Questions and Answers

Both Chevy Luminas Eating Batteries Q. Dear Vince, Here is my situation: I have two identical 1995 Chevy Lumina Sedans. One with 40,000 miles and the other with 165,000 miles. They are the base cars with the 3.1 liter V-6 engine. I have had an issue with batteries unexpectedly going bad and killing the alternators. The age of the battery doesn't seem to matter.

One battery was five years old, the other two were less than a year old. Basically, the battery starts to take excessive charging, so much that it burns out the alternator. The first warning that I have a problem is when the "charge" idiot light comes on. By that time the alternator is gone. I then have to replace both the battery and alternator.

The common theme is that it always happens in hot weather. All batteries that failed had the factory foam insulation installed around the battery. Any idea if this is a large scale problem? Do you have any suggestions on how to prevent this? Did you ever hear of any service bulletins about this issue?

I guess I could install an ammeter and watch for excessive charging, but I would still have the problem of the batteries failing in the first place. My gut feel is that the batteries on these cars get too hot in the summer and get damaged internally. On this car the battery is hidden under the window washer tank. Maybe this is a design issue that traps the heat and the batteries get ruined easier?

I am in Maryland. I never knew it until recently, but manufactures like Sears Die Hard make a North version and a South version battery. The Southern batteries are supposed to be able to deal with the heat better. Should I try to make sure I am getting a Southern version battery next time so it can handle the heat? Your advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
Brian

A. Heat could be an issue here. The foam insulator is to protect from heat. If you are replacing the original batteries, they have been having problems with them. The things leak acid out of the positive post. They also get to the point where the acid will corrode the cables pretty good.

You need to make sure they are clean. Also make sure you are using GM alternators. You can't be sure of an aftermarket unit. You may want to have a dealer check the electrical system to make sure everything else is in order.