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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
Description
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:
🔧 Caller Issue:
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Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ
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Mileage: 230,000 miles
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Engine: Multiple crate engine replacements (current one is 3rd crate engine)
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Main Symptom:
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Voltage drops from ~14V to 10V during driving, especially on long trips.
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AC compressor shuts off when voltage drops.
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Vehicle eventually enters limp mode.
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Turning headlights on brings voltage back to normal (~14V).
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🛠️ Previous Work Done:
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New Alternator and Battery: Both replaced with OEM GM parts (twice).
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Added Ground Wires: Installed by an electrical specialist.
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AFM (Active Fuel Management) Disabled.
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No Aftermarket Parts: Only modification is AFM delete.
🧠Diagnostic Observations & Suggestions (Ron Ananian):
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Key Question: Is this a headlight-specific circuit issue or a general electrical load problem?
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Blower Fan Test:
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Blower fan doesn’t resolve the issue like headlights do, suggesting it’s circuit-specific, not general load.
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Electrical Theory:
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Turning headlights on might
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