Lost most electrical functions

Tiny
GAIL GOTTSCHALK ALFT
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 GMC SIERRA
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Hi, My trucks headlights and dome lights work, but nothing else. No dash lights, no starter, no taillights. I did find a wire by the starter that was bare and on the heat shield, fixed it but that did not fix the problem.
Thursday, November 21st, 2019 AT 4:36 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
Hi,

What color was the wire and could you tell what it was going to? If it was shorted, did you check fuses?

Do me a favor. On the left lower side of the dash is the fuse block. I attached a pic below and highlighted specific fuses that I need you to check. Do this and let me know what you find. The first pic is just showing where the fuse block is located.

Here are a few links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

______________________________________________________________

Let me know if this helps and what you find. Also, let me know as much as possible regarding the wire you fixed.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, November 21st, 2019 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
GAIL GOTTSCHALK ALFT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The wire is purple and it was the small wire attached to the starter. I used my tester and there is no power to fuse box, which is confusing because the head lights and dome lights work. I even filed to bare metal to make sure tester was grounded good.
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Thursday, November 21st, 2019 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
Okay. That is the solenoid wire (s terminal). It should only have power when the key is in the start position.

Here is what I need you to check. There are two fusible links from the battery that may have failed due to the short. A fusible link looks like a regular wire, but is designed to function as a fuse. When they fail, they need replaced.

If you look at the pic I attached, check to see if power is making its way through the fusible links I circled. I also circled a 5 amp crank fuse located in the vehicle, but that isn't what is causing everything to not work.

Do this and let me know what you find. Simply check for 12v at the end of the fusible links (opposite side of the batter).

Joe
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Thursday, November 21st, 2019 AT 8:13 PM

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