97camaroowner

Since I bought my 1997 camaro a few weeks ago its battery gauge has read really high at almost 18 less than a hair from the red mark. Its lowers slowly but not by much after you drive it a while. The other day I went to leave the bank (it usually takes a couple of tries to get it to start) and she wouldn't start. I got a jump and went to the shop. Was told bad battery and good alternator. Replaced the battery. She start right up on the first crank the next couple times I drove it and the gauge read normal at around 13. Now its back to taking it a couple of times to start and the gauge is reading high again. What is the deal?

EinST

Welcome to the forum. Although they said "good alternator," it sure sounds like you have an alternator problem. With engine running, the alternator should put out .5-2.5 volts higher than the battery voltage. If the gauge in the I/P cluster is to be trusted, it's putting out too high a voltage and boiling the battery. Take it back to the shop and ask them to check the charging voltage.

97camaroowner

Thanks for the warm welcome. I appreciate the advice. Im hoping to get it figured out soon. Needing to replace the catalytic converter soon so I would like to get this problem out of the way.

kevinkpk

You need to check it with a voltmeter, if it is that high, your battery is shot. Do you have any starting issues with it?

97camaroowner

i just replaced the battery three days ago. and yes it usually takes two cranks to start.

kevinkpk

You need to verify the charging voltage with an external meter, is it slow cranking with the new battery? Did that change with the old battery?

97camaroowner

the first cranks you her clicking and trying to start but you have to let off her and try it a second time to get her to actually start. its been that way with both batteries.