Cold start stalls?

2000 GMC SIERRA

307,000 MILES • 5.3L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

PACKERS27

MEMBER
207 POSTS

This only happens when it's really cold outside. Truck cranks fine. I let it idle to get it warmed up. It ended up shutting off after a few minutes. At that moment, the battery is too drained to crank back. Not even a click. I have to boost it for a good while. Then it will crank again, and the same thing will happen. It's only when it's cold outside. When it's not cold, there are no issues at all. I have tested the battery and alternator at AutoZone. They both check out fine. I got another battery anyway. It still does it. Any ideas? Thanks!

Jan 31, 2023 at 12:57 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

Have you made sure the battery terminals are clean, tight, and free of corrosion? If there is a poor connection, it can cause this.

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

Next, take a look at this link. It explains things to check if the battery fails overnight.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

Let me know if this helps. Also, make sure to check the connections at the battery. That is a common cause.

Take care,

Joe

Feb 1, 2023 at 11:51 AM

PACKERS27

MEMBER
207 POSTS

Great! I'll check it out. Also, I forgot to mention that the terminals are side posts but appear to be good and tight and I also have my Amp remote wire ring terminal attached and it's tight too. Never had issues. What about the other ends of the terminal wires, where are they located? I assume the hot is going to the starter and ground is going to frame somewhere? If so, where at on frame is ground located or will bad connection here even cause this issue?

Feb 1, 2023 at 12:46 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

I attached two pics below to help. Pic 1 is related to the positive battery terminal. And, yes, you are correct, one of the connectors goes to the starter, and another goes to the under-hood fuse box.

Pic 2 is the ground distribution from the battery. You have one at the left front of the engine and the other runs to the radiator support.

Let me know if this helps and what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
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Feb 2, 2023 at 12:03 PM

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