So this morning I was about to head into work, and as I approached my truck I noticed from the outside that the back light on the gauge cluster was lit. I hopped in, tried to start it up, and it would'n turn over. I turned the key off - the back light turned off but the check engine light came on solid as well as the headlights (headlight switch was set to auto). This was with the ignition OFF and the KEY OUT.

I tried flicking the high-beams, turning the headlight switch on and off, turning on the 4-way just to see if I could get any response from anything, and I got nothing as if the battery were dead. But it couldn't have been completely dead if the headlights were on (they were dim) and the CEL was on. I've never heard of the CEL being lit with the ignition off and the key out.

This happened a year or so ago to me...and after a jump start all was well. Just like last time, everything was normal when I parked for the evening. Nothing was plugged in to the power outlets nor did I leave any lights on. Battery voltage was normal right before I shut down the truck.

Last time when I brought this to the dealer for this issue (while I was still covered under my bumper-to-bumper/36k warranty) they said they found nothing wrong, but also said it could have been my aftermarket radio. Which I thought was BS and an easy way out for them.

In the past I also had issues with the gauge cluster freezing up and not registering my speed, tach, gear selection, pretty much everything but the turn signal indicators. While this is happening, the odometer also does not count up. They also said they could not duplicate the problem.

I think there is a bigger issue here. Has anybody seen this happen before? The truck is mostly stock, and no major aftermarket electrical components. Just the aftermarket radio that is connected to the factory harness with one of those Metra harness adapters. Any help or insight would be appreciated!

 

Update...after getting home from work I was able to jump start the truck and it started right up. As expected the clock on the radio reset and whatnot. But the A/C is blowing HOT for some reason. Going to park it for the weekend, I have a service appointment for Monday. When it comes to my likelihood to purchase another GM vehicle in the future, this is just another nail in the coffin.