My 2013 Camaro radio (and control head screen) goes on and off, crackles and pops. The dealer changed the alternator initially since everything worked fine when it was disconnected. When that didn’t work, they replaced the control head, then the BCM. That didn’t work so now they want to replace the radio. Here’s my dilemma. On top of all working fine when the alternator was disconnected, I found that all works fine in just accessory mode. I also find that my voltage reading when running with a fully charged battery is constantly 15.1, 15.2. Could the battery be bad and causing this even if the battery reading 12.6 volts?

 

Use an external voltmeter to read battery voltage with the engine running. Don't rely on the voltmeter in the dash.

 

When it's electrical, first place to start is disconnect and clean every ground you can find. Based on your description you may have a ground gremlin to exorcise.

 

I did. Same reading. Thanks.

 

I checked all I could, even the two or three under the right fender heat shield. I believe the dealer did some ground checking, although they admit it still could be a ground. I just don’t think over 15v is normal and I know a bad cell can possibly be related, but the dealer doesn’t acknowledge that. I don’t think they know what’s normal. The alternator is so hard to get at and the battery is in the trunk so it’s hard for me to check the load in that long wire. I’m thinking of replacing the battery just to eliminate that possibility.

 

I replaced the AC Delco Gold 42 month battery today, 2 1/2 years old, with a new one. Voltage is now at 14.7, 14.8V. Must have been a bad cell. It didn't fix the radio.