I have a couple of dumb questions. Acquired my first truck two years ago, a 2005 Silverado Duramax. Runs like a champ aside from a persistent battery drain issue. Has an integrated trickle charger that may/may not be working. Recently left with dead batteries, so flat that the capacitor wouldn’t start the truck. Going to try using my external trickle charger to see if that charges it up and points to an issue with the installed charger.

I’m confused about some basic dumb stuff. Truck has two batteries (replaced both last spring). If I put my trickle charger on one battery, are both getting charged? Does having two mean that it’s 24 V?

  • Skeeterville887@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    The truck is 12v. The two batteries are wired in a parallel circuit. This doubles the amperage but does not affect the voltage (12V). Yes, having a charger on one of the batteries will charge them both however, the best method would be to install the positive lead on one battery and the negative on the other.

    I would certainly start by disconnecting any aftermarket accessories (your existing charger being one of them) and go from there. Finding a parasitic draw is relatively easy if you are familiar with the basic functions of a multimeter.