1984 GMC Suburban Starter, Battery, or Fuses?

PKOUFOS61

MEMBER
1984 GMC SUBURBAN
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

The battery was dead this morning. Tried to get a jump from a neighbor. Made a horrible chunking/clanking noise when I tried to turn it over. Got battery charged and tested. Battery is good, but truck won't start, lights won't turn on. Need a new battery and new starter, maybe fuses?

4 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

Have the battery load tested fist, this is the only test that will prove the battery one way or the other, also have the starter check.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Sunday, August 9th, 2009 AT 10:04 PM

PKOUFOS61

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hello, Mark! I took your advice, mate. The battery was not load tested, so even if it comes up okay on tests and is charged to the 12+ volts I need, it's meaningless. I found a decent used battery at half the price of a similar new one. Truck started right up. Traveled about 22 kilometers without a problem, parked in front of my home. Ten minutes later, the truck wouldn't turn over. Thoughts?

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Thursday, August 13th, 2009 AT 11:54 PM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

You may have a current draw problem draining the battery, do you know how to do a current draw test. There are fusible links connected to the main wires at the starter. One or two are probably shot and need replacing. Auto parts stores carry them.

Mark

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Friday, August 14th, 2009 AT 1:24 AM

PKOUFOS61

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4 POSTS

First, thank you so much for your help!

Second, yes, I think I remember how to do a current draw test, but you tell me (still trying to get my mechanic's chops back)--place the wire that we want to measure in series with a resistor and place a voltmeter across the resistor, and don't turn the ignition. I remember something about Ohm law and Kirchoffs law but that's not much help on the practical level. Lol

But get this--I let the truck sit for an hour, went out and it started right up.

UPDATE: Started up after an hour last night, but this afternoon the truck won't turn over. Maybe I should get the alternator checked? If it's not charging then the vechile wont keep charge or stay running?

Thanks!

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Friday, August 14th, 2009 AT 1:48 AM