1997 Chevy Silverado won't start and has no power at all, why?

Asked by MikeVallo Jun 22, 2015 at 09:38 AM about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I turn the key over, both forwards to start and backwards to see if power is present, but
there are no signs of life at all.  I had problems with the rotor and distributor cap within the
last 4 months and had those changed.  Also, prior to this, when accelerating off a stop, it
would hesitate and go, hesitate and go like there wasn't enough fuel being fed to create
an arc.  I'm not a mechanically skilled person, so any help would be appreciated.

3 Answers

65,840

When you say you turn your key to the start position then back to the accessorie position there is no power not even dash lights. The lights that come on when put key in the start position then go off once the vehicle is started.

51,615

Did you try a jump start? If it starts or lights come on, it may be a bad battery or charging system not allowing the battery to charge. Have the car jump started and see if the gage indicates it is charging. Have the battery connections checked for secureness and if they are corrosion free. Next would be the switch itself. It may not be working.

10

there is nothing at the dash. no horn or lights. new battery. all fuses are good. have not checked the diodes.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Silverado 1500

Looking for a Used Silverado 1500 in your area?

CarGurus has 5,575 nationwide Silverado 1500 listings starting at $6,000.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    10,530
  • #2
    Andrew Olsen
    Reputation
    9,740
  • #3
    John Carson
    Reputation
    9,720
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used GMC Sierra 1500
123 Great Deals out of 5,218 listings starting at $3,475
Used Ford F-150
265 Great Deals out of 13,555 listings starting at $1,995
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
28 Great Deals out of 1,022 listings starting at $7,980
Used RAM 1500
381 Great Deals out of 13,215 listings starting at $4,995
Used Toyota Tundra
25 Great Deals out of 794 listings starting at $8,950
Used Dodge RAM 1500
5 Great Deals out of 71 listings starting at $4,000
Used Toyota Tacoma
56 Great Deals out of 1,124 listings starting at $8,977
Used Chevrolet Colorado
28 Great Deals out of 1,468 listings starting at $5,850
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
11 Great Deals out of 663 listings starting at $4,998
Used GMC Sierra 2500HD
17 Great Deals out of 1,108 listings starting at $10,999
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
14 Great Deals out of 1,238 listings starting at $4,999
Used Chevrolet Camaro
17 Great Deals out of 267 listings starting at $6,995
Used Dodge Charger
31 Great Deals out of 822 listings starting at $4,888
Used RAM 2500
41 Great Deals out of 2,008 listings starting at $13,740
Used Chevrolet Corvette
15 Great Deals out of 1,058 listings starting at $14,888

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.