2000 Sonoma Won't Start

[bigjilm55]

I had the truck parked for a couple of minutes the other day and hopped in to find it wouldn't start. No clicking, or any other noise when I turned the key. The lights turned on, heater worked, radio worked, etc.

I checked for loose cables and bad fuses. Also tried to push start it several times, without success.

The next day I tried to start it again but this time there was a very faint noise coming from the dash and the battery meter was jumping slightly. Then a few hours later the battery was drained completely.

Any thoughts on what needs to be replaced before I go out and start buying parts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[lmleck]

Turn on the headlights and try to start. Do they stay on??
Could be the battery itself.
Did you remove and clean the battery terminals??

 

[2299SOgnomeA]

Like Imleck said, you can try to clean those battery terminals. My thought is that the battery is dead. Could be that a bad connection at the terminals doesn't allow it to charge off the alternator. But if you say it was running and then you hopped back in and it wouldn't start and had no noises; It sounds to me like the alternator gave out which drained your battery while you were driving and then when you went to start it again you had no power.

I suggest that you either remove the alternator and have it tested at an auto parts store (most or all do it free of charge) or you can try jump-starting your vehicle and while it is running, remove the positive battery cable. If the vehicle dies, then there is something wrong with the alternator or voltage regulator. Now I have heard that removing a battery cable while the vehicle is running can cause a surge in your electrical system and damage components including your vehicle's computer. But I have done this on two of my vehicles and on a few family/friends' as well with no consequences. The choice is yours, just be safe.