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Call Of The Week - Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Hour 2 - April 26, 2025 - Eric in PA, 2013 Chevy Suburban, Engine Dies, Limp Mode, Since Engine Replacement
Here's a summary and bullet point breakdown of the call between Eric from Pennsylvania and Ron Ananian on The Car Doctor radio show from April 26, 2025:
đ§ Caller Issue:
-
Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ
-
Mileage: 230,000 miles
-
Engine: Multiple crate engine replacements (current one is 3rd crate engine)
-
Main Symptom:
-
Voltage drops from ~14V to 10V during driving, especially on long trips.
-
AC compressor shuts off when voltage drops.
-
Vehicle eventually enters limp mode.
-
Turning headlights on brings voltage back to normal (~14V).
-
đ ď¸ Previous Work Done:
-
New Alternator and Battery: Both replaced with OEM GM parts (twice).
-
Added Ground Wires: Installed by an electrical specialist.
-
AFM (Active Fuel Management) Disabled.
-
No Aftermarket Parts: Only modification is AFM delete.
đ§ Diagnostic Observations & Suggestions (Ron Ananian):
-
Key Question: Is this a headlight-specific circuit issue or a general electrical load problem?
-
Blower Fan Test:
-
Blower fan doesnât resolve the issue like headlights do, suggesting itâs circuit-specific, not general load.
-
-
Electrical Theory:
-
Turning headlights on might bypass GMâs energy-saving mode, stabilizing voltage.
-
Could be a module communication/network issueâone module dropping out could cause system-wide failure.
-
Ron compares it to computers on a network: one fails, the rest follow.
-
𧪠Further Diagnostic Path Ron Suggests:
-
Scan Tool Needed: Check for module communication failures during voltage drop.
-
Cluster/Oil Pressure Warning:
-
Oil pressure reads low on dash but is fine on manual gauge.
-
Possible faulty cluster or wiring issue, possibly affecting system behavior.
-
-
Check Bulkhead Connector: Wiring harness going through firewall may be suspect.
-
Evaluate Whatâs Working: Donât just chase bad partsâestablish whatâs good (e.g., fuel trims, throttle position, vacuum).
-
Disconnect AC Compressor Electrically:
-
See if the issue still occurs with AC unplugged to isolate AC clutch as a cause.
-
đ Next Steps for Eric:
-
Determine if AC compressor clutch is affecting the system or just coincidentally shutting off.
-
Investigate further with his technician using Ronâs suggestions.
-
Call back with updates for continued guidance.
Full episodes of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor also available.Â
Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com
- Follow Us On Instagram -  @ronananian Â
- Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videosÂ
- Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900Â Â
- Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern TimeÂ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
View all episodes
By iHeartPodcasts and Ron Ananian The Car Doctor
4.6
249249 ratings
Here's a summary and bullet point breakdown of the call between Eric from Pennsylvania and Ron Ananian on The Car Doctor radio show from April 26, 2025:
đ§ Caller Issue:
-
Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ
-
Mileage: 230,000 miles
-
Engine: Multiple crate engine replacements (current one is 3rd crate engine)
-
Main Symptom:
-
Voltage drops from ~14V to 10V during driving, especially on long trips.
-
AC compressor shuts off when voltage drops.
-
Vehicle eventually enters limp mode.
-
Turning headlights on brings voltage back to normal (~14V).
-
đ ď¸ Previous Work Done:
-
New Alternator and Battery: Both replaced with OEM GM parts (twice).
-
Added Ground Wires: Installed by an electrical specialist.
-
AFM (Active Fuel Management) Disabled.
-
No Aftermarket Parts: Only modification is AFM delete.
đ§ Diagnostic Observations & Suggestions (Ron Ananian):
-
Key Question: Is this a headlight-specific circuit issue or a general electrical load problem?
-
Blower Fan Test:
-
Blower fan doesnât resolve the issue like headlights do, suggesting itâs circuit-specific, not general load.
-
-
Electrical Theory:
-
Turning headlights on might bypass GMâs energy-saving mode, stabilizing voltage.
-
Could be a module communication/network issueâone module dropping out could cause system-wide failure.
-
Ron compares it to computers on a network: one fails, the rest follow.
-
𧪠Further Diagnostic Path Ron Suggests:
-
Scan Tool Needed: Check for module communication failures during voltage drop.
-
Cluster/Oil Pressure Warning:
-
Oil pressure reads low on dash but is fine on manual gauge.
-
Possible faulty cluster or wiring issue, possibly affecting system behavior.
-
-
Check Bulkhead Connector: Wiring harness going through firewall may be suspect.
-
Evaluate Whatâs Working: Donât just chase bad partsâestablish whatâs good (e.g., fuel trims, throttle position, vacuum).
-
Disconnect AC Compressor Electrically:
-
See if the issue still occurs with AC unplugged to isolate AC clutch as a cause.
-
đ Next Steps for Eric:
-
Determine if AC compressor clutch is affecting the system or just coincidentally shutting off.
-
Investigate further with his technician using Ronâs suggestions.
-
Call back with updates for continued guidance.
Full episodes of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor also available.Â
Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com
- Follow Us On Instagram -  @ronananian Â
- Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videosÂ
- Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900Â Â
- Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern TimeÂ
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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