I have a 99 4door with a 4.3L and a few days ago the battery light came on while I was driving. I ignored it and now today tried to start it after it sat for about 1 1/2 hours and it wouldn't start. It makes a really rapid ticking sound when I try to start it. I thought it might have a dead battery, but all the accesories and interior lights worked. I don't know if the problem is the batter, alternator, or the fact that I was extreamly low on gas and I thought it might not have enough to start. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!

 

It sounds like it would be low fuel since the starter is actually turning (the clicking noise u hear) otherwise if that doesn't work it is probably the starter or a blocked fuel line/fuel pump failure. I would try adding gas first (cheaper). keep us posted on the situation.

-Lenny

 

Rapid Ticking=Not Enough Cranking Amps (Battery Dead) I would get the alternator checked. If youdon't have enough outputfrom the alternator(itcould be theregulatorwhich is inside the alternator).It should not be hard to remove and take to Advance/Kragen/Schucks maybe even O'rielly's Auto Parts, some of these have a tester in store to test the altenator..

 

^^ I concur ^^

 

yeah I guess now that i thought about it longer it sounds like it would be the alternator. Also Auto zone should have a tester in the store.

-Lenny

 

Couldn't he also try to jump start the truck, and if successful, just meter the battery to see if it is putting ~14 to 14.5 volts? It should be in the area of ~12 with no load if I remember correctly. If it puts out the same voltage both under load and with the truck not running, then the alternator would be the cause, correct?

 

He could try but if the battery is dead then the truck won't stay running for long. I had my '99 G/A do the same thing couple years ago, turned out the alternator was bad. Todays "charging"systems no longer will recharge the battery if it is low, he would have to recharge the battery first to be able to test the system with just a volt meter. Because todays alternator is only used to run the electronics on the car and very little is used to maintain the charge on the battery, if the alternator fails then the vehicle runs on battery power until the battery fails. Usually the battery/alternator light will light up in the dash to indicate a problem, then when the battery is drained the dash lights all go offlike when you start your vehicle...then it quits running....when you replace the alternator make sure the connector on the wire going to the positive terminal of the battery is in good shape...mine went bad and it caused me to replace a new alternator before I found the problem...

Also make sure you have a fully charged battery with the new alternator.