After sitting for a couple of days it will not start

PTNLI

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
4.0L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

After sitting for a couple of days the truck won't start. Key gets stuck in the ignition. When jumped it starts immediately. I was told today that when it was driven yesterday, and the driver hit a bump in the road that the check gauges light came on and then off right away. Then the passenger side courtesy lights came on. The battery is fairly new, less than a year old. This only started within the last month.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Hi,

Although the battery is new, it could be a bad connection at the battery, or the alternator is not doing its job. However, if this only happens when you allow it to sit for a couple of days, then I would suggest checking for an electrical draw. Keep in mind I am basing this on the idea that it happens after sitting. If it was happening at all times, I would be suggesting to check the alternator and battery. However, make sure the battery terminals are both clean and tight.

Here is a link that explains the most common causes of a battery draw:

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

If that doesn't help, I've written out specific directions to help locate a draw. Here they are.
Note: It hasn't been made into a link for our repair guides page, but will be soon.

Don't be overwhelmed when you see the directions, and if you have questions, let me know.

1) Make sure the battery is fully charged.
2) Using a voltmeter or multimeter, confirm the battery voltage is 12v or more.
3) Make sure all electrical components are off, the ignition key is removed, all doors are closed, and anything that could cause an electrical draw.
4) Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
5) Set your meter to DC amp. Start at a higher setting, for example, the 10 amp setting on the meter.
6) With the negative battery terminal disconnected, place the red lead of the meter to the battery cable and the black lead to the negative battery post on the battery.
7) With a setting of 10 amps, you should not get a reading. So, work backward to see when you start getting a reading. The reading should require you to select the milliamp setting.
8) If your reading is above the milliamp setting, you have a significant electrical draw. With the voltmeter still connected, remove one fuse at a time in the under-hood fuse box until you remove one that causes a significant voltage drop on the voltmeter.
9) If none of the fuses in the engine compartment fuse box reduces the draw, then you will need to move to the interior fuse panel and repeat the process. However, it is important to follow step 9 before starting.
10) Disconnect the voltmeter before opening the door otherwise, damage to the voltmeter can occur.
11) With the battery still disconnected, locate the door switch button and place it in the closed position and secure it so the vehicle thinks the door is closed.
12) If there is more than one interior fuse box, you may need to check both.
13) Once you locate the fuse which causes a significant drop in the draw, you have identified the circuit involved. At this point, use the fuse legend in the fuse box to confirm what the specific fuse powers, and then, using the correct wiring schematic, work through the circuit to locate the problem.

Let me know what you find.

Joe