Electrical Issues

[brentcausey]

I have a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado Z71. While driving, I get alot of random errors on the dash. While on the interstate, my battery light cmae on and the battery gauge was showing below 14 - around 10 or so. If I stop the truck and re-start it will not come back on. Randomly the airbag and seat belt lights will come on for about 5 seconds - even if my seatbelt is on.

Lastly, the service 4x4 will come on and sometimes go off and sometimes stay on. Do you think there is some sort of problem with the computer or is it alot of problems? It's only got 62,000 miles.

Brent

[horse482]

Welcome to the forum. You could be having problems with your ignition switch. When your volt meter reads low have you checked to see if you are actually getting a good charge or it is really low. If so check the plug on the side of the alt. it may be loose.

[brentcausey]

I went to auto zone and had them test the battery and the alternator, both checked fine.

When it does the battery thing again, I'm going to go by while it's doing it and get them to check it.

I hope it's only one problem causing the different error lights to come on.

[horse482]

It very will could be one problem. With the truck running have someone watch and wiggle the wires that plug in to the side of the alt., and see if the problem comes back. I had a truck do similar things and there was a short in the regulator wires.

[horse482]

I forgot to ask, but have you had the truck scanned for codes?

[brentcausey]

No I have not. Can AutoZone do that or will it have to be the dealership? It did well today besides the Service 4wd message coming up. Thanks!

[taillight]

Check the battery cables. Make sure both ends are clean and tight.

[horse482]

Yes autozone should be able to pull codes for you.

[fillupread]

The randomness you describe I would say if you have a component failure it will be the cluster.

However before I go and get a cluster I would check the banjo fitting on the back of the cluster (flat harness that plugs into the back of the cluster) Make sure its connected good. Second I would check all body grounds. There is one near the drivers side kick panel if I remember correctly. I have never seen one on such a new truck do this due to a ground but I have fixed a ton of the older trucks, s-10's and Blazers from a ground strap under the dash getting loose and causing similar things to what you describe.

[Dano 00TA]

Also, check the ground strap between the engine/firewall. My silverado was giving me all kinds of electrical problems and that turned out to be the problem.