S10, total electrical failure

novek_77 · July 1, 2003

When driving across town on Sunday I noticed that the battery light had come on my 97 S10 2.2 RWD truck, a closer look showed the volt meter pushing down towards 12 from the 13+ it normaly reads. I drove it home and after looking at the time (20 mins till parts stores closed) I picked up a new alternator. After I installed the alternator and re-connected the battery, I was presented with...completly dead electrical system. No dome lights, no light under the hood, nothing. Checked the fuse box (should have done this before the alternator swap, but forgot) and found at 20amp fuse labeled engine 1 that was blown. I replaced the fuse, which did not re-blow, but there was no effect. I found a wire coming from the + side of the battery that said "fuseable link" on the wire. I don't know how to test to see if this is bad, or know if it could generate the symtoms I have described. For that matter is there another bank of fuses besides the one by the driver's door? I should note that a voltmeter read 12.5 volts on the battery with the electrical system dead.

jherdt · July 2, 2003

Do you get anything on the volt meter at the fuse box?

Just a thought...Jim

JimG · July 2, 2003

I use to own a Sonoma ... unfortuantely the repair book is at home and I'm not.

Fusible links are used for some circuits as a method of protection, but where a fuse would not be practical. They're 18 gauge wire, so the wire cooks if too much current goes through and protects the circuit. You can test them with an volt-ohm meter by checking for continuity, i.e., if the wire didn't melt, you'll have 0 resistance (ohms). If the wire's busted, you'll have high (infinite) ohms.

Now, there's nothing aftermarket installed on this truck that would affect the engine in any way?

Those fuses shouldn't just blow for no reason. If you can't find the problem, you're going to need to bring it to the dealer or an auto electrical shop.

mnstrmdnss · July 2, 2003

now i know on my '98 i have a 100 amp master fuse below the battery tray on the core support(have to pull out the battery and the tray to see it). that is inline from the batt + to the underhood fuse box.