I had an interesting problem when I tried to start the truck and go to lunch. I turned the key and nothing happened. I mean nothing, no electric anywhere.
***?
I popped the hood, and my negative from my battery was just sitting on top.
It had popped off while driving into work.
I guess after all these years the clamp doesn't have any tension anymore.
I got a small C-clamp form our shop, and clamped it down for a temporary fix, but now I have no power at my stereo. I checked the fuse and it's good.
So what can this be?

edit: all the other cab electronics work. windows, lights, cigarette lighter, etc ...

 

Are you sure there's no power at the stereo, or did the stereo get wacked by the surge from the unbuffered alternator?

 

That was my thought exactly so I went to either pull the whole head unit out, or get to the back of it. I fiddled with it for a bit, and didn't find anything conclusive so I was going to get my 12v meter when I noticed a little red light on in the corner which indicated it had power.

I don't know why removing the ground would make it behave this way, but maybe it was the ground coming on and off. I got no answer to the why or how, but it functions now. I hate it when stuff fixes itself and I don't know why.
That means it can happen again.