my truck got hit by lightning when i was driving!!

sportin83 · 07-24-2008, 12:45 AM

i was cruising down the highway at 70 the storm was almost done. on monday night and then it happened. it was a bright flash and huge bang followed by sparks flying behind the truck and the truck just shut off. i rolled to a stop. then i started it back up and it runs for 2 or 3 secs then dies. the gas peddle does nothing in that time. the check engine light and abs r on. the tac and fuel gauge dont work. what do you think the problem is?? i checked all fuses, and i looked under hood and in sterring column and behind fuse box, no burnt wires anywhere. thanks

MT-2500 · 07-24-2008, 10:27 AM

Call your insurance agent.
Should be covered under comp.
First steps on repair .
Check all fuses big and small both sides for 12 volts power to and out of under hood fuse box and inside fuse boxes.
Put a good engine /transmission /body/sir/abs brake capable scanner on it and see how mant computers are still online.
Let us know how it goes.
Good Luck.
MT.

j cAT · 07-24-2008, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportin83

i was cruising down the highway at 70 the storm was almost done. on monday night and then it happened. it was a bright flash and huge bang followed by sparks flying behind the truck and the truck just shut off. i rolled to a stop. then i started it back up and it runs for 2 or 3 secs then dies. the gas peddle does nothing in that time. the check engine light and abs r on. the tac and fuel gauge dont work. what do you think the problem is?? i checked all fuses, and i looked under hood and in sterring column and behind fuse box, no burnt wires anywhere. thanks

I know of a relative with a ford truck that took a hit from lightning this is the bad news he found all brake pistons leaked 4 tires blown away radiator computer and some other engine electrical controls....I hope this strike was not as damaging...this was only one year old..also make sure that this is not the final settlement as failures may pop up after the obvious is repaired...his vehicle was never reliable after so It was traded in....

chuck16 · 07-24-2008, 04:53 PM

Man that sucks. I agree. Call your Insurance agent then have it towed to a qualified GM Dealer. Have them go over everything!!!
At least it didn't cause you to have an accident or anything like that. Be a shame after all the hard work you put into your truck if they wrote it off for some reason.

Keep us posted man!!!!
-EVAN

PS == Still love the Green LEDs you sold me a long time ago...

sportin83 · 07-28-2008, 10:51 PM

well the truck went to shop wed. and its still there. the pcm is fried and was replaced. insurance is covering all of it. had it towed to the local chevrolet dealer. and the tach module is gone too and is on order should be here tuesday. i think i am gonna leave the little bit of body damage and just pocket the money and leave the war wound on the truck. i hope it doesnt have long term problems. it just hit 100,000 miles on the way to work and then got struck on the way home and killed the superado. was a bad day. poor truck!! i will try to get some pics posted of the spot when i get time.

sportin83 · 07-30-2008, 01:03 AM

no truck yet. they said maybe wed now. there was a abs module that was burnt too. do you think i will continue to have problems down the road with this truck?? i love the truck and would hate to have to trade it in or have problems all the time.

gremlin96 · 07-30-2008, 05:26 AM

untill you have traced every wire and changed every computer. your going to have problems. after you get the truck back, when it rains you will find a few burnt wires.

for lighting to take out the trucks computers, it does not even need to hit the truck. just a few feet away and the emp will fry the chips. some times it may take time befor the week parts fail.

chuck16 · 07-30-2008, 10:56 AM

Yeah I must admit I'd be a little leary after a strike like that. I think if I had the time I'd go through every wire and computer just to make sure it was all safe. Also, have them check all of the safety sensors, and Air Bag sensors. You'd hate to have those fail when you need them.

Do keep us posted, bud.

sportin83 · 07-30-2008, 12:47 PM

my buddys dad it the service manager at the dealer. he has them checking everything over. i looked around the day after it all happened and i could find no wires burnt or melted at all. it seems like it just got the modules and that was it.

sportin83 · 07-30-2008, 01:01 PM

here is the best pic i got so far. the circle is where the lightning hit and then it jumped to the tailgate on the corner between the bed rail and tailgate itself. it doesn't look real bad, but the circle is a little smaller than a dime. if you click the cardomain link below and go to the 3rd page there are a few more pics.

chuck16 · 07-31-2008, 03:12 PM

Wow that looks rather significant. Like somebody took a spot welder to it for second. That's good that none of the wire's are melted. I guess just go over every module including the Air Bag modules and make sure all is well..

Good luck man. I'd hate to see that sweet truck parked forever!

gremlin96 · 07-31-2008, 10:29 PM

i have seen wires that look good but inside the insulation was fryed. its a lot of voltage in a very short amout of time. you would be shocked at what lighting can do.

sportin83 · 08-01-2008, 09:59 AM

i got my truck back wed afternoon. its running fine with no problems, the total bill for was 1035 not including the body damage. they still have to get the quote for that.

chuck16 · 08-05-2008, 10:43 AM

Covered under your insurance I hope? "Act of Mother Nature" or "Comprehensive"???

Cheers
Evan

sportin83 · 08-06-2008, 03:01 PM

it was all covered by insurance minus my deductable. then the body estimate was 380 on top of the first 1035. its still running ok and no problems.

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