Battery Problems?

[Sierra and Jimmy]

Posted this message over at the Compact Truck section, figured I'd post it here too.

 

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.

[Wingnut]

I have had to replace several battery cables on an 89', and my 92'. They looked fine, but were corroded as he!! on the inside. It will kill the battery, not to mention the starter and alternator. All the while doing exactly what you are describing.

 

 

Just my .02