Engine shut off and everything went black

CLASSICMAN

MEMBER
1992 CHEVROLET ASTRO
4.3L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
110,000 MILES

I started my engine drove it for like two minutes before I can get out of the driveway, and the engine shut off. I tried to start it but all does it crank over with no start. I have a brand new battery in it, the headlights will not turn on, the radio will not turn on, dome light will not work and I cannot hear the fuel pump turn on. Power windows windshield wipers turn, but panel does not come on. This is the first time that my van has ever given me any problems. And you think this could possibly be a passkey problem? Because I have read that these vans have a passkey security installed in them.

3 Replies

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

Even a new battery can be bad right off the shelf.

Can go bad hours/days/ weeks later.

Usually not the case.

Have you tested the voltage between the battery posts/ terminals with a digital voltmeter ($5.00 at Harbor Freight) Setting 20 volt DC, you should have at least 12.5 Volts on the display.

Something could have drained your battery (called a parasitic drain, some are normal, others like a light not turning off and many other possibilities also).

Let's ignore that for now.

If you do have good voltage, this might be the most common issues, usually sorta gets ignored too.

See all of my EZ possibilities in this link! Pics at the end.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/1996-chevrolet-tahoe-wont-start-sounds-dead-battery-jumpbox-get-same-reults

Return with good news, or your findings thus far.

The Medic