Hi Everyone
Got into my 98 Jimmy this am - key in - engine turned over and started - ran for a second or 2 then shut down. When I went to restart - nothing - no instrument panel indicators (ie abs, security etc.) BUT I noticed my fuel gauge started spinning erractically when I tried to start the vehicle. The needle ended up at the bottom of the dial.
I connected up my battery charger and an hour later the truck turned over and started with no hestiation. The cable connects on the battery are clean and tight - battery is 2 years old. Do I have a bad ground? Also Ive read on this great forum, problems with ignition switches - Is this too a problem with the 98 Jimmy? Any advice would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance,
Susan

Cables and grounds and connections are a good place to start.
MT

Hi MT
Thanks for responding. I went out to start the Jimmy - key in turned over ran for a second or 2 - then complete loss of power - key would not come out of ignition. I put my charger on and within 5 minutes I was able to remove the key. The battery charged up to 75% and the Jimmy turned over and was running as per normal.
Now guys, be nice 'cause I'm try'in to fix this myself - Is it the alternator - which drew the battery down thus causing the key to lock in the column - then with the quick charge the key released and within minutes it started up ok.
I ran it for a few minutes - then shut it down - and put the charger back on and noticed it was charging but at 40%. It will probably charge back up to restart it as before - so my question is if the alternator is gone should I replace the battery too?? Will a bad alternator show up on the computer??
Your advice would be really appreciated. Thanks again in advance,
Susan

You are welcome.

First make sure the battery is charging up good and is good.
Most auto parts places will test the battery and alternator charging system.

A good volt meter will tell you if the battery charge is good and show alternator charging.

A good charged battery will read about 13.5 or more volts.
with it running and if the alternator is charging voltage should come up about a volt over battery voltage.
Up around 14.2 - 14.4 volts.

Good Luck
Mt

Thanks MT
I will have it checked tomorrow am - both battery and alternator. Will post the findings.
Susan

You are welcome and let us know how it goes.
Good luck
MT