No Crank, Just Clicks Once, No Brake Lights. Gauges, Wipers (But Headlights Work)
01-08-2011, 04:29 AM
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No Crank, Just Clicks Once, No Brake Lights. Gauges, Wipers (But Headlights Work)
1991 pickup, 22RE, 2WD, 225,000 miles.
This happened to me earlier this week, and stranded me for several days until we figured it out. Truck had been sitting for two weeks in the rain without being started. and just did nothing when I turned the key.
First I assumed a dead battery and tried a jump start. No dice. So I took the battery out of another vehicle and tried to start with that. Still nothing.
Checked the starter by running a jumper to it, and starter was OK.
Replaced every fuse. Still nothing.
Finally got the truck to start by doing a push start and I began the 3 1/2 hour drive home. I figured I could at least get home, even though the electrical system was still acting up and I had no brake lights, no heater fan, no turn signals, or gauges, just headlights and dome light were working.
About 90 minutes into the drive, the engine started missing and I pulled over as the battery died.
Had to be towed back, and still had no idea what the problem was.
Replaced ignition switch. Still no dice.
Started looking at relays and tried to pull the alternator relay, but ended up breaking it because it was bolted in. Got a new one put in and it blew as soon as I reconnected the battery. WTF?
Had alternator checked at Autozone. It had a short that prevented it from even being tested.
Slapped in new alternator and truck started right up.
Evidently, a bad alternator can take down most of your electrical system, which I did not know. Common sense would indicate a wiring short or blown fuse, but a bad alternator? Who knew?
Hope this helps someone out there.
This happened to me earlier this week, and stranded me for several days until we figured it out. Truck had been sitting for two weeks in the rain without being started. and just did nothing when I turned the key.
First I assumed a dead battery and tried a jump start. No dice. So I took the battery out of another vehicle and tried to start with that. Still nothing.
Checked the starter by running a jumper to it, and starter was OK.
Replaced every fuse. Still nothing.
Finally got the truck to start by doing a push start and I began the 3 1/2 hour drive home. I figured I could at least get home, even though the electrical system was still acting up and I had no brake lights, no heater fan, no turn signals, or gauges, just headlights and dome light were working.
About 90 minutes into the drive, the engine started missing and I pulled over as the battery died.
Had to be towed back, and still had no idea what the problem was.
Replaced ignition switch. Still no dice.
Started looking at relays and tried to pull the alternator relay, but ended up breaking it because it was bolted in. Got a new one put in and it blew as soon as I reconnected the battery. WTF?
Had alternator checked at Autozone. It had a short that prevented it from even being tested.
Slapped in new alternator and truck started right up.
Evidently, a bad alternator can take down most of your electrical system, which I did not know. Common sense would indicate a wiring short or blown fuse, but a bad alternator? Who knew?
Hope this helps someone out there.
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