Lost all Electrical Power -00 Bravada

BryanS · July 25, 2003

My parents recently purchased a 2000 Olds Bravada and about 2-3 weeks ago they went to start it and it lost all power. Figuring the battery had went dead it was replaced with a new battery and it also received a new positive battery lead since it was corroded. After replacing those pieces it started right up and seemed fine. Just a couple days later it did the exact same thing. No electrical power at all. A GM tech looked at it and said that it was most likely a bad alternator. So it got replaced as well. Started right up and seemed fine. Tonight I get a call and it has happened yet again. Since they were in a restaurant parking lot I drove over to see if I could get it started so it could be drove home. When I arrived I went to make sure the positive battery cable was tight and when I put the wrench on it the under-hood light came on. After fiddling with it, the truck finally started. The connector was tight on both positive and negative terminals. When it loses power when you try to start it, the truck will lock the key into the ignition and it can't be removed. Thoughts?

Thanks!

kdeatrick · July 25, 2003

I would make sure the new positve lead was good as well as the negative. Also check the ground wires and the cable to the starter.

I assume that the belt tensioner and fan belt are also in good condition, as they should have been notcied when replacing the alternator.

Beyond that, My dad had a similar problem on a 93 blazer theat ended up being a relay on the firewall. It was intermittent like that, but I don't think it caused a loss of 12 volts to the system.

You could also have some other type of short in the system. Perhaps it will need diagnosed by computer.

Since they recently purchased it, I am hoping the dealer is standing behind it!

Good luck...

BryanS · July 26, 2003

Thanks for the reply.

Positive and negative leads are good.

Belt tensioner and belt seem fine as well.

The truck hasn't been purchased "that" recently, first of april, so no warranty. They purchased a warranty from Warranty Gold, but Warranty Gold is trying to go out of business therefor they aren't paying claims! Ughh! I purchased a Yukon three days earlier than them and my warranty is also in the can.

bowtie_pasta · July 26, 2003

I had a similair issue with my 97' blazer. It would intermittently cut out while running. Shut off, stop dead. Then it would not want to start, I had 12 volts to the starter, but it wouldn't pop. This would occur intermittently and my shop had trouble finding the problem.

Ended up being my ignition switch. There is several wires going to a harness that support that. When it went out I couldn't even shift it out of park. Something to check out.

BryanS · July 26, 2003

bowtie_pasta,

The "won't shift out of park" is very familar. Once it happens it locks the key and you can't shift out of park. Hmmm, might have to look into the ignition switch. Anyone have an idea of cost to replace the ignition switch?