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Posted on Jun 21, 2009
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1984 Chevy 3/4 ton truck electrical shutdown on gear shift

My son's truck will lose all electrical power when you shift from Park to drive or reverse. You can idle all day, use accessories, and idle in neutral also but if you put it in gear to go forward or reverse you will lose all instruments and power to the fuel pump as well. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. The truck continues to run but without fuel it will eventually quit. It still has brake lights and reverse lights though

  • paintryder Jun 21, 2009

    Thanks we will give it a shot and let you know.

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2 Answers

Tom

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  • Expert 314 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 19, 2012
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I believe in a situation like this what I'd do is try this test at night. Open the hood and stand there looking at the alternator, starter, and wiring in general while your son started it up and after a few seconds put it in reverse with his foot on the brake at idle. Look for arcing somewhere, sparks of some sort. That may help you pinpoint the problem. If the vehicle has a braided ground strap running to the engine I'd wiggle that while it idled. In gear there is a bit of torque on the drivetrain and I believe this may be triggering the problem. A friend once had a Plymouth with similar problems. I had him start and put it in gear, then lightly depress the accelerator pedal. In forward gear or reverse (I don't recall which) I noticed a post on the back of his alternator touched the metal fender well, shorting out. It was due to a broken motor mount that let the engine sag to one side and just a bit or torque was all it took to make it short out. A lovely design.

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  • Chevrolet Master 6,982 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 21, 2009
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I'd start looking for a loose or bad connection in the steering column. I doubt if it's a short or you'd be blowing fuses all over the place. Likely as you move the shift lever it is moving a wire that goes into or out from the ignition switch (on top of the column, under the dash)

  • Anonymous Jun 21, 2009

    OK>>>If it works, rate my answer!!!

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0helpful
1answer

2008 honda sticks in park

It can be issue with gears or problem with transmission and needs to be rebuilt. Also get the ****** fluid checked. If it's low, then such problems occurs.


To troubleshoot these types of issues, check the actual solved problems with these types of issues.

There are solved help links provided below: -------

Click the link below and go through the details and diagrams to troubleshoot the problem: -----
2003 Lexus RX300: Transmission Fluid Burnt Brown and not Shift to reverse?

http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2003-lexus-rx300-transmission-fluid.html

-----------
2007 Chrysler 300: Transmission Stuck in Park?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/06/2007-chrysler-300-transmission-stuck-in.html

-------------
2000 Toyota Camry: Transmission slipping and Stuck up?


http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2000-toyota-camry-transmission-slipping.html

----------
1996 Toyota Corolla: Transmission Shift Interlock will not Release?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/1996-toyota-corolla-transmission-shift.html

-------------
Lexus LS400: Transmission or Torque Converter?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/lexus-ls400-transmission-or-torque.html

------------
CV AXLE stuck in Transmission?


http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/cv-axle-stuck-in-transmission.html

------------
Transmission in reverse, acts like it's in neutral? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/transmission-in-reverse-acts-like-its.html

------------
Delayed shift and harsh Shifting?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/delayed-shift-and-harsh-shifting.html

------------
Dodge neon wont go in reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-neon-wont-go-in-reverse.html

-----------
Dodge Automatic transmission will not go into reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-automatic-transmission-will-not.html

-----------
Dodge manual transmission will not go in reverse gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-manual-transmission-will-not-go.html

------------
Transmission is making buzzing noise?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-is-making-buzzing-noise.html

------------
1998 Dodge Ram: Not Shift To Reverse? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-dodge-ram-not-shift-to-reverse.html

------------
Transmission leak on Toyota?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-leak-on-toyota.html

-------------
Automatic transmission, with no reverse?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/automatic-transmission-with-no-reverse.html

---------
No Movement When Transmission is Shifted to Drive or Third?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/no-movement-when-transmission-is.html

---------
While going in reverse mode Fuse number 27 blows on Ford Ranger?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/while-going-in-reverse-mode-fuse-number.html

--------

These will help.

Thanks.


The shifter needs to be inspected. If The shifter assembly is got misaligned, it has to be open and realign.


There are many other possibilities.

Also i suggest you to refer these gear shift issues, which are mostly noticed. These are direct links with appropriate solutions to the specific problems of gear ****.




GEAR SHIFT ISSUES


Gear indicator Shows "3" Instead Of "D"? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/gear-indicator-shows-3-instead-of-d.html --------- 2006 Chrysler 300c: Shifter Stuck in Park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-chrysler-300c-shifter-stuck-in.html ---------- 1998 Ford Expedition: Will not Shift Out of Park? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-ford-expedition-will-not-shift-out.html --------- Car will not move when in gear? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/car-will-not-move-when-in-gear.html ----------- Mercedes-Benz transmission sticks in first gear? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-transmission-sticks-in.html ---------- Mercedes Benz not engaging in first gear? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-not-engaging-in-first.html ---------- Chrysler PT Cruiser only goes in First gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/chrysler-pt-cruiser-only-goes-in-first.html


----------

Car is stuck in park and the shift will not move?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/08/car-is-stuck-in-park-and-shift-will-not.html
------- 2007 Ford Expedition: How to shift car in neutral with Dead Battery http://www.howtorepairguide.com/2012/11/2007-ford-expedition-how-to-shift-car.html -------- 2002 Nissan sentra will not go out of park mode? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/2002-nissan-sentra-will-not-go-out-of.html -------- Nissan Sentra stuck in park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/nissan-sentra-stuck-in-park.html --------- Car will not come out of Park?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/car-will-not-come-out-of-park.html
----------- Automatic transmission will not go into high gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/automatic-transmission-will-not-go-into.html

----------
Car won't downshift sometimes?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-wont-downshift-sometimes.html
-------- Buick Park Avenue: Transmission will Not shift into drive?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/buick-park-avenuetransmission-will.html
------------ No First gear Starts In Second Gear http://www.howtobyme.blogspot.com/2012/07/no-first-gear-starts-in-second-gear.html ------- Ford Taurus won't shift from park? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/ford-taurus-wont-shift-from-park.html --------- 2006 Ford F150: Will Not Shift out Of Park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-ford-f150-will-not-shift-out-of.html -------- Car Transmission will not go into Park mode?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-transmission-will-no-go-into-park.html
---------- 1998 Chrysler Voyager: Transmission Problem? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-chrysler-voyager-transmission.html ------ Shift indicator directly goes to 2nd when key is turned ON?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/shift-indicator-directly-goes-to-2nd.html
-------- Third gear missing and engine losing power?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/third-gear-missing-and-engine-losing.html
-------- Chevrolet silverado has whining sound in gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/chevrolet-silverado-has-whining-sound.html
---------- 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71: Gear shift Issue? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-chevrolet-avalanche-z71-gear-shift.html ---------- Hard to shift gears on Manual transmission?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/hard-to-shift-gears-on-manual.html
-------- Car hard shift at slow speeds?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-hard-shift-at-slow-speeds.html
--------- Transmission-Hard To Down Shift http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/07/transmission-hard-to-down-shift.html --------- Automatic transmission shift lever hard to move on cold mornings?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/automatic-transmission-shift-lever-hard.html
------------ 2000 Nissan maxima shifts hard?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/2000-nissan-maxima-shifts-hard.html

-------
Vehicle noticed sluggish delayed shifts while driving?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/vehicle-noticed-sluggish-delayed-shifts.html

-------
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe: Will not Shift out of Park Mode?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/2007-hyundai-santa-fe-will-not-shift.html


These details will help.

Thanks.

0helpful
2answers

Needing to troubleshoot transmission problems for my 2001 pontiac grand prix

It can be issue with transmission,most probably it needs to be rebuilt.

Also get the ****** fluid checked. If it's low, then such problems occurs.


To troubleshoot these types of issues, check the actual solved problems with these types of issues.

There are solved help links provided below: -------

Click the link below and go through the details and diagrams to troubleshoot the problem: -----
2003 Lexus RX300: Transmission Fluid Burnt Brown and not Shift to reverse?

http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2003-lexus-rx300-transmission-fluid.html

-----------
2007 Chrysler 300: Transmission Stuck in Park?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/06/2007-chrysler-300-transmission-stuck-in.html

-------------
2000 Toyota Camry: Transmission slipping and Stuck up?


http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2000-toyota-camry-transmission-slipping.html

----------
1996 Toyota Corolla: Transmission Shift Interlock will not Release?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/1996-toyota-corolla-transmission-shift.html

-------------
Lexus LS400: Transmission or Torque Converter?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/lexus-ls400-transmission-or-torque.html

------------
CV AXLE stuck in Transmission?


http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/cv-axle-stuck-in-transmission.html

------------
Transmission in reverse, acts like it's in neutral? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/transmission-in-reverse-acts-like-its.html

------------
Delayed shift and harsh Shifting?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/delayed-shift-and-harsh-shifting.html

------------
Dodge neon wont go in reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-neon-wont-go-in-reverse.html

-----------
Dodge Automatic transmission will not go into reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-automatic-transmission-will-not.html

-----------
Dodge manual transmission will not go in reverse gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-manual-transmission-will-not-go.html

------------
Transmission is making buzzing noise?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-is-making-buzzing-noise.html

------------
1998 Dodge Ram: Not Shift To Reverse? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-dodge-ram-not-shift-to-reverse.html

------------
Transmission leak on Toyota?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-leak-on-toyota.html

-------------
Automatic transmission, with no reverse?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/automatic-transmission-with-no-reverse.html

---------
No Movement When Transmission is Shifted to Drive or Third?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/no-movement-when-transmission-is.html

---------
While going in reverse mode Fuse number 27 blows on Ford Ranger?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/while-going-in-reverse-mode-fuse-number.html

--------


GEAR SHIFT ISSUES


Gear indicator Shows "3" Instead Of "D"? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/gear-indicator-shows-3-instead-of-d.html --------- 2006 Chrysler 300c: Shifter Stuck in Park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-chrysler-300c-shifter-stuck-in.html ---------- 1998 Ford Expedition: Will not Shift Out of Park? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-ford-expedition-will-not-shift-out.html --------- Car will not move when in gear? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/car-will-not-move-when-in-gear.html ----------- Mercedes-Benz transmission sticks in first gear? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-transmission-sticks-in.html ---------- Mercedes Benz not engaging in first gear? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-not-engaging-in-first.html ---------- Chrysler PT Cruiser only goes in First gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/chrysler-pt-cruiser-only-goes-in-first.html


----------

Car is stuck in park and the shift will not move?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/08/car-is-stuck-in-park-and-shift-will-not.html
------- 2007 Ford Expedition: How to shift car in neutral with Dead Battery http://www.howtorepairguide.com/2012/11/2007-ford-expedition-how-to-shift-car.html -------- 2002 Nissan sentra will not go out of park mode? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/2002-nissan-sentra-will-not-go-out-of.html -------- Nissan Sentra stuck in park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/nissan-sentra-stuck-in-park.html --------- Car will not come out of Park?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/car-will-not-come-out-of-park.html
----------- Automatic transmission will not go into high gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/automatic-transmission-will-not-go-into.html

----------
Car won't downshift sometimes?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-wont-downshift-sometimes.html
-------- Buick Park Avenue: Transmission will Not shift into drive?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/buick-park-avenuetransmission-will.html
------------ No First gear Starts In Second Gear http://www.howtobyme.blogspot.com/2012/07/no-first-gear-starts-in-second-gear.html ------- Ford Taurus won't shift from park? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/ford-taurus-wont-shift-from-park.html --------- 2006 Ford F150: Will Not Shift out Of Park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-ford-f150-will-not-shift-out-of.html -------- Car Transmission will not go into Park mode?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-transmission-will-no-go-into-park.html
---------- 1998 Chrysler Voyager: Transmission Problem? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-chrysler-voyager-transmission.html ------ Shift indicator directly goes to 2nd when key is turned ON?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/shift-indicator-directly-goes-to-2nd.html
-------- Third gear missing and engine losing power?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/third-gear-missing-and-engine-losing.html
-------- Chevrolet silverado has whining sound in gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/chevrolet-silverado-has-whining-sound.html
---------- 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71: Gear shift Issue? http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-chevrolet-avalanche-z71-gear-shift.html ---------- Hard to shift gears on Manual transmission?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/hard-to-shift-gears-on-manual.html
-------- Car hard shift at slow speeds?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-hard-shift-at-slow-speeds.html
--------- Transmission-Hard To Down Shift http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/07/transmission-hard-to-down-shift.html --------- Automatic transmission shift lever hard to move on cold mornings?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/automatic-transmission-shift-lever-hard.html
------------ 2000 Nissan maxima shifts hard?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/2000-nissan-maxima-shifts-hard.html

-------
Vehicle noticed sluggish delayed shifts while driving?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/vehicle-noticed-sluggish-delayed-shifts.html

-------
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe: Will not Shift out of Park Mode? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/2007-hyundai-santa-fe-will-not-shift.html


-------------

These will help.

Thanks.

2helpful
3answers

Transmission in chevy silverado 1500 5.3L v8 will not shift from 2-3 gear transmission has been rebuilt and 2-3 shift solenoid was changed but still will not shift from 2-3 gear

For gear shift issues and gear stuck issues,the help links are provided below. Click the link below to go through troubleshooting procedure:---- ---- Car will not move when in gear?


http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/car-will-not-move-when-in-gear.html ---- transmission sticks in first gear? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-transmission-sticks-in.html ----- Transmission not engaging in first gear? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-not-engaging-in-first.html ----- Vehicle only goes in First gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/chrysler-pt-cruiser-only-goes-in-first.html


----

Car is stuck in park and the shift will not move?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/08/car-is-stuck-in-park-and-shift-will-not.html


---- Engine will not go out of park mode? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/2002-nissan-sentra-will-not-go-out-of.html ---- Car stuck in park? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/nissan-sentra-stuck-in-park.html ----- Car will not come out of Park?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/car-will-not-come-out-of-park.html

-----
Automatic transmission will not go into high gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/automatic-transmission-will-not-go-into.html
--- Car wont downshift sometimes?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-wont-downshift-sometimes.html
---- Transmission will shift into drive?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/buick-park-avenuetransmission-will.html
----- Auto wont shift from park? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/ford-taurus-wont-shift-from-park.html ---- Car Transmission will not go into Park mode?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-transmission-will-no-go-into-park.html
----- Shift indicator directly goes to 2nd when key is turned ON?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/shift-indicator-directly-goes-to-2nd.html
---- Third gear missing and engine losing power?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/third-gear-missing-and-engine-losing.html
------- Vehicle has whining sound in gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/chevrolet-silverado-has-whining-sound.html
----- Hard to shift gears on Manual transmission?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/hard-to-shift-gears-on-manual.html
------ Car hard shift at slow speeds?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-hard-shift-at-slow-speeds.html
--- Automatic transmission shift lever hard to move on cold mornings?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/automatic-transmission-shift-lever-hard.html
------ Gear shifts hard?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/2000-nissan-maxima-shifts-hard.html
------- Vehicle noticed sluggish delayed shifts while driving?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/vehicle-noticed-sluggish-delayed-shifts.html

-------

This will help.

Thanks.

14helpful
1answer

2003 Chevy Trailblazer LT gear shift won't move out of park

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Very possible you have a internal fault in the drive gear only.I would suggest that you remove it and have it rebuilt.We have a local company that rebuilds them for around 300 dollars.
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