Turns over but will not crank and dash lights going crazy

Tiny
APRIL CRAVEY DEATON
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 CHEVROLET 1500
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Sometimes it cranks and sometimes it will not. When turning the key sometimes it cranks or at least turns over other times it would not do anything. I just changed the ignition now it is turning over every time. Sometimes it will crank but when it does it usually shuts off immediately. All my dash lights are going crazy! I unplugged my light and plugged them back in suddenly it started running fine. Managed to drive to the gas station with no issues, but when I left the gas station headed home I had my headlights on and as soon as I hit a bump in the intersection all my dash lights including my stereo started going nuts again and the engine started trying to cut out. Also, when the key is turned to the on position the throttle body is making a weird noise. I have already sunk $25,000.00 in this truck mechanically I am on the third motor and second transfer case in this truck since I bought it. I cannot keep sticking money into it. I have been to several different shops and each one gave me a different answer to the problem.
Tuesday, October 17th, 2017 AT 9:01 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,959 POSTS
It definitely sounds like a connection or short problem. I would start with a new battery because it can have an intermittent internal short then I would check the ground cable/strap from the engine to the frame of the truck. The frame must be grounded to the engine for the electrical system to work right.

Also, check all battery cable connections to make sure they are clean and tight.

Here are two guides that should help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

and

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

Please let us know what you find. I'm interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken

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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 11:58 AM
Tiny
APRIL CRAVEY DEATON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Took my trailer lights harness off everything is working fine now
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 6:35 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,959 POSTS
Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, October 19th, 2017 AT 11:17 AM

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