Help troubleshooting my 96 GMC 1500

[Spaceman71]

I recently restored my father's 96 GMC Sierra k1500. Rusted frame and new front suspension mostly. I plugged in all the electrical connections. Installed a good battery but when I turn the key all I get is headlights and dash with little to any battery on the gauge. I tried to jump the battery with another car thinking it was low or dead but nothing. Won't turn over ...crank or click.... anyone can give me some advice?

 

[WICruiser-97]

Check your battery cable connections, starting at the battery and working to the started, alternator, fuse panel, and ground on the engine.

 

[Erik the Awful]

There's a ground on the front of the engine, right next to the timing cover. The first time I swapped engines in my Suburban I missed it and couldn't figure out why it wouldn't crank.

 

[movietvet]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon.

Yep, like @WICruiser-97 and @Erik the Awful said, sounds like a ground or connection problem. Multiple posts here with the same type of problem after major work.

 

[isd503]

This is a great topic. Does anyone know the locations of all the undercarriage and engine compartment grounds for this truck?

 

[ctbhess]

Jump 12 volts over to the solenoid and see what happens. If nothing, check that ground. If it spins, then you need to start checking why your 12 volt solenoid wire is not getting power. In park? Fuse? Things in that nature.