2008 gmc sierra 1500 electrical problem

[cajunwolf]

has a 2008 gmc sierra 1500 a while back my battery died so i replace with a new one has run good for about 2 months then it started kinda the same problem , i get in turn the key and nothing at all turn key off and back on and nothing it happens several times then out the blue it starts , now while it happening i got no lights no dash lights or head lights then like i said it appears . i put a meter to the battery and it shows 12.8 volts one other thing i found the hot lead is very warm and this is without it cranking or even lights coming on the negtive is cool to the touch , check for loose connections and do not find any so is wondering if this has happen to others and what the cause might be

[Doug_Scott]

Are you saying that the positive battery cable is warmer than the negative cable BEFORE you try to start the truck?

 

Typically when trying to start an engine and getting absolutely nothing when turning the key usually points to a bad connection on the battery cables. This bad connection does not necessarily mean loose. Remove both cables from battery, and clean the connections completely. While the cables are off of the battery, follow the cables to the other ends, and take them off there and clean the connections. Note that a clean connection is a shiny connection. Dull may mean there is still oxidation of the metal present, and oxidation is a pretty good insulator.

 

While cables are off, bend the cable right at the connection of the terminal to check for any corrosion. It can be any colour, and can be powdery or not. Any sign of corrosion in that part of the cable is best handled by replacing the cable. Once corrosion gets under the insulation, you have lost control of it. The warm cable leads me to think the cable is corroded under the insulation.

[2017SierraSLT]

It is fairly common in these trucks to have corroded cables internally, but on the exterior they look ok. Replace the cables and all shoudl be well again.

[gmcblack]

hello I ask help on ac and gauges not working but no replies back. im new here but what they say help me . I clean all ground wires , an seems to have help also ground on back of block and ground on core support .trucks better thanks hope you try that to also clean batt term pos/neg

[cajunwolf]

yes clean and check all connections and are clean and yes it just the postive post if i go out 2 days later touch the postive it is warm as if there a current draw on it negtive is cool to the touch and it not a everytime go out and crank up it could start 20 times in a row then once or twice in a row it goes back to this manner as if there no batter at all in there when you turn the switch on with nothing no headlights radio or anything at first thought it might be something with a fuse link but has not cut the insulation off of it to check that

[Doug_Scott]

If the cable is getting warm due to something being left on, then the battery would not come back to life after trying to start it 4 times. I would disconnect one end of that battery cable, and take an ohm meter and measure the resistance in the cable. Try to not move the cable very much before or during the test.

 

If you find the cable is warm every time you check it, then after you park the truck for the night, disconnect the negative cable from the battery and let it sit overnight. Next day check the positive cable to see if it is still warm. After checking it, re-connect negative cable and see if makes any difference to the starting.

[gmcblack]

trucks are good ,,but need full up keep on grounds / all fan in cooling effected by grounds. after I did my clean up cooling fans started cycling again never work right from when it was new till now?? oh that hot cable on this post don't forget that a starter solenoid can be doing it been there done that pos cable gets warm an it al so effects lights dash gauges who no what eles .

[trip1966]

2010 sierra strater turns switch off or on wont start.any suggestions?