Starting Problems - 99 Jimmy

[Asho]

A couple weeks ago, my Jimmy wouldn't start. I took off the ignition coil and had it tested, and it was bad so I replaced it. They couldn't check the module, so I didn't replace it since I wasn't sure if that was the problem. Anyway, it ended up being the fuel pump which I had replaced.

No problems until today, when I couldn't start it. None of the warning lights came on, and the door didn't ding. I was going to check the battery cables, but I discovered that I couldn't turn the key off. Eventually I got the key turned back, and tried to start it again. It started right up, but my clock and preset radio stations had been reset.

I drove it home, and a couple hours later, tried to start it. It started, but died a moment later. No noise, no lights, nothing. I popped the hood, and lifted up on the battery a bit to reach the side mounts. I heard that little sound it makes when the key is turned forward, whatever it is, so I knew it'd started getting power. I started it up, and it was running so rough I thought it was going to die. I gave it a little gas, and it smoothed right up. Me being me, I turned it off to see if it'd start. No luck. Lifted up on the battery, and I heard that sound again. Started right up, ran smooth as always. I turned it off, and it started up again.

The battery cables are connected tightly, and don't look corroded. I thought the battery might be low, but the voltage is where it's usually at (slightly over 14 on the guage). I hope the problem is in the battery or connection, even though the connection looks ok. Before I run out and buy a new battery (that fuel pump and towing nearly wiped me out) I want to see if there's anything else it might be.


edit: While I'm thinking about it, occasionally I have problems with the hood latch. I have to bang on the hood a bit to get it to pop up. How can I fix that?

[maxwedge]

Don't look corroded won't do, take them off and look closely, up the insulation also.

[taillight]

And test the battery.

[jdmccright]

Check your grounding strap, both to the engine block and to the body.