99 k3500 won't start

dogsrme · 07-04-2009, 08:56 AM

So the battery connection was all green and I knew I had to replace the ends soon. Tonight, after work, I stopped at the Post office, came out, it barely growled like the battery was dead. Tried everything, finally replaced the ends and cleaned the battery right in the parking lot. Dome lights were strong sometimes, and making a weird blinking and clicking noise sometimes when you opened the door...but when you turn the key, everything goes out and it doesn't even try to start. So I figure I wore it down trying, and get a jump start. Fires right up, battery is higher than before because of better connection, I leave it on a while when I get home to charge it. Shut it off and try again, and not even a grrr. WTF? First off, I've never had a dead battery where everthng else worked and it doesn't even try to turn over. So I'm thinking the starter is stuck and sucking juice, or that stupid solenoid wire is loose again (even though both are only a few years old).....or I didn't get the end on tight enough? Can the battery be too weak when it was showing full charge when I shut it off? Now it's a ******** holiday and I gotta work tonight and I'm trapped at home with the **** thing. Any ideas?

semocoachworks · 07-04-2009, 09:05 AM

I would do a battery load test and see if it's any good. If you don't have a battery tester, your local parts store should have one you could use or they might do it for you. Our o'reillys here is actually open today.

dogsrme · 07-04-2009, 09:22 AM

lol can't get to the parts store......else I'd just go buy a new battery and try that!

semocoachworks · 07-04-2009, 09:47 AM

If you have a voltmeter, check the battery voltage with key off then set to amps and watch as you try the starter. I'm not sure of the amp draw you should have but the parts store should be able to tell you over the phone.

07-04-2009, 08:56 AM	#1
dogsrme Full Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 18	99 k3500 won't start So the battery connection was all green and I knew I had to replace the ends soon. Tonight, after work, I stopped at the Post office, came out, it barely growled like the battery was dead. Tried everything, finally replaced the ends and cleaned the battery right in the parking lot. Dome lights were strong sometimes, and making a weird blinking and clicking noise sometimes when you opened the door...but when you turn the key, everything goes out and it doesn't even try to start. So I figure I wore it down trying, and get a jump start. Fires right up, battery is higher than before because of better connection, I leave it on a while when I get home to charge it. Shut it off and try again, and not even a grrr. WTF? First off, I've never had a dead battery where everthng else worked and it doesn't even try to turn over. So I'm thinking the starter is stuck and sucking juice, or that stupid solenoid wire is loose again (even though both are only a few years old).....or I didn't get the end on tight enough? Can the battery be too weak when it was showing full charge when I shut it off? Now it's a ****** holiday and I gotta work tonight and I'm trapped at home with the ** thing. Any ideas?

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
1997 Chevy K3500 T-Code & Vibration	NonGoggleGuy	Chevy Truck Forum	18	03-12-2009 05:00 AM
99 GMC K3500 grill removal	dogsrme	GMC Truck Forum	1	08-27-2007 04:14 PM
99 GMC K3500 runs worse after tuneup	dogsrme	GMC Truck Forum	8	05-24-2007 02:55 AM
Brake problem on 1996 K3500	mjeltema	Chevy Truck Forum	4	12-27-2006 07:08 AM
1990 K3500 454 Turbo 400 problem	krandall	Chevy Truck Forum	8	10-06-2006 06:31 AM

07-04-2009, 09:05 AM	#2
semocoachworks Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: rapid city, sd Posts: 429	I would do a battery load test and see if it's any good. If you don't have a battery tester, your local parts store should have one you could use or they might do it for you. Our o'reillys here is actually open today.

07-04-2009, 09:22 AM	#3
dogsrme Full Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 18	lol can't get to the parts store......else I'd just go buy a new battery and try that!

07-04-2009, 09:47 AM	#4
semocoachworks Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: rapid city, sd Posts: 429	If you have a voltmeter, check the battery voltage with key off then set to amps and watch as you try the starter. I'm not sure of the amp draw you should have but the parts store should be able to tell you over the phone.