2019–2020 GMC Sierra: Stalling, Service Battery warning or burning smell (alternator cable recall)
Likely causes, ranked
- Loose B+ cable at the alternator$0–$0Shop
Real-owner fix counts will appear here as reports come in.
DIY or shop: See DIY or shop section
Parts to check
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Symptom: A "Service Battery" or "Battery Saver" warning, flickering electrics, a burning smell, or the engine stalling.
Likely causes
- Loose B+ cable at the alternator. GM's dealer FAQ says glue residue on the cable ring can soften and let the nut loosen over time, causing an intermittent connection or arcing.
DIY or shop?
Dealer. Recall repairs are free.
Useful steps
- Check your VIN for 19V888 (GM N192273510).
- Don't ignore a Service Battery warning on these trucks. Get the recall checked.
Vehicle focus: 2019–2020 GMC Sierra.
Safety / mechanic note
A stall in traffic or arcing under the hood is a safety risk. Verify with a mechanic or dealer.
Recalls & service bulletins
Recalls
- 19V888000 2019–2020 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500: glue on the battery positive (B+) cable ring at the alternator can let the connection loosen. Dealers inspect with a black light, clean and reattach the cable, and replace damaged parts. Details
NHTSA complaints: 259 keyword-matched complaints for GMC SIERRA 1500 2019–2020 (of 1,125 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-15).
Always check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Sources
What actually fixed it?
Had this problem? Tell other owners what the real fix was. Reports are counted above; we never show made-up numbers.