- #104 of 111
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Van (2002 GMC Safari) acting as if there is no battery
by sgtpsychosis
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Aug 22, 2009 (12:11 pm)
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My van is acting as if there is no battery,
I stick the key in the ignition and it freely rotates from ACC all the way to start, but there is no reaction from the van--no dome lights, no dash lights, no starter...NOTHING.
The battery reads a littel over 18 volts.
I put the voltmeter down at the solenoid, and it is good.
The connections at the battery are good.
The terminals are clean.
I tried to jump the van using my Jeep, but the van just acts as if there is no battery. I even went so far as to disconnect the battery, and hook the jumper cables to the battery cables, but nothing.
The only thing I can think of is the cylinder where the key goes in.
Any ideas/opinions?
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- #105 of 111
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Re: Van (2002 GMC Safari) acting as if there is no battery [sgtpsychosis]
by needhelpinpa
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Aug 22, 2009 (1:21 pm)
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Replying to: sgtpsychosis (Aug 22, 2009 12:11 pm)
I'm just a fellow Astro owner as well and have a suggestion. Check to see if you have headlights. If not, follow the positive wire that runs from the positive terminal back to the firewall; remove plastic cap and check for power. If ok continue past the in-line fusable links and check for power. If ok, check for power at the fuse panel (each column). Maybe something will show up that will help.
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- #106 of 111
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Turn ignition hear clicks
by rpep
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Nov 29, 2009 (10:58 am)
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The battery on my 2003 Safari would not turn the van over. Because it is the original battery, I replaced it with a new one. It starts fine now but, when I turn the ignition key I hear a clicking noise before starting it. It clicks about 6 times and then stops. I heard this clicking with the old battery and thought it was because the battery was low or dead. Anyone have any idea what this may be?
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- #107 of 111
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Re: Turn ignition hear clicks [rpep]
by Steve_01
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Nov 29, 2009 (7:19 pm)
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Replying to: rpep (Nov 29, 2009 10:58 am)
My 2 cents: 1) A possible bad ground. Check the connection of your cable coming from the battery to the frame or wherever it connects to the vehicle. It's worth loosening and re-tightening the ground connection at the frame just to make sure. Maybe even spray a little WD40 at the contact point before tightening the bolt. 2) Maybe your old battery damaged the starter solenoid? Where is the sound coming from? Under the van? If you think it might be the solenoid, disconnect the solenoid wire at the solenoid and connect an analog volt meter. Have someone turn the key while you watch the needle. If the needle stays steady, it's probably the solenoid. If it fluctuates, then the problem is somewhere else.
Note: Just because your getting 12-14 volts at the starter doesn't necessarily mean that you have a good ground. A week ground will prevent adequate amperage from reaching the starter (not the solenoid).
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- #108 of 111
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Re: Turn ignition hear clicks [Steve_01]
by rpep
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Nov 30, 2009 (9:18 am)
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Replying to: Steve_01 (Nov 29, 2009 7:19 pm)
Thanks for your response. I will check the ground as you suggested and re-tighten. Another question, would the clicking occur (ground or solenoid) even though the I just turned the key on, but did not attempt to start it? I am puzzled as to why the clicking is 6 to 10 clicks and then stops on its own. Any info is appreciated.
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- #109 of 111
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Re: Turn ignition hear clicks [rpep]
by Steve_01
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Nov 30, 2009 (3:47 pm)
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Replying to: rpep (Nov 30, 2009 9:18 am)
Ahhh... no. If the sound you are describing happens when you turn the key on but not all the way as in starting the engine, then this is not the solenoid. I must have misunderstood the original description. If the sound happens from just turning the key to the ON position and is possibly accompanied buy a high pitched buzz at the same time, then this is normal. The buzz is the fuel pump. I never figured out what that clicking sound is but mine has done this since day 1. I bought it brand new in 97. Thanks for following up. I wouldn't want to send anyone on a wild goose chase.
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- #110 of 111
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Re: Turn ignition hear clicks [Steve_01]
by rpep
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Dec 01, 2009 (11:56 am)
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Replying to: Steve_01 (Nov 30, 2009 3:47 pm)
O.K. Thanks again. Sounds like the clicking may be normal. Funny that I never noticed it before until my battery went dead and I replaced it. Thanks again.
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- #111 of 111
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Re: Turn ignition hear clicks [rpep]
by Steve_01
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Dec 02, 2009 (6:56 am)
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Replying to: rpep (Dec 01, 2009 11:56 am)
I agree, strange that it never made that sound before. If someone else thinks they know what the clicking sound is, please feel free to join in. Mine doesn't do it every time but it does do it often. My guess is that it is something along the lines of a purge valve re-initializing or re-calibrating it's position?
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