What Size Battery Is in the GMC Sierra 1500?

There are many battery sizes available for the GMC Sierra 1500. However, buying the wrong one could lead to inconsistencies and other problems with your vehicle’s electrical system, such as draining your battery too quickly. Our team here at Meadowland GMC in Carmel has put together this guide to help you choose the right battery and make sure your truck is performing at its best.

How To Determine the Battery Size for Your GMC Sierra 1500

To find out the battery size and type that GMC recommends for your Sierra 1500, check your owner’s manual or contact our battery service center in Carmel, New York. For the best quality, choosing a GMC-approved battery’s a good idea. Many manufacturers produce these batteries, and they often come with warranties. If your replacement battery fails before the warranty term expires, you can get another one for free in many circumstances. However, choosing the wrong battery size could void the warranty.

Batteries for a GMC Sierra 1500 Made After 2006

From the 2007 model year to the current generation, GMC Sierra trucks use an H6 or Group 48 battery, which usually costs about $350 and has a rectangular shape with recessed top post terminals. One option is the OPTIMA YELLOWTOP DH6, which is 10.94 inches long, 6.89 inches wide, and 7.48 inches tall. It weighs about 54 pounds and has a C20 rating of 72Ah, meaning that the battery can deliver this energy over 20 hours. The YELLOWTOP also gives 800 cold cranking amps, enough for reliable operation even in cold weather.

If you want to make sure your Sierra performs well, stay away from smaller batteries. You should also avoid batteries that are too big, as some batteries may not fit inside your truck correctly. Even a large vehicle such as the GMC Sierra 1500 only has a limited amount of space for the battery and other components.

Batteries for Trucks Made After 1972

If your GMC truck was built between 1973 and 2006, there are several different battery sizes to choose from. H6 or Group 48 batteries work in many of these vehicles, and pricing and specifications vary somewhat from one battery to the next.

Battery Sizes for Older Trucks

For GMC trucks built between 1960 and 1972, several Group 34 battery variants are available. Group 34 batteries are slightly smaller than H6 or Group 48 options. They weigh less and are slightly less powerful. These older GMC Sierras include fewer electronics, so they don’t need as much battery power as modern vehicles unless several accessories were installed recently.

Most batteries for modern vehicles can produce 12 volts, but trucks built before 1960 may still use 6 volts. For these vehicles, consider the 6-volt OPTIMA REDTOP. It has a C20 rating of 50 Ah and is 10.06 inches long, 3.63 inches wide, and 8.15 inches tall.

This battery costs about $250 and weighs 18.5 lbs. You can use most batteries that fit under the hood with a newer 12-volt electrical system for one of these trucks. No matter how old your GMC Sierra 1500 is, choosing a more powerful YELLOWTOP battery is a good idea if you have electronic accessories such as a winch or an aftermarket stereo system.

Possible Causes of Battery Failure

The battery in your GMC Sierra 1500 could fail for a variety of reasons, including cold weather, time, corrosion, or excessive draining.

Cold Weather

Batteries that are older and already partially drained may not start in cold weather, especially if your vehicle has lots of accessories and electronics. Carmel, New York, usually has cold winters, so it’s a good idea to choose a battery with more power than you need in normal circumstances. That way, you won’t be stuck in your driveway when you need to commute in freezing weather.

Time

No matter how powerful they are, all batteries will wear out eventually. Car batteries usually last for three to five years, so if yours is more than 5 years old, go ahead and have a new one installed by one of our certified service professionals. This can keep you from being stranded far from home when your battery finally runs out of juice.

Even if you have a newer battery, it could run out of energy if you don’t drive your truck for a long period of time. The alternator usually recharges the battery, but it only works when the vehicle is running. Adding a battery tender or trickle charger prevents this problem by delivering a steady charge to your battery during storage.

Corrosion

Corrosion at battery connections or terminals often causes failure as well. It keeps the alternator or trickle charger from doing its job and recharging your battery. Corrosion often looks like a white powder or a blue or green growth that resembles mold or moss. You can use a rag or a stiff wire brush to clean it off when needed.

Excessive Draining

If your battery dies because you left the headlights, an interior light, or another accessory on too long, you can usually get a jump-start instead of a new battery. Ask an expert to make sure your battery still works properly and remember to check your truck after you park for things that might drain it. Another potential cause of battery draining is an electronic parasite, such as a bad alternator. If your alternator isn’t working correctly, your battery won’t recharge when needed, and it may die often. A broken fuse or another problem could drain the battery as well.

Get Your Battery Checked in Carmel, New York

Our trained technicians can find out whether you need a new battery, or you have another problem such as corrosion or a bad alternator. We’ll help you choose a battery that can start your GMC Sierra 1500’s engine and all of your accessories. Contact us for expert assistance and a great deal on a new battery. Our service department is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. You can also visit us to shop for a new or used GMC Sierra 1500.

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