truck wont start after a few days

[Mikenacarato]

I let the truck sit for 5 days with a new battery in it already wouldn't start. I took the alternator off and had it tested at advance auto and it tested good but you could hear the bearings making a lot of noise so I put a new one on it anyways. they charged up the battery and I put it back in the truck. it has been sitting for two days and I tried to start it again and it didn't have enough juice to start, but it was cranking slowly. I have had one suggestion and it was to have the starter checked or replace it because it may be drawing power but I want to also poll the forum and see what others may have experienced. Any suggestions??

thanks!
mike

[Stocker]

Remove either battery cable and put a 12vdc test light (or multimeter if you have one) in series between the cable and the terminal. Since your battery is discharging, the light should be lit. Start removing fuses one at a time until the test light goes dark, and you've found the source of the current draw.

There's another similar method that might be easier. Leave the battery connected. Place your test lamp across each fuse location as you remove fuses one at a time. If the light stays dark, it's a good circuit. If it lights up, that circuit is drawing current.

[Mikenacarato]

good idea. thanks! I also noticed the radio will turn on while the truck is off. is this typical or is it wired wrong?

[Mikenacarato]

just figured it out and I think I may be an idiot haha. im turning it off and going all the way to the left into acc mode. i didn't know it even had that (my sticker is missing above the key cylinder)

[71K20chevy]

Originally Posted by Mikenacarato

just figured it out and I think I may be an idiot haha. im turning it off and going all the way to the left into acc mode. i didn't know it even had that (my sticker is missing above the key cylinder)

Happens to all of us. Like that time mine wouldn't start because I left it in reverse...

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by Mikenacarato

just figured it out and I think I may be an idiot haha. im turning it off and going all the way to the left into acc mode. i didn't know it even had that (my sticker is missing above the key cylinder)

That's perfect!! Sure beats chasing electrical ghosts. Glad you found it!