While killing time on the internet, I came across some information about GM's RVC system. It has been around for almost 10 years, so I am late to the party in discussing it. I did not realize how complex battery charging has become in the last decade. My 2005 Subaru has a "dumb" voltage regulator in the alternator, with no intervention from the ECM. But GM's RVC has six charging modes, including desulfating. Voltage can range from 11.5V to 15.5V. In contrast, the voltage range I see on my Subaru is 13.6V to 14.9V.
The RVC keeps the battery around 80% SOC, instead of 95%, as I understand it. This, of course, enhances battery sulfating. In the link below I read that typical battery life in a recent GM is around 3 years. Is that what you GM owners are seeing?
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/350
The RVC keeps the battery around 80% SOC, instead of 95%, as I understand it. This, of course, enhances battery sulfating. In the link below I read that typical battery life in a recent GM is around 3 years. Is that what you GM owners are seeing?
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/350