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Angus
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Nov 30, 2014, 1:13 PM
Post #1 of 7
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Suddenly won't start
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1985 Chevy Silverado 305/AT
I've had my extremely reliable 85 Silverado for over a year and for the first time it won't start. Suddenly it is completely dead when I turn the key. No clicks, no cranks, nothing. When I turn it to "on" the dash lights and stereo come on. When I turn it to "start" the stereo goes dark, the dash lights stay on, and there is nothing.
I have confirmed the battery is good and fully charged it, I cleaned the terminals and replaced the terminal bolts to make sure I could tighten them down all the way. Checked the battery cable ground. Still dead.
I have no idea where to start chasing down an electrical issue such as this. Any suggestions?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 30, 2014, 1:16 PM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: Suddenly won't start
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I don't know how you determined that the battery was good but i don't believe it. You need to take it in to be tested.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Angus
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Nov 30, 2014, 1:50 PM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: Suddenly won't start
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I determined it was good by taking it in and having it tested. I thought it was a terminal because a terminal bolt was loose/half stripped. I bought the truck from an 87 year old man and he mucked up the threads a little. I put my charger on it while still in the truck and after about 8hrs it hadn't gone full charge. It was then that I took it out and discovered the loose ground terminal. I took it to Advance Auto (just because it's the brand that they sell) and they tested it, charged it completely for me, and tested it again. I brought it home along with two new terminal bolts and put it back in. Now both terminals are clean and tight as can be and the battery is 692amps (700amp battery). Dead when I turn the key.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Nov 30, 2014, 1:54 PM
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Re: Suddenly won't start
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Everything is pointing toward a low battery or poor connection somewhere. I would monitor the battery voltage where the cable attaches to the starter while you are trying to crank it and see if the voltage drops off dramatically when you hit the key.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Angus
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Nov 30, 2014, 2:10 PM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: Suddenly won't start
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Thanks I will give that a try. Unfortunately I won't be able to do that until next weekend. I just tried jumping it with another vehicle to take the battery out of the equation and still got nothing. If the solenoid has failed would it be dead like this?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 1, 2014, 12:28 AM
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Re: Suddenly won't start
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Just a note on GM sideposts: Angus - Jumping doesn't help if cable right at battery is no good. That 8mm/ or 5,16th battery bolt only goes to just the battery not on to the vehicle such that you are only jumping the battery itself such that if the eyelet inside rubber covers are trashed you get no place. This is wildly common if they are not routinely greased inside and you can't see most problems without now (1985) cutting off the rubber or peel back if you can.
Testing off vehicle can be good and of no use. Test as Hammer said, to the bat+ at the solenoid end of the cable then you'll see real available power, T
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Angus
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Dec 1, 2014, 5:41 AM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: Suddenly won't start
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Thank you!
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