Reader Question: I have 2000 Chevrolet Astro Van, which once a month or so will not start. I have to charge the battery or jump-start it.

Last time, I put the charger on it. It started making noise up under the dash and the gauges (on the dash) started going crazy then stopped. The charger show it was charging so I left it on for several hours.

The next day, I when to start it and it did not even click. Nothing. I do not want to work on it myself but after my divorce, I just cannot afford a mechanic.

I have checked all the fuses what other things should I look at. Just help me get started.

Thank you so much

Todd



Hey Todd,


I would really like to see you get a complete electrical system check, which should include the following:


1. Load test battery – is the battery good?

2. Check alternator output – is the alternator recharging the battery

3. Check for a voltage drain – is something ON when the engine is OFF?

You might just have a bad battery or the alternator is not recharging the battery when the engine is running. Also, double check the battery cables to make sure they are clean and tight.

Those small GM battery cable bolts are notorious for building up corrosion between the cables and the battery.

The noise in the dash could just be do to low battery voltage and will probably go away once you correct the main problem.

This is what typical battery corrosion looks like on a top post NON GM vehicle battery.

Top post battery cable corrosion

Blessings,
Austin Davis

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