chevy won't start

[Buzz2401]

I've had zero issues accept a wheel bearing that just went out on my 04 2500HD with 8.1L  I plan on keeping a long time, been a really good truck. I here more issues with newer trucks then the older ones.  I think they all make about the same quality truck just way more stuff to go wrong the newer they get.

[Woodchuck]

Gasser or diesel?

8.1 gas

I would start with checking fuel pressure. Key on engine off should be between 56 and 62 psi. Just having fuel to the rail is not enough info. At 54 psi, that truck will not stay running. The other "backyard" trick to try is to go whack the fuel tank with a rubber mallet and then try it. 

[Woodchuck]

Just replacing the battery shouldn’t mess with the security.

What happens when you turn the key?

It will lose memory settings, should not set the security off.

[follow maggie]

This has been a really reliable truck, except for this issue. Anytime the battery is disconnected or run really low, like at elk camp in Idaho last week, this problem comes up. I was lucky to get it started in Idaho, because I was 17 miles from cel service. Got it started there with a jump from an old Cummins, thus the new battery.

Is there a way to check fuel pressure without special tools? I don't have a tool for that, and there's no power to anything except the lights.

I'm going to walk to the Fred Meyer to get batteries for the fobs. A mile uphill there, a mile downhilll home, should be good for the exercise for today. Except for a lot of cussin

I appreciate your guys' input.

[jackelope]

You could try locking the doors with the remote.  Wait 15 minutes or so then unlock it with the remote.  Essentially you’re arming and disarming the security. Try starting it again. 
Or maybe try another key?

[follow maggie]

You could try locking the doors with the remote.  Wait 15 minutes or so then unlock it with the remote.  Essentially you’re arming and disarming the security. Try starting it again. 
Or maybe try another key?

Tried that last night & nothing. It's times like this I wish I had two rigs

[follow maggie]

It's weird. I put the new battery in & it started & ran fine. I forgot to put the battery warmer I bought in, so I unhooked the negative to get it wrapped around, and that's when my trouble started. Very frustrating.

[Woodchuck]

This has been a really reliable truck, except for this issue. Anytime the battery is disconnected or run really low, like at elk camp in Idaho last week, this problem comes up. I was lucky to get it started in Idaho, because I was 17 miles from cel service. Got it started there with a jump from an old Cummins, thus the new battery.

Is there a way to check fuel pressure without special tools? I don't have a tool for that, and there's no power to anything except the lights.

I'm going to walk to the Fred Meyer to get batteries for the fobs. A mile uphill there, a mile downhilll home, should be good for the exercise for today. Except for a lot of cussin

I appreciate your guys' input.

You do need a fuel pressure gauge to check fuel pressure. Does the local parts store rent one?

[Buckhunter24]

Sounds like a similar issue as this video covers maybe?

[Woodchuck]

Just for giggles, swap the fuel pump and a/c relays and try it.

[jackelope]

I have a crazy idea. Grab each battery cable and make sure you can’t move them at all. If they move at all the bolt bottomed out before it tightened on the terminal. Pull the bolts out and grind a little bit off of the end of them. That way they will tighten up on the terminal end  before they bottom out in the battery. It’s possible your new battery bolt holes are not deep enough. Sounds crazy but it is a thing.

[2MANY]

Speed limit 55.

Chevy's just do your best.

[follow maggie]

Speed limit 55.

Chevy's just do your best.

 

[follow maggie]

Tried all that and no dice. I have a positive development though. For ricks I put the old battery in and it ran for little while- much longer than before. And I have power back to the vehicle, so the dome light, door chimes, radio, windows, locks all work. I have a check engine light, but that may be because the air intake tube is off because I'm replacing the power steering pump, and a message the alternator isn't charging. I have a battery separator for dual batteries that is removed so I can get the steering pump out, so that may be the reason. I'm going to walk up to the Napa for my steering pump, put it all back together & see what happens. Hopefully it gets me back on the road.

Thanks everyone for the help & ideas. This forum is great.

[Birdguy]

Did you ever get back from Napa?? Did you get the truck fired up and working? I really hope you are out driving around and thus no update. Let us know if having it all back together worked.