2004 Chevrolet Truck Not starting

STARTINGPROBLEM

MEMBER
2004 CHEVROLET TRUCK
105,000 MILES

After sitting for a few days, truck will not start. Dash lights will come on, then dim to nothing, no interior light, Will hook battery to charger, charger shows 3/4charged, but Truck will not start.I have replaced battery, had alternates rebuilt, and had charging system checked. After battery has charged to full, truck starts normal, but after not driving fora few days, I have to repeat charge?

1 Reply

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,758 POSTS

Have the battery tested first. Don't assume it's good. Once the battery is tested, have the system tested for a parasitic draw.

There is a procedure for finding a battery draw like that.

You will need a digital ammeter and a jumper wire with clips on the ends to do this.
First rig any door switches so you can have a door open without triggering the interior lights and unplug the hood light. Remove one battery cable and attach the meter in series between the battery cable and battery post. Take the jumper wire and also attach it the same way. Leave the jumper wire on for at least 10 minutes to expire all the automatic timers. Now remove the jumper wire and read the meter. Anything over 50ma is too much draw. The way you locate this is to start removing fuses one at a time until the meter drops to normal level. This will be the circuit with something staying on. Determine what components are part of that circuit and check them individually until the problem is isolated.