Hello, I have a 1990 GMC Vandura camper conversion van that ran when parked about 9 years ago. We tried to jump start it today, but it showed no sign of life. Not only was I not getting any starter noise but no cabin lights or anything seemed to work. I am pretty certain it is a wiring problem, but what exactly? I heard these were very reliable vehicles that could last a long time, but I hope that the electrical problem is a quick fix and not worthy of dragging our mechanic over. Thank you!
first get a new battery sitting that long a shot and it may not jump start because it is so bad sometimes as simple as putting a new battery in it will start to crank you might need to get other things done so watch my video how to get an old car running that's sat for years Scotty
@scottykilmer
Wow! thanks Scotty!!! I will check your video.
@scottykilmer
I checked out your video, And found it helpful, but can having a car hooked up to another idling car not allow even the interior dome lights or anything else electronic to work? Does the dead battery suck up all the other cars electricity. If it is an electric problem, what should I do to diagnose that? I will change the gas, and get a battery when I can.
There are a few places on this car to look. Some fusible links are near the starter and you should clean those ring terminals well with a STAINLESS brush and WD40 them when reassembling.
on the firewall under the hood right in front of your face is a post somewhere with red wires. Most if not all of the power to accessories and other things in the van runs through here. Take off the nut and remove the rings. Use the small stainless brush (not brass plastic or anything else than steel or stainless steel) to scrub off the corrosion of the post and the metal around the base of the post. Spray with WD40.
Next scrub clean the rings or metal wavers attached to the wires until they are bright and clean with the wire brush. Spray with wd40 and reassemble.
Connect a known good battery and check with a test light that there is power there on that post, power on the starter post, and power on the lead into the big fuse box under the hood. Also touch the alternator output post just to make sure it is hot also if you can get to it and if it is safe to do so.
With power showing at all these points, proceed to attempt a start. Let me know how it went.
After 9 years it will definitely need a new battery. Start with that and see what happens.
