89 Sierra won't start, acting weird.

[SilverBulletSS]

I just recently purchased an 89 Sierra 2500 with the 5.7L, today it refused to start and started acting up. The vehicle is currently not being driven but I start and run it 4-5 times a week. Saturday I noticed it was having trouble cranking over, figured it needed a battery. Today I attempted to start her, first few tries were unsuccessful, on the last try the battery died, all it would do is click when I tried to turn it over. Hooked up jumper cables and ran the second vehicle for about 15 minutes while connected to the truck. Tried to turn the truck over, first attempt was really strong but it wouldn't start. Second attempt nothing. I tried a third time and not a sound not even a click, but I did hear something tapping on the instrument panel and noticed the check gauges light was on. Disconnected the jumper cables and turned the lights on the truck on, they came on as did the emergency light bar and the plow works fine, I cranked her over to see what the ticking noise was and this threw me a curve ball. The temp gauge climbs all the way past 260 degrees and the truck won't even attempt to start. Could someone please help me figure this out?

 

Thanks,

 

James

[Jsdirt]

I'd get the battery to any chain autoparts store & have it load tested after a long recharge, if you don't already own a multimeter & load tester. I'm willing to bet you just need a new battery. If your just starting the truck & not driving it, you'll never recharge it. Sitting for long periods, batteries naturally self-discharge, further adding to the problem. Alternators are not meant to recharge dead batteries ... only maintain fresh ones, & run your accessories.

 

Lights don't draw many amps .. but starters do. You could have proper voltage without the proper amperage. A load test will find that problem.

[SilverBulletSS]

Thanks man, I had a feeling it was the battery, I've seen them do that before but not to the temp gauge, used to work as a tech but have sold a lot of my stuff over the years. Didn't have the proper equipment to test myself so I thought I'd ask.