Will a lithium battery ruin my alternator?

[NipRing]

I bought a lithium Iron battery for my '13 escalade esv. I didn't think it was going to be an issue. But people in FB group are giving me all kinds of mixed input. High risk of fire and wrecking the alternator are the ones that concern me the most. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Also, if i go dual battery can i have one Lithium and one AGM? if so, which would be the main? thanks

 

[swathdiver]

Your charging system was not designed to charge lithium or AGM batteries. The AGM does not like to see voltages pushed through it above 15 volts which the factory system does. This shortens the life of the AGM, meaning they work just fine and don't last any longer generally speaking than a lead acid battery. The Body Control Module controls alternator output.

Dual batteries ought to not only be the same, they ought to be the same age to get the best performance out of them.

Why do you want a lithium battery?

 

[NipRing]

My escalade specifically requires the AGM. Its even in the owners manual.

 

[swathdiver]

My escalade specifically requires the AGM. Its even in the owners manual.

This is a 2013, right? First I've heard of that. Just checked my copy of the 2013 Escalade owner's manual and don't see that. Double checking ACDelco's website shows lead acid batteries only for a 2013 Escalade in all trim levels.

https://parts-catalog.acdelco.com/acesCat.php

 

[NipRing]

You're right. I could have sworn i read that in the manual when i bought it. It was only 3 years old when i got it and it had a Delco Professional AGM in it. And AGM is all I've put in it. And they typically last anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5 years before i have problems. I wanted to try something new. My brother has lithium on all his motorcycles and swears by them. But, someone planted the seed of "ruin your alternator" in my head and now im looking for input if its happening to people here.

 

[Doubeleive]

You're right. I could have sworn i read that in the manual when i bought it. It was only 3 years old when i got it and it had a Delco Professional AGM in it. And AGM is all I've put in it. And they typically last anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5 years before i have problems. I wanted to try something new. My brother has lithium on all his motorcycles and swears by them. But, someone planted the seed of "ruin your alternator" in my head and now im looking for input if its happening to people here.

the only thing I have read about it is it might be wise to use a good voltage regulator so the battery never gets overcharged. I guess they are used in marine applications a lot so that might be a place to look for more information.

 

[Badbob]

As far as I know lithium batteries are for deep cycle applications not for starting.
I think your alternator will ruin your lithium battery unless it has the correct charging parameters for lithium

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Sounds like a lot of "NO's" to your question from these knowledgeable folks, and I've seen the same responses to similar questions in the past. Keep it simple and purchase a good quality lead acid battery, and call it a day.

 

[Gearz]

I have a 2011 Tahoe LTZ and it didn't like the AMG batteries. They only lasted 2 or so years then started giving me issues. I went back to flooded battery and the truck is fine now. Alternators are there to kept the electrical system operating not to charge your battery if it's weak so if you don't drive it every day then you need to charge periodically. I have used AGM chargers but AGM batteries are funky and need special treatment so I tend to stick with the battery that came with the vehicle, even on my tractor.

 

[homesick]

I have a 2011 Tahoe LTZ and it didn't like the AMG batteries. They only lasted 2 or so years then started giving me issues. I went back to flooded battery and the truck is fine now. Alternators are there to kept the electrical system operating not to charge your battery if it's weak so if you don't drive it every day then you need to charge periodically. I have used AGM chargers but AGM batteries are funky and need special treatment so I tend to stick with the battery that came with the vehicle, even on my tractor.

How do batteries get charged, if not by the alternator?

joe