Intermittent failure of electrical system

Tiny
DRDOUG
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 GMC SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
When driving (at any speed), the elctrical system intermittently cuts out, and on the last go-around, just failed. When I say failed, I mean no power anywhere. When the intermittancy happens, the volt meter on the dash fluxuates, and the truck obviously looses power. No warning light(s) are shown and there are no error codes. If it recovers from an intermittent, I notice that the voltage is down around 9-10 volts and dumps signifficantly if the headlights are turn on (I don't expect the dash voltmeter to be that accurate) and stays there. Normal voltage before intermittancy starts is around 13 volts. The last time this happened, it just quit. Opened the hood, saw nothing unusual (cursory inspection) and noticed that the hood aux light was lit. Went back to start the truck and it started right away. Again the voltage was down and I noticed the the clock had reset, telling me that there was a complete loss of voltage. No blown fuses are found. Went to PEP Boys and they found nothing (I suspect they only checked for an error code). Any ideas where to start look for this problems resolution? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you in avance.
Wednesday, June 8th, 2011 AT 2:10 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
Two possibilities. Check the smaller negative battery cable that attaches to the body to see if it is loose or corroded. Next, check if there is a smaller positive wire bolted to the under-hood fuse box. That terminal comes loose at the fuse box on a lot of brands of vehicles.
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Wednesday, June 8th, 2011 AT 3:08 AM
Tiny
DANLESABRE
  • MEMBER
  • 230 POSTS
Battery may have internal short. Replace, and see if problem persists.
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Wednesday, June 8th, 2011 AT 3:35 AM

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