2002 4.2L XL, I am having trouble when I put my truck in reverse I hear a very loud screeching noise and the power just cuts out to the dash lights and radio then powers comes right back on. The only thing that I can even begin to believe, is that it has to be the starter, since the power goes out for a second then comes back on. If someone can give me some advise on what to search for, I don't know if a loose wire on the starter would do this or not. Switch on tranny? Something in the steering colum? any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

are you actually moving? or is this when the truck is sitting still?

 

I can hold the break and give it the gas and it will do it also.

 

Doesn't seam to be a starter problem. Sounds like a transmission problem. Might be a switch that could be going bad in the transmission or a gear.

 

I'm assuming its an automatic? If so, the neutral safety switch on the side of the transmission is the only controlling electrical item that is controlled by the shifting lever. I'd start with the n/sw and go from there for the power concern. The squealing in reverse only has to be transmission related. Possibly the solenoids are hanging up and pressure problems exist. I'd take it to a good transmission shop before I drove it much.

 

tThank you, that gives me some place to start and where to look. I will keep posted on or if I find anything.

 

Found the problem. I don't know why it only did it in reverse, but the positive wire on the starter was loose and would make contact on the small wire causing a jumper effect on the cyliniod (don't know if spelled right).

 

Ya, that would do it.

 

Ok that takes care of the electrical part. What about the transmission screaming in reverse? Are you saying that the starter would engage in reverse only? I understand the loose connection, but still not the noise.

 

Yes, for some reason and I don't know why. The wires would only touch while in reverse. I didn't think at first it was the starter because it did not sound like it(you know if you have ever hit the starter while starting you car by accident twice). I don't know how the starter was even working the wire was so loose. I had never had that happen before, and the only reason I looked at the starter was because the dash power would cut out for a second just as it does when you first try to start the truck.
Thanks for all the intrest.