. The computer system calculates the health of the battery and determines that it cannot jam more juice into it, there's too much resistance/heat because it's no good and turns the alternator at minimum output.

 

[tom3]

And you are about the point when the battery cables start to go bad. With the engine running and someone looking at the voltage gauge give each wire a good twist at the end connector, see if one will make the difference. And there is a cover on the battery, (I think on the '15) that lifts up and you'll see some connectors there.

 

[Cut Wagon]

Alternator

 

[Joseph Garcia]

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.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving clarifying questions from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

You mention 'gauge voltage'. Have you put an actual volt meter on the circuit or across the battery to confirm that the gauge is reading correctly?