Starting Problem

[Shooter_va]

I bought my 2001 Silverado 2500HD, 8.1L CC used about one month ago with 44000 miles. This past weekend (after climate it got cooler) my truck wouldn't start after sitting unlocked for approx. 8 hrs but would start when jumping the battery.

Had battery & charging system ckecked:OK.

When the truck sits locked (overnight and with even colder temperatures 20F) it starts fine.

Another time I was waiting in a parking lot and listening to the radio for about 25min, went shopping for 1hr and when I came back, truck wouldn't start either (needed to be jumped).

Does anybody have an idea what could drain the battery while the truck sits unlocked?

I didn't have any problems prior to this past weekend.

[Shooter_va]

Come on, any ideas?

[SoMnDMAX]

Sounds identical to the problem I had with my '99. Sometimes it was fine, sometimes it wouldn't start. Sometimes after sitting a day and a half it'd start, sometimes after sitting 1/2 hour, it wouldn't start. Sound familiar?

 

The battery was bad.

 

My SM would check the battery with GM's prescribed tester, and it'd test good. Throw the old Snap-On inductive load tester on it, turn up the load a bit, and the battery would go stone dead immediately. Replaced the battery and never had a starting problem with the truck again. Put 25,000 miles on the replacement battery before I sold the truck.

[sutak]

Before you spend too much money, check your ground connections. There is a connection near the power steering pump. I had a voltage drop across that connection that caused me grief for 10 month.

I had similar symptoms to your truck. If there is a voltage drop across any connection it will reduce the amount of juice to your starter to the point that it will not turn over. Good luck,

Larry.

2001 Chev K3500 Crew, 8.1L, Allison Tranny. 10,000 miles

[GMCZ71]

I had the same problem with a 77 vette. I replaced the battery because it was old and the new one was dead overnight. I put a meter on it and watched it drain slowly. I started to disconnect things until the drain quit. Turned out I had a shorted starter. Replaced the starter and all was fine. In your case I would put a meter on the battery and see if you are draining. You will need to watch it for hours to see the drain. Then start disconnecting one electrical connection at a time until the drain goes away. That will be your problem.  Good Luck

[Shaners]

I'd also take a look at the connections at the starter too.  I've seen other people in this forum that have had problems with their cables coming loose at the starter.

[JonesNTN]

Remove the connections completely and check for corrosion.

[Shooter_va]

Thanks everybody. I took SoMnDMAX's advise and bought a new battery. I removed the negative cable: no problem, tried to remove the positive: the whole stinking post came off and was stuck on the bolt. I could also see the there was a slight leak at that post and after removal of the broken post from the bolt, there was approx. 2mm corrosion. This is the 2nd AC Delco battery that was junk ( my first was on my 1994 truck where the sidepost started leaking after approx. 1.5 years).

[AssKickinHD]

I have the same problem with my 01 HD! Very anoying especially when you have to jump it everytime you gas up!! I have never had a delco battery last more than 13 mo in any gm vehicle Ive had. While the Dealer says thats normal for any battery in AZ I know its BS since I have 2 $30 wal-mart batteries that are going on 3-1/2 years now! Delco's are junk, make a better anchor than a battery!

[RyanbabZ71]

My moms went bad in her blazer.  Had a bad cell.  Replaced under warranty.  One time i washed it and had the radio on (truck not running) for 5-10 min.  Truck wouldnt start and i had to charge it (didnt have another vehicle at the time to jumpt it)

[bummed-n-Md]

Some words of advice.  Take it for what its worth....

 

Rule of thumb - Each time you start a vehicle, you need to 'run' the engine (not idle) for about 25 to 30 minutes to put back in what you took out during the start operation.

 

I used to run the battery maintance facility at MCAS Yuma Az.  Batteries in vehicles that were started and driven only a short distance wore out in no time.  Vehicles that ran 'long' times between starts had very little battery problems.  In addition to multiple types of aircraft batteries, I supported every government vehicle on the base, from tow tractors and refuelers, to the base police cars.

 

My last battery lasted 8.5 years. (it was the original battery in my '92 pickup and it was a "5 year' battery).  For my daily commute, I drive 30 miles one way.  Where I live, for 'errands' I normally drive a minimum of 6 to 10 miles one way everytime I start the truck.  The last one in my wife's minivan (again the original from '94) lasted 7+.

:thumb:

 

I have a friend who lives in a 'city' area and only drives about 2 miles (or less) per start.  He goes through batteries about every 2 years. (refuses to listen to my advice)  

 

If you do an LOT of short driving and you want to keep batteries lasting longer, once a week or so, go out for a 'long drive' on the highway, (100 miles at 55+ is good), especially in winter.  You should see better performance out of your batteries.

 

save your money for beer!

 

bummed.

[JonesNTN]

Another Testament to Delco's battery division. GM's brass needs to down there and kick some nutz.