02 Blazer Has Power Won't Crank Won't Start

[Brndo]

Went to start the truck, turned the key – dash lit up, fuel pump primed, turned the key all the way and nothing. Truck did not even try to turn over, headlights did not dim, no starter, no crank.

I checked/tested the following:

• Battery and terminal connections – good fully charged 12.3v
• Ran battery charger on slow charge 10-15 min (quick) to full 13v
• Wiring to starter – good
• Relay box under hood - has power
• Starter relay – has wiring diagram on it – tested good.
• Every ignition related fuse in the relay box – all good
• Every ignition fuse in the driver’s side dash fuse box – good
• I wiggled the ignition switch while turning every possible way – no crank
• I ran the gearshift lever through all the gears, tried to start it in neutral – no crank
• Rolled the truck a little, put in park – no crank

For some reason I decided to double check the # 24 RDO IGN fuse - it was fine. With the fuse still out I tried to start the truck and it STARTED!

I turned the truck off, replaced the fuse and the truck started again and, so far, ever since.

I do not think the # 24 fuse had anything to do with it; I just got lucky.

Can anyone think of anything else I should check?

[harleyguy]

When you were checking wiring did you have 12v on the small wire at the starter during cranking? I would suspect a bad starter.

[MikeCStig]

Originally Posted by harleyguy

When you were checking wiring did you have 12v on the small wire at the starter during cranking? I would suspect a bad starter.

Or a bad solenoid, or even both.

[brcidd]

12.3 volt is not good- I'd rather see 12.6 volt on a battery- could be indicative of a bad battery cell- I'd have the battery tested- Autozone will do it for free.

[Brndo]

I did not check voltage while I was cranking it and I was alone. I guess I'll have the battery tested.

[harleyguy]

Yes a good battery should have 12.6 but 12.3 should be plenty to crank

[Brndo]

That's what I thought and it DID crank...eventually.

I bought a cheap OBDII reader. I'll see if I get anything.

[harleyguy]

Oh yah I had to reread the original post forgot it started running.
Have you had any problems since then? The battery is worth checking.

[Brndo]

No, it's been starting fine. (so far fingers crossed)

[Brndo]

Well, I had the battery tested and it was bad. Every bad battery I've ever had at least tried to crank and the head lights dimmed. I have never run into a bad battery that would light up the dash and the headlights but not start the vehicle. Thanks for all your help.

[harleyguy]

Originally Posted by Brndo

Well, I had the battery tested and it was bad. Every bad battery I've ever had at least tried to crank and the head lights dimmed. I have never run into a bad battery that would light up the dash and the headlights but not start the vehicle. Thanks for all your help.

It must have had good enough voltage but low amps still odd

[Stealthee]

Originally Posted by Brndo

Well, I had the battery tested and it was bad. Every bad battery I've ever had at least tried to crank and the head lights dimmed. I have never run into a bad battery that would light up the dash and the headlights but not start the vehicle. Thanks for all your help.

A dead cell will do that.

[Brndo]

OK Trying to restart this thread. I am still have starting issues. The other day my alternator died (voltage regulator). No problem I don't even remember changing the alternator ever, it's been hot and I've been using the AC a lot. I put in a brand new (not reman) alternator and off I went all weekend.

Monday is good...go to start the truck on this morning Tuesday and it won't start. I have full dash lights and headlights but when I turn the key nothing happens-won't even try to start and no visible draw from all the lights that are on.

1) Is it possible that an alternator with a voltage regulator going bad caused such a load on a four month old battery that my battery is no good now?

I cannot believe that there is a short some where all of a sudden, I think these problems are related. Wanted feedback before pulling fuses one by one to find a nonexistent short.

Any guesses PLEASE???

2) Also, anyone know if a 100 amp alternator is what comes stock with the truck? I have power everything and AC but no aftermarket electronics.

[777stickman]

I'm really not into the New Body Style issues, but from your posts I may venture there.

Monday is good...go to start the truck on this morning Tuesday and it won't start. I have full dash lights and headlights but when I turn the key nothing happens-won't even try to start and no visible draw from all the lights that are on.

Just from this post I would suspect either the "starter relay" or the "Ignition switch".

Good luck to you.

[Brndo]

Well, I gave up and took it in. They said it was the starter. I'll have to look for a thread about diagnosing a starter problem. It's just funny how once when this happened my truck started after being jumped by a starter cart.