Engine not starting, plus other weird symptoms

Tiny
I_KNOW_NOTHING
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 GMC SIERRA
  • 8.1L
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 207,000 MILES
Hi there, the truck in question hadn't been started in two or three weeks because we haven't gone anywhere. Here's what happened when I tried to start it two days ago:

1) It sounded like the engine was trying to turn over but couldn't. All the interior and dash lights were on, so I didn't think it was the battery. But I hooked up a small battery charger to it anyway, and according to the battery charger, the battery is fully charged. I also didn't see any obvious corrosion around the terminals or anything like that. I also checked that there is oil, and gas.

2) When I turned the ignition, there was a loud rapid clicking noise in/near the ignition. Then after a few tries, I was only getting the clicking noises (no more sounds of the engine trying to turn over).

3) While sitting in the car with the key only turned halfway, several other strange things happened. First, the stereo went through some sort of factory shut down process, which made me think something electrical was going on. Then I heard a quiet sound near the floor, underneath where the stereo/AC/heat controls/etc, are sort of like the sound of a phone vibrating. It occurred off and on every couple minutes.

4) Then the dash light came on that says "service brake system", which I have never seen before.

5) Then I started hearing a slow steady clicking sound underneath the driver seat. When I looked underneath the vehicle in that area, it appeared to (maybe) be coming from one of the two lines that are running (from front to back) just underneath the driver seat area. This sound persisted until I turned the ignition completely off.

I have left it alone since then! Thanks!
Saturday, November 7th, 2020 AT 9:55 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

I have to be honest. It sounds like a drained battery. The electronics on a vehicle this new act really odd when they don't have the power they need. The clicking certainly sounds like a dead battery.

Here is what I suggest. Remove the battery and take it to a parts store. Have them fully recharge it and then load test it to confirm it is still good.

If you would rather, here is a link that explains how to load test a battery at home:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Here is a link that explains how to replace a battery:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Saturday, November 7th, 2020 AT 3:26 PM
Tiny
I_KNOW_NOTHING
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi, thanks for your reply. In your answer you said "The electronics on a vehicle this new." Did you mean on a vehicle this old? Just want to make sure we're on the same page.

Even though the charger said it was fully charged, it could still be the battery? (The charger used was a Schumacher SpeedCharge, set to 12v. It gave a green light indicating "fully charged".) I won't have a way to get to a parts store for a few days at least. Thanks!
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Saturday, November 7th, 2020 AT 4:35 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

Yes, I was referring to the model year. In 2016, there are many things controlled by battery power. Now, if you can't have the battery tested, try that load test I attached above. Or, see if you can jump start the vehicle. Either of these should tell us if the battery is an issue. Also, please confirm that the battery terminals are clean and tight (free of corrosion).

Let me know.
Joe
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Saturday, November 7th, 2020 AT 4:47 PM
Tiny
I_KNOW_NOTHING
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Oh my, I'm so sorry, my original post should say 2006, not 2016! Yes, the terminals are clean and tight. I'll see if I can get the battery tested. Thank you much.
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Saturday, November 7th, 2020 AT 7:40 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

No problem whatsoever. LOL Let me know what you find with the battery. I'm interested in knowing if that is the issue. If it isn't, we'll figure it out. However, that is where we need to start.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, November 8th, 2020 AT 4:08 PM

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