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View Full Version : Dead battery and oil life question


Hal
04-04-2007, 03:43 PM
I'm getting ready to go in for my second battery replacement and by the way, I don't have any accessories plugged in that could cause a mystery voltage draw, I'm even anal to the point where I always turn off the radio and climate control before turning off the ignition. I know this topic has been visited a lot but has it ever been resolved?
on to my real question...
When the battery dies and gets removed and replaced what happens to the almighty oil life sensor algorithm thingy? Does it just reset and think you had an oil change too? if so, some folks could have some nasty oil and the computer would never know it. I change mine based on mileage (yes I'm one of those dorks). But what do you think about the computer/oil/battery thing? (F5..)

dlinden200
04-04-2007, 04:08 PM
I would asume that the oil life monitor is incorporated in the cars computer which has an internal battery. Otherwise when battery is removed the computer would be wiped out, including mileage.

cmeinck
04-04-2007, 04:09 PM
I had the same issue and it's happened 5 or 6 times. Hummer simply stated I wasn't driving the car enough. There is a problem and they won't acknowledge it. For that reason, I'm eventually going to trade my H3 in on something else. If you hear of anything, I would like to know.

fourfourto
04-04-2007, 05:01 PM
I unhooked the battery for my underhood light install and the oil life reset.Also when the dealer replaced the battery in march 06( I found out when I got the on star report)Current battery is holding up well,to be changed over to a optimum in the future.

The total miles on the car I guess is protected.As was the compass and temp on the mirror and the horn chirping when locking and unlocking.

My aftermarket radio had to be reset with time ,stations ect.

Raptor371
04-04-2007, 06:50 PM
I just had my battery replaced for the first time at 35,000 miles. My driver's window would not operate and the automatic door locks would not function.

fourfourto
04-04-2007, 08:04 PM
I just had my battery replaced for the first time at 35,000 miles. My driver's window would not operate and the automatic door locks would not function.

I had that happen when the battery went dead.
After it was jumped and running for a while it went back to normal.

wpage
04-04-2007, 09:33 PM
Just came back from a trip and after sitting 7 days with no drains the battery was dead. After a short jump it stated up. GM should be ashamed of itself to install inferior batteries in a Hummer. Selling my GM stock...

evldave
04-04-2007, 09:42 PM
30k miles, go on weeklong trips away every couple months, leave stuff like cell phone charger,ipod, 75w inverter all plugged in while I'm gone. Never even blinked an eye starting. If you are willing to sell your GM stock (or whine about never buying a hummer again because your battery went dead :crying: ) STFU and go home :fdance:

Hal
04-04-2007, 10:10 PM
Has anyone put in an Optima or other battery and had it go dead??? that would be the definitive test to see if the Hummer is sucking the juice or if the batteries just SUCK! I can't believe there could be so many defective batteries but I could easily believe that the Hummer has a defective design.

I should probably just get a Wal-Mart battery and then if it goes dead in 3 to 4 months at least I would only have to drive 1/2 mile instead of making an appointment and driving 60 miles to the dealership AGAIN!

:( :( :mad: :mad:

evldave
04-04-2007, 10:16 PM
Has anyone put in an Optima or other battery and had it go dead??? that would be the definitive test to see if the Hummer is sucking the juice or if the batteries just SUCK! I can't believe there could be so many defective batteries but I could easily believe that the Hummer has a defective design.

I should probably just get a Wal-Mart battery and then if it goes dead in 3 to 4 months at least I would only have to drive 1/2 mile instead of making an appointment and driving 60 miles to the dealership AGAIN!

:( :( :mad: :mad:

SEARCH SEARCH SEARCH

There are plenty of threads here about batteries. GM Batteries are the most common complaint, well known fact. You can get a bad one one time, then a good one (like me *nyah*). Most 'dead battery' cases are either a bad battery or parasitic drain from an aftermarket product (usually new stereo or ipod adapter incorrectly installed).

Hey I understand you have a bad battery, it happens. That's the risk of having a hummer dealer a long way away. It's also why you have Hummer Roadside assistance - QUIT YER BISHING.:violin: :violin:

f5fstop
04-04-2007, 10:16 PM
Batteries going bad is NOT a Hummer H3 option; it is a free option on many cars, GM and other manufacturers. The rate of battery failure on the H3 is the same as on any GM vehicle, and from comparing notes in the auto industry, it is the same on any major brand. For all of you who have had one or two batteries, I don't know of anyone personally, who has replaced a battery in the first three years. Factory installed batteries meet manufacturers requirements, but that does not mean they are the greatest batteries made.
I did replace one in the first year of a vehicle's life, but it was my 03 Jeep Wrangler.
Now, if my battery does go dead, I will replace with an optima.

Hal
04-04-2007, 10:21 PM
30k miles, go on weeklong trips away every couple months, leave stuff like cell phone charger,ipod, 75w inverter all plugged in while I'm gone. Never even blinked an eye starting. If you are willing to sell your GM stock (or whine about never buying a hummer again because your battery went dead :crying: ) STFU and go home :fdance:

We are talking about dead batteries replaced 2-3 and 4 times. It's a pain in the ass going to the dealer when they are an hour away. Anyway, try unpluging all that stuff and let your truck sit for a week then drive it one or two days then let it sit for a week. Chances are you'll have a dead battery too.

I'm not complaining about my Isuzu Rodeo 4x4 or Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 because they never had to go back to the dealer for anything! ever! WTF is wrong with GM? you tell me...

cmeinck
04-11-2007, 05:47 PM
I have had my truck go dead 7 times. It even went dead in the dealer parking lot after they jumped it last Friday. According to GM, there is a service bulletin for the 07' that changes out the battery. Maybe Fstop5 can confirm? For some reason, it's not for the 06', but the Regional GM Tech rep has recommended my dealer do the replacement. BTW, this will be the third battery and they keep shifting the blame my way. "The car needs to be started daily. Even if you don't drive it, start it and let it run a while". WTF. I mean, seriously, WTF. :lame:

wpage
04-16-2007, 11:37 AM
Agreed that it is lame to have a half assed battery in a premier off road vehicle. GM should spend less on the appearance of a fancy battery casing with a snorkle vent. Spending more on the lead plates that give battery some balls would be better!

mountainbiker
06-25-2007, 08:16 AM
Hi Hal, I continue to have battery issues since the day I bought my 06 H3. Unfortunately, I don't have a nearby dealer to help deal with the issue. I had replace my factory AC Delco with an Optima Red Top. Unfortunately, the H3 can only sit a few days before the Optima is dead. I have Germany's roadside assistance, jumper cables, and a battery booster pack. The latter has a little baby battery in it to allow you to jump start yourself. Despite being a total pain in the @ss, the latter thing has been a life saver. Now, if I could just magically figure out why my H3 hates me.

marin8703
06-25-2007, 03:07 PM
I never had a problem with my battery. Im at 13k now. I've had it sitting for 2-3 days with no probems afterwards. I've checked and i have about 50 mA drainage(no alarm) and 67-70 mA drainage when the alarm is on, and i have tons of electronic aftermarket accesories which i installed myself. it is and maybe it isnt the battery.

Also to the origional question, i've disconected my battey many many times, and the oil life never reset itself. the only thing that resets is the switch for teh fog lamps, if you had it to on, it will be off when you reconnect, of and also the radio stations on my aftermarket pioneer.

just my experience.:beerchug:

Agriv8r
06-25-2007, 03:19 PM
there does not seem to be a pattern...

RubHer Yellow Ducky
06-25-2007, 04:05 PM
1. Yellow 06 (Jan) 20000 miles, no battery problem... longest it sat without being started was 10 days

2. Gray 06 (Jan) 5000 miles, no battery problem... longest it sat without being started was 4 days

marin8703
06-25-2007, 04:22 PM
oh i forgot about the time when i was out of the country on vacation, the 3 sat in the garage not started for 1 month, when i came back it cranked right up. thats a good battery in my opinion.

if i start having a problem with the battery, or if i ever did, and im sure its the battery, i wouldnt go to dealer, would just buy a nice optima and not have to worry about it for a while.

Field Scout
06-25-2007, 04:42 PM
I had the same issue and it's happened 5 or 6 times. Hummer simply stated I wasn't driving the car enough. There is a problem and they won't acknowledge it. For that reason, I'm eventually going to trade my H3 in on something else. If you hear of anything, I would like to know.

Thats funny, my buddy drives a Canyon and goes through a battery about every 8 mos and GMC told him he drives too much(80,000) per year and that it was charging the battery too much and creating a memory like nicads do:confused:

algy
06-25-2007, 05:03 PM
Has anyone put in an Optima or other battery and had it go dead???

:( :( :mad: :mad:

Not Yet, after having my H3 for just 3 months I was listening to my monsoon with the engine cut off for nearly 20 minutes. The battery was drained and I had to get a jump. I was doing allot of short range commuting and the battery died again. I found that you need to go above 55mph to before the battery will regain a charge. I did that and still the battery died. The battery was under warranty, but would take over a day to get it and installed.. I just said f* it and installed the following. I also had to use a Dremel drill to increase the connector holes:

Still hold juice like a charm and has a wicked crank at -15 degrees F.

http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/Images/optima_7535_adptr_200op.jpg

http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/red_top_battery.asp

Steve - SanJose
06-25-2007, 05:18 PM
1. Yellow 06 (Jan) 20000 miles, no battery problem... longest it sat without being started was 10 days

2. Gray 06 (Jan) 5000 miles, no battery problem... longest it sat without being started was 4 days

Yea my 06 H3 39K miles has had no problems with battery yet. Daily driver and longest number of days that it sat unused was 12 days.

My wife's 2005 X-type (also daily driver) had a dead battery in 26 months, covered under warranty.

Viet Nam Vette
06-25-2007, 06:01 PM
All my rides...except the 3 have the Red Top. Never let me down. My 65 Vette has been sitting for 3 months now while I install An after market A/C unit. When I'm ready... she'll fire right up.

I also have a 73 Thunderchicken which has some after market stuff that drains when the ignition is off. That once sat for 2 months and cranked over like a Whore on an Ounce of Crack..:OWNED:

Just wait-en for the 3's battery to take a Poop...then to the recycler it goes and I insatll an Optima.. "No Worries Mate"

:popcorn:

RubHer Yellow Ducky
06-25-2007, 07:31 PM
Thats funny, my buddy drives a Canyon and goes through a battery about every 8 mos and GMC told him he drives too much(80,000) per year and that it was charging the battery too much and creating a memory like nicads do:confused:

http://leatheroaks.org/Waders/Naked/Dcp02577a.jpg (http://leatheroaks.org/Waders/Naked3.html)

mountainbiker
06-25-2007, 08:07 PM
My 06 H3 doesn't get much use due to my schedule. I bought it in Aug 06 and haven't even broke 3000 miles on it. The battery issue isn't helping. The original AC Delco had to be chucked as soon as I get it to Germany as it wouldn't even take a charge. I couldn't get an AC Delco replacement, so I went with the Optima Red Top. Unfortunately, it won't hold a charge beyond about 10-14 days. If I drive the H3 about once a week, it seems to keep enough juice; unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of driving it once a week.

The H3 is sitting next to a 97 Explorer. It goes weeks and weeks at a time with out running. I was recently away for 6 weeks, and it still started like a champ.

Therefore, I am scratching my head. Can the H3 actually have 2 bad batteries: AC Delco and Optima? Or, is there some sort of parasitic drain (no PIAAs, no new stereo, no alarm ...)?

Steve - SanJose
06-25-2007, 08:41 PM
Consider using a "battery maintainer", plugs easily in the cigarette lighter. Porsche sells them for about $80 (US dollars).

cdmintmi
03-03-2008, 08:35 AM
i can save you all a bunch of headache and belly aching. You bought a Hummer right? So get your ass in it and go wheeling. It looks good in the driveway but it looks a thousand times better out playing in the dirt, mud, and rocks. Get the things dirty and have some fun. I have 45,000 miles on my H3, a power converter for charging cordless tools at work, a detachable XM radio, TomTom GPS, phone charger, and 17.5 mil cp spot light charger in mine on the original battery and no problems. Ive gone camping and listened the XM radio all night and still cranked in the morning. Listen to your dealers, drive em, get em dirty, its what they were made for!!!:dancingbanana:

cmeinck
03-03-2008, 03:44 PM
I did plenty of 8 wheelin'. The four wheels of my HUMMER + the four wheels on the tow truck. You're right, what a pleasure.:)

SandT_H3
03-04-2008, 05:38 AM
I only had a battery problem once and after having to get a jump twice in a week I took it in and they told me that it was because the battery was getting too hot since it is sealed in that case. This was last summer when we were in the 100s for a couple weeks. Since they replaced the battery I have had no problems. Not even not that I only live a couple miles from my work so I don't really commute but 5 min each way. I have a backup camera and gps plugged in and I never turn them off. My wife and I even watched a couple movies the other day with the engine not running and it cranked right up.

OU812
03-04-2008, 08:24 AM
Has anyone put in an Optima or other battery and had it go dead??? that would be the definitive test to see if the Hummer is sucking the juice or if the batteries just SUCK! I can't believe there could be so many defective batteries but I could easily believe that the Hummer has a defective design.

My OEM ACDelco was bad within the first 100 miles (which could have been the result of sitting on the lot). I replaced it with a Red Top Optima (and got reimbursement money from the dealer). Even with the Optima, I cannot trust it to sit longer than 2 weeks. So, it is never a car I take to the airport. At home I got in the habit of plugging it into a battery maintainer (when I know I am not going to drive it for awhile). As a side note, my others cars have their OEM batteries and have sat in excess of a month without an issue.

Tex_h2
03-04-2008, 06:30 PM
Spend the money and buy a Yellow or Red top....you won't be dissapointed.

I've got two yellow top batteries.
1 in the H2, and I in my classic car (classic car is driven once a month and always starts)