My friend has an 83 chevy half ton with a wonderful 305.....oil leaking pig is more like it. Has somewhere north of 300, 000 on it. Died at his house. No lights no nothing. He said the battery was good. So what to check? Ignition switch? Loose wire? All help is appreciated.
83 chevy truck dead what could it be.
- Thread starter ram_man
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Start with the easy stuff, sounds like it could be a bad battery cable or ground.
No headlights, dash lights, dome lights or hazard/brake lights?
All these are on separate circuits so if they are ALL out then it has to be battery, battery cables or ground straps.
GM side post battery terminals are hard to see corrosion under the rubber covers.
If the battery is good for sure, turn on the headlights and start testing, twisting and cleaning all the big wire connections until the lights flicker or come on. That's the culprit. Then smack your friend upside the head and make him/her clean up all the rest of them.
All these are on separate circuits so if they are ALL out then it has to be battery, battery cables or ground straps.
GM side post battery terminals are hard to see corrosion under the rubber covers.
If the battery is good for sure, turn on the headlights and start testing, twisting and cleaning all the big wire connections until the lights flicker or come on. That's the culprit. Then smack your friend upside the head and make him/her clean up all the rest of them.
Originally Posted By: Grebbler
GM side post battery terminals are hard to see corrosion under the rubber covers.
+1 I had to disassemble the positive cable on my 94 Bonneville and the corrosion inside was astounding. I would have sworn I needed a starter. The difference in alternator charging after the thorough cleaning was also significant.
GM side post battery terminals are hard to see corrosion under the rubber covers.
+1 I had to disassemble the positive cable on my 94 Bonneville and the corrosion inside was astounding. I would have sworn I needed a starter. The difference in alternator charging after the thorough cleaning was also significant.
Originally Posted By: ram_man
I know you guys aren't going to know im just curious as to what all you would check.
"Died" is so subjective that it's useless. You're right, I am not going to know...because there is no information on which to proceed...
I know you guys aren't going to know im just curious as to what all you would check.
"Died" is so subjective that it's useless. You're right, I am not going to know...because there is no information on which to proceed...
Originally Posted By: Astro14
Originally Posted By: ram_man
I know you guys aren't going to know im just curious as to what all you would check.
"Died" is so subjective that it's useless. You're right, I am not going to know...because there is no information on which to proceed...
Did you even read my post? I said there is no lights no radio no cranking it is basically an over grown rusty paper weight.
Originally Posted By: ram_man
I know you guys aren't going to know im just curious as to what all you would check.
"Died" is so subjective that it's useless. You're right, I am not going to know...because there is no information on which to proceed...
Did you even read my post? I said there is no lights no radio no cranking it is basically an over grown rusty paper weight.
Originally Posted By: bigt61
Originally Posted By: Grebbler
GM side post battery terminals are hard to see corrosion under the rubber covers.
+1 I had to disassemble the positive cable on my 94 Bonneville and the corrosion inside was astounding. I would have sworn I needed a starter. The difference in alternator charging after the thorough cleaning was also significant.
Yeah. it's a bugger when that happens. The starter draw is enough to arc a connection and start the motor but as soon as the starter stops drawing juice, the connection gets cold, breaks, and the battery don't get charged.
Engine whine in the radio or lights that change with RPM is a clue it's happening as the battery normalizes the system when properly connected.
Originally Posted By: Grebbler
GM side post battery terminals are hard to see corrosion under the rubber covers.
+1 I had to disassemble the positive cable on my 94 Bonneville and the corrosion inside was astounding. I would have sworn I needed a starter. The difference in alternator charging after the thorough cleaning was also significant.
Yeah. it's a bugger when that happens. The starter draw is enough to arc a connection and start the motor but as soon as the starter stops drawing juice, the connection gets cold, breaks, and the battery don't get charged.
Engine whine in the radio or lights that change with RPM is a clue it's happening as the battery normalizes the system when properly connected.
Wonder if any starter work was done recently. I kinda remember that era of GM ran the B+ down to the starter then ran fusible links back up a junction block and the firewall harness.
I had a 73 Monte Carlo that left me dead due to burned connections at the starter solenoid.
I had a 73 Monte Carlo that left me dead due to burned connections at the starter solenoid.
Originally Posted By: ram_man
Originally Posted By: Astro14
Originally Posted By: ram_man
I know you guys aren't going to know im just curious as to what all you would check.
"Died" is so subjective that it's useless. You're right, I am not going to know...because there is no information on which to proceed...
Did you even read my post? I said there is no lights no radio no cranking it is basically an over grown rusty paper weight.
Of course I read your posts...completely...and they were next to pointless...
The first post had little information, and vernacular (dead) that was known only to you.
The second was condescending...presuming that, with little information, this forum would get it wrong....yep, you're right, if you provide insufficient information, it's likely that no one can figure it out...
So, when want help from a group, you start by providing insufficient information, followed up with condescension, bordering on insult.
I have to know, does this approach often work for you?
You ask a group for help by making it hard for them? Then insult them?
Look, the only fact that you have conveyed is that no electricity is getting to key systems.
My 12 year old, who has a clear grasp of logic, would say that there are only two possibilities:
1. there is no electricity available(the battery is dead, and your friend's assertion on the battery being new/good is a red herring).
2. there is a break in the path (bad ground, bad cables, etc...all of which have been discussed.)
But I didn't chose to diagnose, since you said that, "I know you guys aren't going to know"...when, actually, I might know...but you made it really hard to care if you solved this or not...so, if you would like to know how I would troubleshoot, I would:
1. Jump it to ensure that there is electricity from a known good source.
2. Check connections, to ensure that it can flow.
But if that's too hard...and you would rather choose to believe that the fault is in my reading comprehension...well...then, good luck with this thing...
Originally Posted By: Astro14
Originally Posted By: ram_man
I know you guys aren't going to know im just curious as to what all you would check.
"Died" is so subjective that it's useless. You're right, I am not going to know...because there is no information on which to proceed...
Did you even read my post? I said there is no lights no radio no cranking it is basically an over grown rusty paper weight.
Of course I read your posts...completely...and they were next to pointless...
The first post had little information, and vernacular (dead) that was known only to you.
The second was condescending...presuming that, with little information, this forum would get it wrong....yep, you're right, if you provide insufficient information, it's likely that no one can figure it out...
So, when want help from a group, you start by providing insufficient information, followed up with condescension, bordering on insult.
I have to know, does this approach often work for you?
You ask a group for help by making it hard for them? Then insult them?
Look, the only fact that you have conveyed is that no electricity is getting to key systems.
My 12 year old, who has a clear grasp of logic, would say that there are only two possibilities:
1. there is no electricity available(the battery is dead, and your friend's assertion on the battery being new/good is a red herring).
2. there is a break in the path (bad ground, bad cables, etc...all of which have been discussed.)
But I didn't chose to diagnose, since you said that, "I know you guys aren't going to know"...when, actually, I might know...but you made it really hard to care if you solved this or not...so, if you would like to know how I would troubleshoot, I would:
1. Jump it to ensure that there is electricity from a known good source.
2. Check connections, to ensure that it can flow.
But if that's too hard...and you would rather choose to believe that the fault is in my reading comprehension...well...then, good luck with this thing...
Last edited:
Well to make sure it's not the battery you could use one from another car that you know is good. I think I read somewhere that batteries can read good but not have enough to crank. It's an easy test and proves whether or not the battery is the culprit.
Also, first step would always be to check the battery terminals for corrosion and make sure they're on good and firm.
If those are both good and you don't get any lights, sound, nothing when you turn the key I'd suggest testing your fusebox to see if you have power to it(test all the fuse terminals).
Then check the cables to and from the starter. It's possible a fusible link died. Might be worth sanding/filing the eyelet connectors on the wire to the starter. Even if it's not the problem it will help connectivity.
Jiggling some of the wires in the engine cavity, albeit sounding vague, could help. If it does then you know you have a loose wire somewhere.
Can't say whether or not it's the ignition switch without verifying where/if you have power. Ignition switch doesn't control all the power, though it does of course allow the vehicle to be started via the key.
Also, first step would always be to check the battery terminals for corrosion and make sure they're on good and firm.
If those are both good and you don't get any lights, sound, nothing when you turn the key I'd suggest testing your fusebox to see if you have power to it(test all the fuse terminals).
Then check the cables to and from the starter. It's possible a fusible link died. Might be worth sanding/filing the eyelet connectors on the wire to the starter. Even if it's not the problem it will help connectivity.
Jiggling some of the wires in the engine cavity, albeit sounding vague, could help. If it does then you know you have a loose wire somewhere.
Can't say whether or not it's the ignition switch without verifying where/if you have power. Ignition switch doesn't control all the power, though it does of course allow the vehicle to be started via the key.
Last edited:
Propflux01
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Originally Posted By: Astro14
This whole thread reminds me of Pakleds on ST TNG...
"our ship won't go...can you make it go?"
"What's wrong with it?"
"it won't go..."
Let's send Geordi over to help out!
This whole thread reminds me of Pakleds on ST TNG...
"our ship won't go...can you make it go?"
"What's wrong with it?"
"it won't go..."
Let's send Geordi over to help out!
Originally Posted By: Astro14
Originally Posted By: ram_man
Originally Posted By: Astro14
Originally Posted By: ram_man
I know you guys aren't going to know im just curious as to what all you would check.
"Died" is so subjective that it's useless. You're right, I am not going to know...because there is no information on which to proceed...
Did you even read my post? I said there is no lights no radio no cranking it is basically an over grown rusty paper weight.
Of course I read your posts...completely...and they were next to pointless...
The first post had little information, and vernacular (dead) that was known only to you.
The second was condescending...presuming that, with little information, this forum would get it wrong....yep, you're right, if you provide insufficient information, it's likely that no one can figure it out...
So, when want help from a group, you start by providing insufficient information, followed up with condescension, bordering on insult.
I have to know, does this approach often work for you?
You ask a group for help by making it hard for them? Then insult them?
Look, the only fact that you have conveyed is that no electricity is getting to key systems.
My 12 year old, who has a clear grasp of logic, would say that there are only two possibilities:
1. there is no electricity available(the battery is dead, and your friend's assertion on the battery being new/good is a red herring).
2. there is a break in the path (bad ground, bad cables, etc...all of which have been discussed.)
But I didn't chose to diagnose, since you said that, "I know you guys aren't going to know"...when, actually, I might know...but you made it really hard to care if you solved this or not...so, if you would like to know how I would troubleshoot, I would:
1. Jump it to ensure that there is electricity from a known good source.
2. Check connections, to ensure that it can flow.
But if that's too hard...and you would rather choose to believe that the fault is in my reading comprehension...well...then, good luck with this thing...
Sir I am pretty sure you are taking things out of context... I know none of you is just going to know what is wrong. I just want some ideas and advice. Also I am pretty sure everyone understood what I meant, except for you. So instead of getting all high on keyboard why don't you take a chill pill and stop being rude.
Thanks again for the understanding
Originally Posted By: ram_man
Originally Posted By: Astro14
Originally Posted By: ram_man
I know you guys aren't going to know im just curious as to what all you would check.
"Died" is so subjective that it's useless. You're right, I am not going to know...because there is no information on which to proceed...
Did you even read my post? I said there is no lights no radio no cranking it is basically an over grown rusty paper weight.
Of course I read your posts...completely...and they were next to pointless...
The first post had little information, and vernacular (dead) that was known only to you.
The second was condescending...presuming that, with little information, this forum would get it wrong....yep, you're right, if you provide insufficient information, it's likely that no one can figure it out...
So, when want help from a group, you start by providing insufficient information, followed up with condescension, bordering on insult.
I have to know, does this approach often work for you?
You ask a group for help by making it hard for them? Then insult them?
Look, the only fact that you have conveyed is that no electricity is getting to key systems.
My 12 year old, who has a clear grasp of logic, would say that there are only two possibilities:
1. there is no electricity available(the battery is dead, and your friend's assertion on the battery being new/good is a red herring).
2. there is a break in the path (bad ground, bad cables, etc...all of which have been discussed.)
But I didn't chose to diagnose, since you said that, "I know you guys aren't going to know"...when, actually, I might know...but you made it really hard to care if you solved this or not...so, if you would like to know how I would troubleshoot, I would:
1. Jump it to ensure that there is electricity from a known good source.
2. Check connections, to ensure that it can flow.
But if that's too hard...and you would rather choose to believe that the fault is in my reading comprehension...well...then, good luck with this thing...
Sir I am pretty sure you are taking things out of context... I know none of you is just going to know what is wrong. I just want some ideas and advice. Also I am pretty sure everyone understood what I meant, except for you. So instead of getting all high on keyboard why don't you take a chill pill and stop being rude.
Thanks again for the understanding
Originally Posted By: JasonTL
Well to make sure it's not the battery you could use one from another car that you know is good. I think I read somewhere that batteries can read good but not have enough to crank. It's an easy test and proves whether or not the battery is the culprit.
Also, first step would always be to check the battery terminals for corrosion and make sure they're on good and firm.
If those are both good and you don't get any lights, sound, nothing when you turn the key I'd suggest testing your fusebox to see if you have power to it(test all the fuse terminals).
Then check the cables to and from the starter. It's possible a fusible link died. Might be worth sanding/filing the eyelet connectors on the wire to the starter. Even if it's not the problem it will help connectivity.
Jiggling some of the wires in the engine cavity, albeit sounding vague, could help. If it does then you know you have a loose wire somewhere.
Can't say whether or not it's the ignition switch without verifying where/if you have power. Ignition switch doesn't control all the power, though it does of course allow the vehicle to be started via the key.
Thank you for the great advice, I just didn't know if maybe there was a common culprit for this issue on these trucks.
Tomorrow will be the day we go through it.
To be a little more helpful. He told me today he was adjusting the distributor by ear and he shut it off to adjust and after the 3rd time no more power......
The reason i was so vague is I don't have a whole lot of info to go on.
I was told it was dead the lights didn't work and neither did anything else. I relayed the information on here and I guess a couple people go loopy when they aren't written a novel. Well I originally told you guys what I knew I could have done it in a few words or several hundred but does it honestly make a difference? Sorry to the few who misunderstood or took my words out of context . I wasn't trying to be unclear.
Well to make sure it's not the battery you could use one from another car that you know is good. I think I read somewhere that batteries can read good but not have enough to crank. It's an easy test and proves whether or not the battery is the culprit.
Also, first step would always be to check the battery terminals for corrosion and make sure they're on good and firm.
If those are both good and you don't get any lights, sound, nothing when you turn the key I'd suggest testing your fusebox to see if you have power to it(test all the fuse terminals).
Then check the cables to and from the starter. It's possible a fusible link died. Might be worth sanding/filing the eyelet connectors on the wire to the starter. Even if it's not the problem it will help connectivity.
Jiggling some of the wires in the engine cavity, albeit sounding vague, could help. If it does then you know you have a loose wire somewhere.
Can't say whether or not it's the ignition switch without verifying where/if you have power. Ignition switch doesn't control all the power, though it does of course allow the vehicle to be started via the key.
Thank you for the great advice, I just didn't know if maybe there was a common culprit for this issue on these trucks.
Tomorrow will be the day we go through it.
To be a little more helpful. He told me today he was adjusting the distributor by ear and he shut it off to adjust and after the 3rd time no more power......
The reason i was so vague is I don't have a whole lot of info to go on.
I was told it was dead the lights didn't work and neither did anything else. I relayed the information on here and I guess a couple people go loopy when they aren't written a novel. Well I originally told you guys what I knew I could have done it in a few words or several hundred but does it honestly make a difference? Sorry to the few who misunderstood or took my words out of context . I wasn't trying to be unclear.
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