'95 Suburban battery gauge

[Lonster72]

I just bought a '95 Suburban and my battery gauge only reads about 12 - 13 with the lights off and about 11.5 with them on. Had the alternator checked, it was fine, and replaced the battery, yet still have the problem. Any suggestions?

 

[zora]

When they checked the alternator did they compare their gauge readings to the gauge readings in the vehicle? If so how much of a difference was there?

 

[VanGo]

Yeah, your gauge may just not be accurate. Since you just bought the 'burb you have no history with it. You should have had the battery tested too before you bought a new one.
Put a voltmeter across the battery terminals while the engine is running and see what the voltage is.

 

[Lonster72]

The battery was checked beforehand, it was on it's way out, 7 years old. No, they didn't compare gauge to their tester reading. The gauge fluctuates when the lights get turned on, as well as the other gauges slightly. Looks as if a radar detector was mounted into the dash, and when the brakes are applied while in park, the detector will sound off occasionally. Definitely some electrical issues.

 

[zora]

Assuming they properly tightened the battery connections when they installed it, check the other end of both cables, the ground and also probably the starter connection.