Sudden Electrical weirdness- No Start

[markmc]

Went to start the Sub tonight after work. Made the mistake of using the electrical window motor while cranking the truck. Seemes to have put a load on the electrcal system. Truck now will not even turn over. Dash lights look like the Christmas tree down at Rockafeller Center when blinking when I go to start it, then they just fade. Batteries are a bit old but showing 10-11 volts. Is this the ignition switch? If so, do I need the actual keyed portion or just the ignition wire harness or both??

[grancito]

The batteries are dead at that voltage.

[markmc]

Yes, batteries are NG but still provide some power. Funky goings on w/the dash lights and really all the interior lights when the key is turned to "ON"....all of a sudden has me thinking that the ignition switch is NG. This isnt one of those slow grown cranks that point to low/no battery power (or grounds), this is like a switch was turned where all I get is blinking interior lights everywhere.

Well, anyway, started taking it apart. Ignition switch harness is a Pain to take apart. New Question is: What does a guy do when the plastic post that actually turns the ignition switch mechanism when you turn the key breaks off when removing the ignition switch harness??...swell. and related: What is the best way to remove the steering wheel that has an airbag set up? Thats the only way I can see to change out the keyset (now that the plastic post is broken) so far as I can see???

Thanks, Mark

[grancito]

Have changed ignition switch but not air bag model, stearing wheel had to come off. With such low battery voltage, the electronics and solenoids are going to fire up and shut down repeatedly, creating voltage fluctuations, sounds like what you have.

[Oldsmoke]

Grancito is right. All modern computerized vehicles will not function properly unless they get proper voltage. Since the computer is involved in almost anything electrical on your truck all kinds of things can go wrong when the computer does not get proper voltage.

[JD_countryboy]

electricity has no sure ryme or reason to what it will do when certain criteria are not met. If you have less than 12 volts, batts are junk. or at least one batt. Loose ground will cause crazy things to happen on dual batt setups. Ever think loose cable to the starter motor? or bad starter solenoid? Have seen them cause such problems also.

[Garth J]

If you have a bad battery which it looks like you have make sure you replace BOTH batteries not just the bad one old and new dont mix in the battery world

[markmc]

I went ahead and replaced the ignition switch/harness because it was starting to feel a bit ratchety on this soon to be 10year old rig. In the process I had the opportunity to load test the batteris. I guess I shouldnt really complain but the $160.00 ea. Optima's are gonzo. One did'nt last 15 seconds on load test...down to nothing.

So guys I'm in the market for two HIGH output cold crankers. Any recommendations? Anyone familiar w/ the Odessey batteries?

Thanks in advance and thanks for the help here!!

Mark

[JD_countryboy]

I have been having good luck with Duralst Gold batts from Autozone. Last one (two in my diesel) $86 each. 8 year prorated warranty. Also have two of them in my 85 gasser plow truck, and didhave in my s-10 till i quit drivin it.

[bigde53]

Crown batteries for me one is 5 yrs old in the truck had one last 8yrs in my boat just replaced the 2nd battery that was factory last year i think it was less than 60 bucks
Darin

[trukdoc]

napabrand 7578 I have these in both my trucks 93svc trk mech. and 94 3/4 4by elec. batts last about 2 years.I just replaced the batts in my svc trk for 2nd time in @4 years. warrenty prorate means 2 new batts for 49 bucks.