susanb

Hi Everyone
Got into my 98 Jimmy this am - key in - engine turned over and started - ran for a second or 2 then shut down. When I went to restart - nothing - no instrument panel indicators (ie abs, security etc.) BUT I noticed my fuel gauge started spinning erractically when I tried to start the vehicle. The needle ended up at the bottom of the dial.
I connected up my battery charger and an hour later the truck turned over and started with no hestiation. The cable connects on the battery are clean and tight - battery is 2 years old. Do I have a bad ground? Also Ive read on this great forum, problems with ignition switches - Is this too a problem with the 98 Jimmy? Any advice would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance,
Susan

MT-2500

Cables and grounds and connections are a good place to start.
MT

__________________
Remember proper testing gives us the answer to many problems.
MT

susanb

Hi MT
Thanks for responding. I went out to start the Jimmy - key in turned over ran for a second or 2 - then complete loss of power - key would not come out of ignition. I put my charger on and within 5 minutes I was able to remove the key. The battery charged up to 75% and the Jimmy turned over and was running as per normal.
Now guys, be nice 'cause I'm try'in to fix this myself - Is it the alternator - which drew the battery down thus causing the key to lock in the column - then with the quick charge the key released and within minutes it started up ok.
I ran it for a few minutes - then shut it down - and put the charger back on and noticed it was charging but at 40%. It will probably charge back up to restart it as before - so my question is if the alternator is gone should I replace the battery too?? Will a bad alternator show up on the computer??
Your advice would be really appreciated. Thanks again in advance,
Susan

MT-2500

You are welcome.

First make sure the battery is charging up good and is good.
Most auto parts places will test the battery and alternator charging system.

A good volt meter will tell you if the battery charge is good and show alternator charging.

A good charged battery will read about 13.5 or more volts.
with it running and if the alternator is charging voltage should come up about a volt over battery voltage.
Up around 14.2 - 14.4 volts.

Good Luck
Mt

__________________
Remember proper testing gives us the answer to many problems.
MT

susanb

Thanks MT
I will have it checked tomorrow am - both battery and alternator. Will post the findings.
Susan

MT-2500

You are welcome and let us know how it goes.
Good luck
MT

__________________
Remember proper testing gives us the answer to many problems.
MT