problems with my newest purchase!

[omnivore]

I just bought a 2002 Chev Expres 15 passenger extended length van, with a 6.5 turbo diesel. Ever since I picked it up a week ago, I noticed it didn't seem to be charging very well. The next morning after picking it up, I called the dealer to notify them, and got their answering service, and put a bug in their ear. I told them I would have it checked and let them know. It took the dealer 5 days to call me back. Durting that time, the van was having intermittent charing issues, sometimes causing it to be hard to start. The van has 2 batteries, and one was replaced with a new one from Sears the very day I picked it up. Upon hearing this, I asked if they ever checked into why the old battery went dead, and was told they never bothered to check the charging system, and assumed it was okay. So fast forward to today. I drive to work, adn back up to the warehouse. Shut van off so as not to stink up the warehouse. I load up my materials for the job today, and the van will not start. It barely turned over at all. I boosted it with another van at work, and was able to get to my job. I did notice that the charging gauge was reading 14 volts while driving, but would dropp to 11 or so when at a stop or idling. I luckily had a battry charger with me, so I charged it while I was at work for 5 hrs. On the permission of the dealer, I drove 45 minutes to the city I bought the van in, and took it to their mechanic, and of course, the van made a liar out of me-sort of. It showed to be charging at 12.8 volts, but that was with the front and rear heaters or AC off, and nopthing running but the headlights. Their mechainc said it looked okay to him, but I know that if the van is equipped with all of these options, I should be able to run them all at the same time and still have no fear of killing batteries if all is working properly. How or what can I say to better my stand to have the dealer pay to replace the alternator that so obviously is going bad. I know the mechanic is intentionally trying to help out his long term client (the dealer) by sending me off and saying it is working okay.

[banger68]

When running you should have 14+ volts at the battery, not 12.8.

[charger R/T]

a fully charged good battery will sit at 12.5 volts with the engine off. 14.2 volts was what old school charging systems would run at. Mopar started the idea of changing the voltage with battery temp. But most all cars and light trucks do the same thing now. You need atleast 1 volt higher then battery voltage to keep a battery charged. 13.5 volts is the lowest it should run. 12.8 volts is not enough. you also said the a/c and heater was off. With them on at idle I would expect to see at least 13.3 to 13.4 if they draw heavy at an idle to say all is good. Take it back and get them to fix it.
Tim

[omnivore]

I am off to the dealer right now. Thx for the input. I am demanding they fix it..I cannot be expected to drive around with no AC or heat just to have enough juice to keep the batteried charged.

I also phoned GM and found out the the remainder of the 5 yr 160,000 km warranty I was sold with the van, doesn't even exist. the van was sold new with a 3 yr 60,000 km one, and I have no warranty left, even though my bill of sale says I do until at l;east next November. I am not sure how to address this issue with the dealer wither.

[omnivore]

Today, a different mechanic at same place looked at it, with the same tools as the last guy. Turns out the last guy was one of the partners who owns the place, and I guess his coalition with the dealer was what was making him tell me it looked okay. This mechanic today, who works for the partners but doesn't have a vested interest in the relationship with the dealer, took a mere 2-3 minutes to figure out that the alternator was charging too low (voltage wise), and under a load would onl;y put out a maximum of 30 amps (from a 130 amp alternator). They are changing FOC tomorrow morning.

[charger R/T]

I hate it when someone spends all this money on something and its broke and there too cheap to do the right thing. Good luck with it.
Tim

[omnivore]

Not too cheap to fix it I guess, just a little opportunistic or hopeful maybe?...The dealer agreed that I was justified in having something repaired that was obviously broken since I got it, being that it was purchased in certified, emissions passed, and warrantied condition, and I had calle dhim the very next morning after getting the van, concerning the charging issue.

And the dealer obviously saw that too, since he happily paid for it to be repaired today, and apologized for the inconvenience of my being stranded at work and reimbuyrsed my fuel costs for having to return to his mechanic twice, 45 minutes away. He said it was his fault for not having the charging system tested back when he found it wouldn't start for him, when he had the battery replaced so I could take delivery of it.

[boosted]

Scott..If you ever have any problems with your gm you could always give me a call. I work for a GM dealer in Cambridge and I could easily point you in the right direction if you have problems. I've got all the diagnostic manuals and
tools for your van.

Chris

I think you still have my number..If not PM me and I'll give it to you.

[omnivore]

I called your work last week about the van already Chris. You and Allison were on holidays though. I just gave them the VIN to find out any warranty work or recall info, and to get the remaining warranty info. The lady on the phone copuldn't explain the "5 yr 160,000 Engine Warranty "very well...she assumed it meant the emissions stuff was covered. I have since discovered that all GM diesel engines are completely covered under warranty, incl injection pum etc..... I would like to find out if and how I can extend this warranty before it is up. LMK.