All lights blink when I start the truck

[jacob7071]

This is strange. This morning (and once last week), when I started the truck, all lights started blinking. Dome lights, map lights, dash lights, radio, headlights, tail lights, everything.

Last week, I turned the key off after about 10 seconds to restart, but when I did, the alarm started going off. I hit the key fob to turn the alarm off, restarted the truck, and all worked perfectly fine. This morning, I shut the driver door, and the lights stopped blinking. I put it in reverse to back out, and the horn beeped 3 times. I put it in drive, horn beeps again. Started driving and about 60 seconds later, the alarm started going off again. It wouldn't stop unless I stopped the truck and took the key out.

A little background (and this may be unrelated), my truck has been starting a little sluggish for the past month. I've searched the forum to see if anyone else has had the same problem, but most of the other threads I've read say guys have to wait 5-10 seconds for the truck to start, or turn the key 2-3 times to get it to start. In my case, the truck starts every single time. It just takes 3-4 seconds when it used to take about 2. Also, the lights dim now when I try to start (they never used to).

I tried the easy stuff - changed spark plugs, plug wires and coil packs. Cleaned the battery terminals. Still have the slow start. Also, once started, the truck runs like a dream, so I thought that would rule out fuel pump. So I'm thinking starter contacts should be replaced. The battery is 3 years old, but I wouldn't think it would start to go out when the temperature has been between 78 and 95 in Houston.

So a couple of questions:

1. Does the slow start sound like a starter issue, or contacts issue?
2. Does anyone have any idea what it means when the lights blink like mine did?
3. Could these be related in any way?

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

I vote battery.

 

[Stick Figure]

I second battery ... and the alarm probably freaks out w/ the low voltage and causes the lights that its tied into to blink.

have you put a volt meter on the battery to check resting voltage and what it drops to while cranking? or take it into a parts store and have them load test it.

Starter could be creating a bigger load if the contacts are bad, but I would start by verifying the battery before you yank the starter and replace those.

 

[BlackCat914]

First off, do you mean slow start or excessive crank? As in, it cranks fine, just takes a bit longer to start? If so, I think a lot of us have that problem. Second, does the vehicle have any type of aftermarket alarm system or remote start installed?

 

[jacob7071]

I haven't done anything to check the battery. I ruled it out because I figured (probably incorrectly) that if it made it through winter, they don't usually have a hard time starting in the summer. That was just my assumption. I'll take it somewhere and have it checked.

As far as the slow start or excessive crank, it's more like a slow crank. It used to sound like chik.chik.chik-vroom. Now it's more like chik....chik....chik-vroom. (that's standard, automotive industry jargon by the way)

Thanks y'all. I'll check the battery first. That's much easier to replace.

 

[BlackCat914]

I haven't done anything to check the battery. I ruled it out because I figured (probably incorrectly) that if it made it through winter, they don't usually have a hard time starting in the summer. That was just my assumption. I'll take it somewhere and have it checked.

As far as the slow start or excessive crank, it's more like a slow crank. It used to sound like chik.chik.chik-vroom. Now it's more like chik....chik....chik-vroom. (that's standard, automotive industry jargon by the way)

Thanks y'all. I'll check the battery first. That's much easier to replace.

Ok, slow crank would be a weak battery, but don't rule out just the battery. You should probably make sure there isn't something staying running or creating a draw that could be prematurely draining it.

 

[jacob7071]

Ok, slow crank would be a weak battery, but don't rule out just the battery. You should probably make sure there isn't something staying running or creating a draw that could be prematurely draining it.

Hmm...like a phone charger or radar detector? Those stay plugged in at all times. Maybe I should unplug them at all times.

Thanks

 

[BlackCat914]

Hmm...like a phone charger or radar detector? Those stay plugged in at all times. Maybe I should unplug them at all times.

Thanks

Ya, more than likely it is just a battery, but you never know.

 

[RAD4Runner]

Battery!

"Also, once started, the truck runs like a dream"
That is because, once started your alternator is providing power, so electronics are not depending on battery (dying) for power anymore.

All that blinking stuff is indicative of battery barely able to run electronics, and possibly your alarm system getting confused.

Slow starting / starter groaning means not enough power to turn it over = low charge/dying battery. When battery gets worse, you'll get click-click-click. That's your starter relay and/or starter solenoid clikcing but starter motor not getting enough juice.

With low charge or dying battery when starter relay comes on, start solenoid and/or start motor would load the battery, drop voltage and turn off everything including relays. Once relays are off, battery voltage goes back up to barely able and turn relays back on. Repeat...

Why rule out the battery when you were'nt sure it is good?

Try jumping from another vehicle with healthy battery and see those symptoms go away.

Best of luck and keep us posted.

 

[jacob7071]

Sho nuff, it was the battery.

I ruled it out because it had a 96 month warranty, and I had only owned it 38 months. Plus, it wasn't a gradual decline in power. It just one day, started acting sluggish, but never once failed to start.

Lesson learned...check the easy stuff first.