Cannot get it to start

JERAMEY HEATH

MEMBER
1980 CHEVROLET 1500
5.7L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
136,000 MILES

I had the truck start 10 minutes prior then it ended up shutting off out on me I was unable to get a power connection. So I uncovered some of the clean wiring and reconnected the battery terminals. After clamping on the clean wiring the light on the dash comes on, but when I turn the key forward the light goes out and it seems as if I lost all power to the truck not even trying to crank over.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

Hi,

If the battery is good and fully charged, you have a bad connection. Recheck the battery terminals making sure they are clean and tight. Also, confirm the ground from the battery to the engine block is in good condition, tight, and clean as well. Carefully confirm the wires on the starter are good.

Take a look through this link. It may be helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Please keep in mind, if the battery is nearly dead, the same thing can happen, so reconfirm that it is charged and in good condition. If you can, remove it and take it to a parts store. Most will load test it for free.

Here is a way of testing the battery at home, but you need to get it back to the point where the lights work:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.
Take care,
Joe