2500 won't restart

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lzydog

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We recently purchased a 1994 2500 for towing. First time we took it out towing the horse trailer, the truck wouldn't restart after we drove about 15 miles. Truck and trailer had power but engine refused to turn over. We heard 5 faint beeps after turning key off. All gauges seemed normal, not overheating or any other abnormality. After about half an hour, the truck started up again.

We rewired the trailer and truck and installed a new brake controller in the truck. Driving home from the trailer shop I stopped for gas and the same thing happened. Full power, no starter engaging, 5 beeps. After about half an hour it started up again and drove fine.

Any suggestions as to what might be causing this?
 
Check the battery connections both at the battery and the starter and the ground. You could have a bad starter.
 
I agree with Zora. Sounds to me more like a dirty or corroded connection, but could be a problem with corrosion on a battery cable too.
 
I will check again, but like I said there is full power to windows, lights, radio etc. when it won't start. It seems like this only happens when the trailer is hooked up too. One person told me there is a brake sensor override on the trailer that will prevent the engine from starting when the brakes are hot. No one else I have talked to has ever heard of such a thing. Could it be a transmission issue where the truck thinks it is in gear? How could I troubleshoot that?
 
Well if its the trailer, unplugging the connection to the trailer would cause it to start. If it's a neutral safety switch issue, move the shifter through all gear positions to see if that has an effect, but I'm still going with a starter especially if it's the original from 94.
 
What is making the beeping sound? I've never heard of that on a production 'burb that old. Is it an aftermarket system that came with the trailer wiring. How many wires in the trailer harness coming into the truck?

I'd go with a new starter suggestion too if it weren't for the beeping.
 
I haven't been able to identify the beeping. But the truck won't start in this situation even when I unhook the trailer. Yet it starts up again after stopping when driving a similar distance without the trailer.

I tried to pull codes from it last night, but none registered. I would take it to a shop, but I don't even know what to have looked at.
 
When it wont start use a volt meter to see if you have power at the starter solenoid. If you do, bad solenoid or starter.
 
Your starter may be getting hot and shutting down while under the load of the trailer. If none of the other suggestions work, try a $20 heat shield for your starter. I had a similar issue and since I installed a heat shield, I haven't had the issue. Of course while you are installing it, you have a chance to clean and tighten connections as well which could be contributing to the problem. Good luck!
 
Do you hear the solenoid click when you turn the key?
Seems like the most common starter problems are in the wire connections on the starter. I think you can drop the starter enough to inspect, clean and tighten them. You may be getting some heat induced resistance at the terminals.
You can also check to see if you get power from the battery and from the key while you are at it.
 
Thanks so much. You guys are great. I will check the starter and solenoid this weekend. And look into a heat shield.
 
Replaced the starter for $45 at AutoZone. Problem seems to be solved. Thanks for the advice.
:)
 
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