more electrical issues with our 99 burb

[Cowboy_80]

Do you mean the ground strap between the engine and body? That thing doesn't really matter. It's a nice thing to have, but if you don't have one, the truck will still work. If it's the ground cable off of the batt, then yes, that could have contributed to the problem.

 

[Craig Artzner]

I had a stalling/starting problem with my '96 Tahoe about 5 years ago. It was intermittent just like your problem. Took me forever to figure it out.

My problem was the wire that goes from the alternator to the engine block. Check the connection at the engine block. It should be at the front of the motor. It's just a nut on a stud that pins the wire to the block (or head maybe I'm not 100% sure). The nut somehow backed itself off and the terminal at the end of the alternator wire was just hanging loose on the stud. I tightened it down and problem ceased. If the connection looks secure check that entire wire for continuity.

What I noticed about mine was that the whenever my truck wouldn't start, the little orange shift indicator lights would be dead also. But the rest of the electrical system (dome lights/door locks/radio) would turn on just fine. There was nothing wrong with my battery. Is that what your 'burb does?

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Yeah I would check all alternator wiring both positive and negative. The Battery cables being corroded is a known issue. Also check the small junction box near the battery on the rad support.

My 99 Tahoe has very similar issues. It will Stall, Sometimes it just wont start..as in wont turn over, When you get it started back up sometimes the gauges are all high (all reading about 1/4" above normal) Wierd. The only other elcetrical issue I have is my driver side window sometimes wont go up. Give it a sec then it works.

I just keep checking terminals and grounds everywhere. Hasnt acted up in awhile, but who knows.

 

[NEK5]

Do you mean the ground strap between the engine and body?

Yep, the one that goes from the body to the frame, to the engine.

I had a stalling/starting problem with my '96 Tahoe about 5 years ago. It was intermittent just like your problem. Took me forever to figure it out.

My problem was the wire that goes from the alternator to the engine block. Check the connection at the engine block. It should be at the front of the motor. It's just a nut on a stud that pins the wire to the block (or head maybe I'm not 100% sure). The nut somehow backed itself off and the terminal at the end of the alternator wire was just hanging loose on the stud. I tightened it down and problem ceased. If the connection looks secure check that entire wire for continuity.

What I noticed about mine was that the whenever my truck wouldn't start, the little orange shift indicator lights would be dead also. But the rest of the electrical system (dome lights/door locks/radio) would turn on just fine. There was nothing wrong with my battery. Is that what your 'burb does?

As of right now, everything was pretty much dead. Lights are real dim, nothing else really works. Weird thing was when you turning the key, in between the on/off positions, the shift ind. light would get brighther. Looks like its definitely a dead batt. But what killed it?

Yeah I would check all alternator wiring both positive and negative. The Battery cables being corroded is a known issue. Also check the small junction box near the battery on the rad support.

Will do. Took the day off tomorrow so I can get this figured out. Goodbye work week, hello 5 day weekend

 

[K588]

I have a '99 2500 and have gotten approx 2-3 years out of a battery dont know why, replaced the orginal with a GM battery got 2 years out of it and replaced it with an Optima red top and it went up last night after 3 years, took the yellow top out of the K5 and that seemed to solve the problem. Dont know why this thing seems to go thru batteries quicker than any other vechicle I have owned.

 

[NEK5]

Well, took the battery out, and got a new one at advanved with a 2 year replacement, and all is good for now. I tested the alternator with the load tester while the truck was running, and it read borderline 15, so it`s fine.

Thanks for all the help guys!