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2001 Sierra C3 Odd Problem

jimmysmitz

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jimmysmitz New Member

jimmysmitz

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Hi, new here and have a very odd problem. My 2001 C3 acts like something is not turning on when the ignition is turned. What I mean is that when I turn the key on I get no cluster gauges reading, the compass and temp gauge in the rearview mirror does not come on and the batterylight is on (probably because the volt meter is not reading). The truck will start and run fine (VATS is disabled) the transmission shifts perfectly and radio, ac, all the lights (including the cluster) work. It also leaves the dome light on like you shut the door and walked away with the truck off and when I open the door with the truck running it gives me all the normal bells that I have the door open with the key in the igntion. I get no security lights or anything either.

Now for the really odd part, it only happens when it is hot. I mean if I drive it in the morning before it gets hot outside, everything works great. If I drive it in the afternoon when it's hotter it acts up but sometime as I'm driving the cluster will light up, the truck dings like when you first start the truck or turn the ignition on and everything works again, usually after the AC has been running for a while which may or may not mean anything. Im thinking since it is only happening when it is hot out that it may be a bad / corroded connection somewhere and when it is hot it expands it enough to not make contact.

The truck does have an aftermarket remote start but looking at the way it was installed it was done correctly (soldered not T-taps) and all the wiring seems to be going to the correct location from what I have found online about the remote start unit and the vehicle wiring. I have unplugged the remote start unit and the problem persists. I have also tried remote starting the vehicle when it acts up thinking it would eliminate the ignition switch as being the issue but it acts the same as if I started with the key.

I figured my next step is to temporarily supply power to the accessory lead from the ignition by a jumper wire but I'm not sure if the orangeaccessory wire powers what doesn't turn on or if I need to look at something else. If jumpering the accessory wire makes everything turn on then I would say the igntion switch is either bad or has a bad connection.

Sorry for such a long post, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Cory Swanger Enthusiast

Cory Swanger

Posted
Posted

I feel like ive had the same issue before, I ended up wd40, wire brush and dielectric greasing all grounds on frame and under the hood. I dont know which one it was that fixed it but it worked

jimmysmitz New Member

jimmysmitz

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Posted

I had that thought as well, actually ran a 2nd ground from the battery to the frame today but it didn't have any effect. I'll have to start checking them all.

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