Electrical Issue with 1997 Jimmy?

Tiny
DRUZZER
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 GMC JIMMY
4.3 L 4WD w/ 105,000 Miles. Issue I have is sometimes when I go to start it, the engine doesn't crank over, I lose all dash/dome lighting, and the radio presets all get wiped out. I turn the key to the off position, and then I try to start the truck again. Sometimes the above process takes place again, and sometimes the truck turns over and starts. I have a car starter that has never given me problems, and I also have an immobilizer system installed by a certified shop. I have tested the battery at 3 different shops on 6 testers, and have taken in the alternator for testing. The battery, and the alternator are good. It should be mentioned that when the above process takes place, a click is heard. When power returns to the dome/dash lights, a click is heard again. The guage indicates a good charge when it is running (over 14 volts), and there is no issue once the truck is running. Occasionally I get a flickering of the dash lights while driving, and the headlights while driving at night. I have also cleaned all the battery connections, and the terminals. I am at the end of my rope, please help!
Wednesday, November 21st, 2007 AT 6:04 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
PEAR69
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,482 POSTS
Oh no, this is just the beginning of your rope. By the time we are done you'll be jumping for joy with that rope not hanging.

Did you clean the battery ground connection? Follow the negitive wire to where it terminates to the chassy. Did you check where the positive batery wire termintes at the ECM and the fuse block? Follow the positive wire to where it terminates at the ECU and the under the hood terminal block. And of course, double check ther battery terminal connections. Sometimes they secretly corrode between the connections. Usually not seen. Let me know. Also is there any check engine lights on?
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Wednesday, November 21st, 2007 AT 12:11 PM
Tiny
DRUZZER
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Well I just finished cleaning all the terminals. I used an anti-corrosion spray, on all the terminal ends. I used a wire brush to ensure that there was bare metal that the wire ends were attached to. There are no warning, or check engine lights on. I started it up and it seemed ok (a little sluggish, but I am sure the ECM has to reset itself). This issue only really happens 85% of the time, so I will wait and see. Incidently, I took a voltage reading at the battery with the truck running and it registered 22V. I also took the reading off the altenator, and it read the same. Is this normal? Thanks for your help.
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Wednesday, November 21st, 2007 AT 1:52 PM
Tiny
PEAR69
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OH MTLANTA! Are you sure 22 volts! Check again with engine off. It should be between 12 and 14 volts. If (with the engine off) the battery reads 22 volts then you have a 22 volt battery. If ( with the engine on) you get 22 volts, you have a bad alternator or voltage regulator I should say. A cars' electrical system is a 12 volt system. Your battery should be between 13 and 14.4 volts to properly operate a 12 volt system. Why the little higher voltage? There is resistance in all wires, it's good to have a little more --push-- if you will, to get the current through. There is a voltage regulator built in your alternator. It regulates the voltage in the system. The regulator in your truck is not regulating. This will cause crazy things to happen. If it's really 22 volts change the alternator. If for some wacky reason some scientist snuck under your hood and put in a 22 volt battery then change the battery. LOLThis site runs on small or large donations please try to make one  Thanks

BTW Is there one or two batterys in this truck?
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Wednesday, November 21st, 2007 AT 6:26 PM

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