Battery Problem?

Sierra and Jimmy · September 29, 2003

Hi gang. Good to talk to u guys again. Got a question about my 91 S15 Jimmy, 4.3.

Truck has been slow to start for the last couple of weeks. Excessive slow whine when I turn the key. Sounds like a battery issue. Took a trip this week to Philly, about 330 miles 1 way. Stopped for gas, couldn't get the truck started. Turned over weakly, but wouldn't start. Again, I'm thinking battery. Got a jump, started rite away. Didn't shut off truck til I got to my destination. Next day, about 18 hours since I turned off the truck, turned the key and it started up. Hmmm?

This morning I went out to start the truck again, and it started up again. Drove back the entire way without shutting truck off and didn't have a problem. Volt meter was consistantly in the 14 Volt range (normal).

1 other thing I want to add. The power rear glass release button (rite below the cig lighter) fails to operate now. It went on the blink about the same time as my battery/starting problems.

What do u guys think? Battery? Alternator? Starter? Plug wires resting on hot exhaust manifold? I wanted to run these Q's by you guys before I go out and buy a new battery. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Pete

jherdt · September 30, 2003

My very unprofessional opinion is battery, but I definately would have the alternator checked. Most any shop can check the status of your battery and alternator quickly and for free. I wouldn't think the glass release button would be related to a weak battery.

Good Luck...Let us know what you find out.

Jim

Worktruck · September 30, 2003

What if the window switch was stuck on? Would that cause enough of a draw to kill the battery?

Tex2kZR2 · September 30, 2003

Your volt showing 14 indicates it is not the alternator. If your battery is a couple of years old I would say it is time to change it. Don't want to get stuck out in the middle of nowhere.

kdeatrick · October 1, 2003

I would take the switch off and test it witha either a voltmeter or test light.

It could have shorted out, or stuck on, which then burnt the switch. The swithc stuck on probably killed the battery.

My guess is the battery is fine, but Winter is coming!!! So you can't go wrong replacing that as well.

pacodiablo · October 1, 2003

If it is starting slowly after just running, but starting fine after sitting, the battery could have a problem charging. This is not really on the same level, but on the MTD lawn tractor I used to have the battery was very weak and never really built up a good charge. It would need to sit for a day or more before the charge was strong enough to start the tractor. Just an idea.