SORRY ABOUT THE LENGTH PLEASE HELP. I have a 2000 5.3l silverado and about a month ago the battery started leaking. So I got me a new gel cell battery and thought I fixed the problem. But apparently not tonight me and buddy of mine went to a car show and then to hooter's to get something to eat come back out about 30-45min's later and try to start my truck and all it was doing is kick the relay but not enough juice to turn the starter over. So then we get someone to jump us off and then we get going the battery light stays on abs,brake,airbag,etc all of those lights are going off and on and the whole time the gauge cluster is reseting its self over and over again like the key is being cut off and on but the motor never skips a beat. So then I am getting mad and hit the steering column and the lights stop flashing and the cluster stops reseting its self. But still the electrical system is not acting the way it should and it is wanting to die on me at a red light. Any suggestions where to start looking or anything, any help would be greatly appreciated. THANKS

 

check and see if any battery acid leaked down inside of your battery cables. especially your ground...

 

Alterntor

 

ignition switch. The clincher is you hitting the steering column and it getting better, that's where it is. The dash and gauge problems are a classic symptom. Double check your battery connections and alternator output while running. If ok, get a new ignition switch. Its a PIA to change as it snakes down the steering column and plugs in under it but I understand it is a common problem....
good luck.

 

Anymore input from anyone.

 

I've heard about the ignition switch problems also, seems fairly common.

 

yup.

 

Take it to Auto Zone, they can test the alternator and battery and see if one of the two is the problem. I would say the ignition switch is out, I think it would be worse if the alternator was out. If you can hit the steering column and fix it it sounds like it would almost have to be the ignition switch.