2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Battery Size (BCI Group and CCA)

Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years does this cover?

These battery specifications apply to every Chevrolet Silverado 1500 built from 2012 through 2013 — the GMT900 (2nd generation), full-size half-ton pickup (regular, extended, crew cab). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.

What changed during the 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

• 2012Carryover year; Silverado Hybrid (6.0L two-mode, LZ1) still available in limited numbers
• 2013Final GMT900 year. Max trailering ~10,700 lb with 6.2L and tow package; most 5.3L configs rate 9,100–10,400 lb

What size battery does a 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 take?

BCI group 48 (H6), rated at 615 cold cranking amps from the factory. Group size is a physical dimension and terminal-position standard, so a battery from a different group may not clamp down or may put the terminals on the wrong side.

How many CCA does a 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 need?

At least 615 CCA. Going higher is harmless and helps in cold climates; going lower is how a vehicle that started fine in October stops starting in January.

Does the 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 need an AGM battery?

The factory battery is a conventional flooded type. AGM is a valid upgrade, but never downgrade from AGM to flooded.

Where is the battery on a 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

Engine bay, driver side.

Does a 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 need the battery registered after replacement?

Factory battery is a flooded Group 48 rated ~615 CCA; replacements of 615–760 CCA are common. An H6 AGM drops in as an upgrade. Some heavily-optioned trucks came with a higher-CCA battery. Check the label.