No power in cab after trying to start - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TheSeeker · 09-19-2019, 07:59 PM

Ok so for some background my 1969 c10 has been having issues with electrical system. The issue is that when I go to start the truck it acts like there is no power to any of the accessories or lights in the cab. The dome light doesn't come on with the switch. The ignition with or without key is completely dead.

I have verified there is power from the battery to starter and the junction post on the fender. From fender block I have verified power going INTO the fuse block on the u nderhood side. Here's where things get weird.

If I go out to the truck and using my tester I can get power to the fuses and the block. If I were to put the key in or try to use the dome light or headlights etc I lose power at the fuse block and it doesn't come back.

I am not going to lie I thought it was the ignition or the headlight switch so I changed both along with the floor dimmer. No dice. Same problem.

Does this sound indicitve of a common issue I'm just not getting? Or maybe a ground issue? Any and all help appreciated. Thank you.

69Chummins · 09-19-2019, 08:14 PM

I've seen issues where the interior lights would come on but will the whole car would shut down when the ignition was engaged and the car would become dead for a while. Turned out to be bad battery connections.

**AussieinNC** · 09-19-2019, 08:25 PM

Bad ground straps just about every time....

Check: grounds between Battery and engine, engine and chassis, engine and cab, chassis and cab, bed and chassis....tail lamp housings to bed....

**LockDoc** · 09-19-2019, 11:02 PM

-
Also check the connector on the back of the ignition switch. They are notorious for bad connections and melted wires and connector plastic.....

LockDoc

toolboxchev · 09-20-2019, 08:39 AM

Then check the connection on the Horn Relay located under the hood, or directly top left of the fuse panel under the dash.

Bigdav160 · 09-20-2019, 10:18 AM

You test results are not 'weird', they are the results of too much resistance. As mentioned it could be on the power side or the ground side of the circuit.

The testing needs to be under load. Do the same test with someone turning the key or lights 'on'. Wiggle connectors (most likely source) and you'll find the problem

**HIGHWAY BY THE SEA** · 09-20-2019, 11:58 PM

Mine was bad battery connectors. Remove and visually inspect both.

09-19-2019, 07:59 PM	#1
TheSeeker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 337	No power in cab after trying to start Ok so for some background my 1969 c10 has been having issues with electrical system. The issue is that when I go to start the truck it acts like there is no power to any of the accessories or lights in the cab. The dome light doesn't come on with the switch. The ignition with or without key is completely dead. I have verified there is power from the battery to starter and the junction post on the fender. From fender block I have verified power going INTO the fuse block on the u nderhood side. Here's where things get weird. If I go out to the truck and using my tester I can get power to the fuses and the block. If I were to put the key in or try to use the dome light or headlights etc I lose power at the fuse block and it doesn't come back. I am not going to lie I thought it was the ignition or the headlight switch so I changed both along with the floor dimmer. No dice. Same problem. Does this sound indicitve of a common issue I'm just not getting? Or maybe a ground issue? Any and all help appreciated. Thank you.

09-19-2019, 08:14 PM	#2
69Chummins Registered User Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Vancouver, BC Canada Posts: 7	Re: No power in cab after trying to start I've seen issues where the interior lights would come on but will the whole car would shut down when the ignition was engaged and the car would become dead for a while. Turned out to be bad battery connections.

09-19-2019, 08:25 PM	#3
AussieinNC Moderator Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 2,204	Re: No power in cab after trying to start Bad ground straps just about every time.... Check: grounds between Battery and engine, engine and chassis, engine and cab, chassis and cab, bed and chassis....tail lamp housings to bed.... __________________ Family and country before all others... 2006 Chevy Silverado (Daily Driver) 2012 Chevy Equinox

09-19-2019, 11:02 PM	#4
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,639	Re: No power in cab after trying to start - Also check the connector on the back of the ignition switch. They are notorious for bad connections and melted wires and connector plastic..... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

09-20-2019, 08:39 AM	#5
toolboxchev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road. Posts: 2,629	Re: No power in cab after trying to start Then check the connection on the Horn Relay located under the hood, or directly top left of the fuse panel under the dash.

09-20-2019, 10:18 AM	#6
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: No power in cab after trying to start You test results are not 'weird', they are the results of too much resistance. As mentioned it could be on the power side or the ground side of the circuit. The testing needs to be under load. Do the same test with someone turning the key or lights 'on'. Wiggle connectors (most likely source) and you'll find the problem __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

09-20-2019, 11:58 PM	#7
HIGHWAY BY THE SEA Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: BY THE CAROLINA SEA Posts: 922	Re: No power in cab after trying to start Mine was bad battery connectors. Remove and visually inspect both. __________________ FRANKENTRUCK 1981 Chevrolet C10 Shortbed Stepside GRANDTRUCK 1968 Chevrolet C10 Stepside Longbed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=584617 PROJECT JIGSAW 1967 GMC C3500 GREAT WHITE 1986 Blazer M1009 454 engine w/700R4 transmission gas conversion



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