Starting/electrical issues

[foxtrot044]

So I have had my starter replaced and a new battery about 1 year old. They tested my alternator when replacing started and it checked out. My problem is I have to jump my truck just about everytime I start. This has been going on for quite some time now. Just dont have time to take it to the shop. (need the ride) Just this past week I noticed that 3 times when I turn the key to start all my electrics shutoff and I have nothing. Then I simply slam my drivers door shut and it comes back. But then still requires a jump to start. This will be the third time I will have taken my rig to the shop for starting issues and I just dont think they are getting it. Does anyone have a clue as to what may be the problem and how much I would be looking at investing in this seemingly lost cause? Thanks.

 

-Luke-

Edited October 25, 2008 by foxtrot044

[Alkorahil]

So I have had my starter replaced and a new battery about 1 year old. They tested my alternator when replacing started and it checked out. My problem is I have to jump my truck just about everytime I start. This has been going on for quite some time now. Just dont have time to take it to the shop. (need the ride) Just this past week I noticed that 3 times when I turn the key to start all my electrics shutoff and I have nothing. Then I simply slam my drivers door shut and it comes back. But then still requires a jump to start. This will be the third time I will have taken my rig to the shop for starting issues and I just dont think they are getting it. Does anyone have a clue as to what may be the problem and how much I would be looking at investing in this seemingly lost cause? Thanks.

 

-Luke-

 

 

This problem gives me two initial thoughts.

1) there is an open connection somewhere, something is staying 'on' and draining the battery over night. Do you you have an aftermarket stereo amplifier or something like this? Maybe an interior courtesy light or something?

 

2) the door slam thing makes me think there is a connection issue, possibly in or near the wiring harness located behind the drivers side kick plate. Take it off and you will see several connectors. make sure they havent come loose.

[foxtrot044]

I had subwoofers in but have since taken them and all wiring out. I have an aftermarket radio but i do not think it is staying on. Also, the problem is not always in the morning. For example this morning, i jumped my car and did some errands then came home. About 4 hours later I went out to my car and the battery is dead again. The issue with slamming my door also works if i slam the passenger door. This all just seems so strange to me. I mean, while the car is driving and for a couple hours after I park it, everything works fine. If my alternator went out, wouldn't the truck die while driving? Thanks for the input though.

[edicer2]

are you sure your ground wires are all connected and aren't corroded/rusty?

[foxtrot044]

I am pretty sure, would that really have such a drastic effect though?

[Precise1]

Absolutely!! Not saying that IS the problem you have but it is quite possible and is a simple problem quite often overlooked.

 

When you say that your battery is dead, are you just saying that it won't turn over the motor or you have had it load tested?

If your ground strap/connection is not good enough, the battery is unable to complete the circuit well enough to deliver the amps required to crank the starter motor. When you have the battery/truck jumped from another vehicle, you are now using that ground circuit. Get it? For a quick test, take your jumper cables, attach one side to the ground post of the battery and attach the other a body screw, exhaust manifold stud, etc (something solidly grounded and without paint on it) and try to start it...

 

Another thing to try is to drive home and immediately disconnect the battery. Re-attach when you go to leave in the morning, the battery could not have drained disconnected, so if it starts immediately, you know you have a draw somewhere.

 

Also, what kind of battery did you get? Does it have the maintenance caps on top? Check the fluid and refill if necessary with distilled water only.

 

The last course would be to have the battery load tested. While it is rare, sometimes even 'new' batteries fail; it only takes 1 bad cell as they are in series.

 

That should be enough for now. Please keep us informed.

 

B

[adamzan]

I am pretty sure, would that really have such a drastic effect though?

Yes it can make a huge difference. My mother had a mazda 929, and she called from the grocery store saying the car wouldn't start. It would act like the starter was bad, turned out the battery terminal just needed a cleaning/adjustment. It's was fine since

Edited October 26, 2008 by RedPath88

[foxtrot044]

Thanks alot for your input guys. I am going to try these out tommaro. Hopefully this is the problem. I sure would like to save myself some cash instead of having the shop look at it. I will keep you informed. thanks again.

[foxtrot044]

Ok took the truck to the shop and $270 later it is repaired. Turns out the stock amplifier had a constant power draw on the battery so they ran a switch to the amp and now my truck should be fine. Battery was still under warrrenty and would not pass a load test because it had been jumped so many times, lol, so i got a new free battery too. Thanks for all your help and replies guys. Testing all the circuits was just way too much time for me. Thanks again.

 

-Luke-

[Precise1]

Well, I'm sorry you had to pay $270 to get it fixed, but I'm glad it is fixed. Wasted time and peace of mind can add up to $270 pretty quick though...

 

B