Forum Discussion

ceaser_22000's avatar
ceaser_22000
Explorer
Feb 09, 2014

full battery Truck wont start

Hello yesterday the key got left on after doing some tail lamp work on my 2002 GMC sierra 5.3L, so I put the battery charger on it for the night, now this morning the battery charger says full and I got cab lights and the door chime still work but when I turn to start the truck all I hear is a clicking noise,the alternator was replaced last year. what is my next step to diagnose the problem.

Another observation I made was curious was the fuel gauge was way past full the hand was laying a the bottom of gauge which was real unusual as all the other gauges were fine. any input would be appreciated.
Tow Vehicles

9 Replies

  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Feb 09, 2014
    2002 GMC.....is this original battery?

    If yes.......buy a new one/
    If no...take it out, go to auto parts store have them load test.......then buy a new one.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Feb 09, 2014
    ceaser 22000 wrote:
    Just went and checked I have head lamps and cab lights


    Doesn't really mean anything at all. Battery can still be shot and not be able to deliver enough current to start the eng.
    You need to get the battery load tested.
  • Pauljdav's avatar
    Pauljdav
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2014
    My vote is on a bad connection. On those side terminal batteries it takes very little corrosion or bad connections to make it not turn over.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Feb 09, 2014
    Do not know what truck you have.
    Turn on the ignition switch, does the idiot lights come on? If no check the ignition fuse. Problem could be main fuse, sometime located under the hood. Depending on Make there could be more then one. The bad one could provide power to ignition switch controlled items.
    Sounds like the only functions working are not ignition switch controlled.
  • ibyers's avatar
    ibyers
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2014
    agree with RW,


    If a connection is loose, or dirty terminals, you will have enough contact to provide power to run lights, but not enough contact for high amp draw.
  • Mandalay_Parr's avatar
    Mandalay_Parr
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2014
    Sounds like your battery went south. Enough to light the lights but not crank the engine.

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