Not starting but there is power

2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
160,000 MILES • 5.3L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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GILFG
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
My truck was running perfectly and I took off the battery to put it on another car (battery is good) and put it back and everything turns on except the engine just makes a clacking sound every time I turn the key.
Oct 19, 2019 at 2:42 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

When you turn the key to start, is it a click? Are you sure the battery terminals are clean and tight? Is it possible for you to record the sound so I can hear it?

Since it was find and since the battery was removed, I suspect it is a connection issue. Take a look through this link.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

I realize you didn't mention all the lights go out, but based on your description, this is where we need to start. I suspect it is a connection issue.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
Oct 19, 2019 at 8:42 PM
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GILFG
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  • 3 POSTS
Thanks. I found the problem; my battery has two types of terminals and the ground burnt out. so I switched the negative wire to the other negative terminal and got it running.
Oct 20, 2019 at 12:12 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Welcome back:

You are very welcome. I'm glad you found the issue. I had a feeling it dealt with a connection problem. Regardless, you got it going.

Take care and let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe
Oct 20, 2019 at 9:33 PM