Hello all,

I have a 1989 base model pickup, 22R, that is basically stock. Recently, I've been having starting issues, in that it would not start at all. When I hit the starter, it would get going. So, I replaced the starter. Vroom! Then, back to no starting. While all this was happening, both the Brake and Battery indicator lights were "ON" on the dash (according to another thread, this indicates a bad ALT). So, I hit the ALT and the lights went out. Then I put in a new alternator thinking that was the end of it. It worked for a day or two, now I'm back to dead batteries, no power to anything if I can get it started somehow, typically with two batteries and a jump pack! Something is seriously wrong and I can't for the life of me figure out what it is. I don't want a new car payment.

So far I have check and/or replaced:
clutch switch is OK
New starter
New alternator
Two new batteries less than 9 months old (happened to have a second for my forklift)
checked the voltage to the starter under load and it was initially very low (pre new alternator and freshly charged battery) but is now normal
New battery terminals
Checked and cleaned all connections to ALT, starter, and ground from battery to chassis.

Could it be the ignition switch? If so, how can I test this? I wasn't able to find any diagrams of it and proper testing procedures.
Starter relay?
Wiring?
What should I look for or just rip it all out and toss in a new harness ?

Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading this long winded post.

 

Check the "big" fuses (often called fusible links, but they are in tiny boxes) in RB2 http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b.../2powersou.pdf. When the truck is running, what is the voltage at the battery? If less than 14v you're not charging, and with a new alternator it could be 80A Alt (Gen) fuse out.

With all of your "hitting" the starter and the alternator, you could have knocked a wire loose or broken it. Use the diagram and your voltmeter to find the problem.

 

I have checked the 80amp fusible link in the engine compartment and it looks fine. Could it be bad without looking blown? Maybe something else is out. I'll check the other stuff you mentioned. With the "hitting", it's really more of a forceful thumping taking care not to damage anything but I understand your concern.

Many thanks!

 

Maybe. Just use your voltmeter; if you have voltage to ground on one side but not the other, something isn't connected.

 

.....

 

OK. So, I checked the fusible link and ended up replacing it to be absolutely certain. Vehicle off, the battery voltage is 12.77, running, it's the same. So there's definitely something wrong with the charging system. I also found a shorted out dome light circuit that was draining the battery. That fuse will stay out until I can fix the charging issue.

Off to my local auto parts store to get the alt checked in the morning. Hopefully I'm just another new alternator away from a functioning truck.

 

Try checking your ground where it hooks to the engine, and to the vehicle body. Clean those connections and make sure the bolts are tight.

 

Look at the wire coming off the B terminal of the alternator these get cooked and burnt with age.

Also the plug going into the alternator gets corroded and can work loose if the clip breaks.

You should have a good ground going to the engine block just looking at them is not checking.

Then rebuilt or so called rebuilt alternators have really gone down hill.

If all else fails get a real Big BFH and thump to your hearts content won`t fix anything it may make you feel better for a little while.

 

This might sound wierd but i had this same issue. I tried everything like yourself and after 3 days of nonstop troubleshooting.... it was my MAF all along...... try grabbing one from the junk yard and switching it in.... it wont hurt your pocket and everything is always worth a try.