i have a 95 chevy c1500 v8 200k plus miles. new battery. seems to short out and die, and wont restart. when key is turned on the amp gauge barely moves up. ive tried fumbling with the obvious wires (+ - wires etc) with no change. its done this once before. i let the truck sit for about a month then bought a new batt and problem went away. today while driving it died, with the same symptoms. also ive notice that when driving the blinkers make the amp gauge fluctuate down with every flash. thanks in advance for response

it almost seems like previous owner had an alarm system and unhooked it and left a bare wire or something

"While driving it died." Have you had the alternator checked?

not yet. the battery is still strong and engine turns over fine but amp gauge doesn't move when cranking.

ok, i think ive narrowed it down to no power at ign coil. what next?

I agree with ol boy alternator

On my truck the gauges mess up but is that the sending unit

I replaced battery, alternator, new hot and ground wires, tested ground continuity, had the fuel pump out looking for damaged wires, rechecked all ground connections, my gauges fluctuate with blinkers and headlights dim with blinkers brakes and radio. Ive all but gave up on fixing.

If the heat radio and wipers are all on i almost dont have headlights

Have your alternator tested at like Autozone. I have bought bad ones before because they seem to all be refurbished

Ignition starter switch lil box under key

You can tap it and get it to function when it first starts to fail.