Random failure to start/dead battery like symptoms

[RStrain56]

I have a 2009 Silverado 1500 with just under 96k miles, and here are the details of the issue...

 

The truck can start up and drive like normal, and then I can literally go back to it and nothing will power on, no lights, no attempt to crank, absolutely nothing. I can only hear some clicking in what sounds like from the driver side door, but that's it. The first time it happened, a jump start got it going.

 

Initially, I thought a bad battery. It's less than a year old, but had it tested and it was fine.

 

It happened a second time. It powered on momentarily with a check engine light, and I was able to get the code. P2127 with other messages saying reduced engine power, service stabilitrak, etc. However, the engine was running and idling fine. I drove it and when I turned the truck off, it went totally dead again. This time a jump start didn't help. I removed the negative terminal cable from the battery, then placed it back. Everything powered back on and the truck started up. I brought it to a reputable, local shop. They had it for almost 10 days and couldn't recreate the issue. It checked out mechanically and diagnostically. I got the truck back, and for 2 weeks it's been fine... until last night, I got stuck again with the same problem. Lifted and replaced the negative terminal, got it home. Never again have I gotten another check engine light.

 

I'm at a loss and haven't found anything related on any forums just yet, so I wanted to finally reach out and see if anyone even remotely has a clue where to start?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

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[rusty503]

Based on what you said, you have a bad ground cable at the battery. Don't base your thinking on how it looks. Almost certain you have corrosion under the insulation someplace. Just replace that cable. There are many posts on here about this issue.

[RStrain56]

Ok, I'll start digging into it and see what I can find. I'll try anything at this point.

Thank you!

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[Mikebtte]

On 11/22/2019 at 11:14 AM, rusty503 said:

Based on what you said, you have a bad ground cable at the battery. Don't base your thinking on how it looks. Almost certain you have corrosion under the insulation someplace. Just replace that cable. There are many posts on here about this issue.

Second the bad ground. 

[RStrain56]

I replaced the negative terminal cable, so we'll see what happens. The old one didn't look to be in terrible shape. Slightly suspect at the lugging point that went to the negative terminal on the battery itself, but otherwise fine.

At only ~$45, it certainly didn't hurt to change it and see what happens.

Thanks, again!

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[RStrain56]

Just an update..

Replaced the negative battery cable/ground connection set. It's been working fine, until yesterday... similar issue. Went to start, but this time there was a momentary hesitation before it cranked. When it did start, everything had reset like a battery had just been changed.

I was thinking I'd go ahead and replace the cable(s) on the positive terminal as well, to the starter solenoid and along the firewall to the fuse box. Those parts are proving to be difficult to figure out exactly which ones I need.

Any thoughts?

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