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2008 Sierra absolutely no power
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lowred81
User
Mar 16, 2014, 11:41 PM
Post #1 of 7
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2008 Sierra absolutely no power
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Tonight my 2008 Sierra acted like the battery was drained. Since I had it at my local GM dealer for warranty work a month ago for new rods and pistons I have had to reset the radio clock maybe 5-8 times. Then tonight when I went to lock it with my factory keyless entry and remote start key fob, the doors locked but the lights didn't flash. I opened the door with the key and the interior lights didn't even come on. I have absolutely no power to anything. New battery 3 months ago and I checked the main fuses that I thought would cause this and they are good. Battery connections are good and relays are snug. Other than the possibility of wires being pinched from the dealership pulling the engine and putting it back in (and this is an assumption) what could possibly be the problem?
-Ryan
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nickwarner
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/ Moderator
Mar 17, 2014, 1:01 AM
Post #2 of 7
(1494 views)
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Re: 2008 Sierra absolutely no power
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Start with the basics. What is the actual state of charge of the battery? 12.6v is 100%, 12.4 is 75%, etc. If this battery is factory take it to a parts store and they will test it for fee. DO NOT go to Wal-Mart and never buy their batteries unless you like saving $20 on a battery to pay $120 for a tow truck later. Testimonial from me having tried to defend a good customer or two with those people and their poor quality.
Also, as you mentioned previous work, get a 5/16 6-point socket and take off the battery connections, ground first. Now use a pick(you can get a cheap one at Harbor Freight or use a very small flathead screwdriver) to pry the rubber away from the terminal. Pull out the bolt. If you see a bunch of white powderish looking crap that is corrosion. GM side terminals are very prone to it. Take a wire brush or file to the metal until shiny and bright. If you can get a grinder with a wire wheel, use it to take off the crud from the bolts. If not, buy new ones. They are cheap. Coat all surfaces with dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion later.
Post back with your results and we go from there. Your description screams of either a bad battery or poor connections. Possible that when they were disturbed by recent work they lost the needed amount of contact and are now acting up. That is they first place to look and it should not be overlooked.
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lowred81
User
Mar 17, 2014, 7:52 AM
Post #3 of 7
(1481 views)
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Re: 2008 Sierra absolutely no power
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All connections look good and no corrosion. Talked to my dealer and they sent a guy over with a booster pack. Did nothing. They called for a tow truck. In the meantime, I hit the lock button on my key fob again and the lights flashed, so I hit the remote start button and I could hear it try to crank for like .5 of a second and stop. Tried key fob again and nothing. Opened the door and no interior lights again and nothing when putting key in ignition. Tow service towed it to my local GM dealer so they can look at it. I am extremely stumped as to what would cause this other than a loose wire or pinched wire from the previous service they did to the truck.
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lowred81
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Mar 17, 2014, 2:38 PM
Post #4 of 7
(1472 views)
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Re: 2008 Sierra absolutely no power
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I just read the thread about the guy with the Chevy venture who basically had the same problem as me but I didn't install a 700w power inverter. I didn't do anything. Just wondering if I have a loose sensor like he did. The dealership wouldn't tell me this morning if they pulled my engine to do the above repairs but said they usually do. Now I'm thinking they didn't plug a sensor back in snug. Anyone know what sensor would do this?
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lowred81
User
Mar 17, 2014, 5:01 PM
Post #5 of 7
(1462 views)
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Re: 2008 Sierra absolutely no power
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Dealership called and said the negative battery cable is frayed/loose inside the insulation near the terminal connector thus I couldn't see or tell. They are cutting the cable and crimping on a connector. $137 including the tow. I was expecting it to be something of a larger scope and cost much, much more.
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nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 18, 2014, 2:42 AM
Post #6 of 7
(1451 views)
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Re: 2008 Sierra absolutely no power
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That does not surprise me one bit. Thats why I wanted to see the results from the first tests to see where to go. Could've directed you to this and you would've saved some coin but glad you got it fixed. Make sure the connector they intalled is heat shrinked or you will have this issue again, though it will take some time to manifest itself.
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lowred81
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Mar 18, 2014, 7:03 PM
Post #7 of 7
(1440 views)
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Re: 2008 Sierra absolutely no power
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Good advice on the heat shrinking. I will check and if not I will pit a sleeve on myself.
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