Starting issues
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The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 20
From: Caracas, Venezuela
Starting issues
Hey guy, this is what's going on:
The truck was inoperative for a few days while I worked on the a/c, since then, I've been having random starter problems. When I turn the key there is a loud click, but the engine doesn't turn, I already jumped the starter solenoid and ruled it out as the cause, I've also cleaned some of the connections, but I suspect it's either the connections or the cables, which don't seem in the best of shapes.
I must note that i've always managed to start the truck after several jumps of the solenoid (it took me almost 10 mins. today), and when it does engage, the starter seem to turn just fine. My current work order is: check/clean all the connections, test the battery, replace the battery cables. If that doesn't do it then I'll take out the starter... Any opinion or ideas?.
The truck was inoperative for a few days while I worked on the a/c, since then, I've been having random starter problems. When I turn the key there is a loud click, but the engine doesn't turn, I already jumped the starter solenoid and ruled it out as the cause, I've also cleaned some of the connections, but I suspect it's either the connections or the cables, which don't seem in the best of shapes.
I must note that i've always managed to start the truck after several jumps of the solenoid (it took me almost 10 mins. today), and when it does engage, the starter seem to turn just fine. My current work order is: check/clean all the connections, test the battery, replace the battery cables. If that doesn't do it then I'll take out the starter... Any opinion or ideas?.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 4
From: Charlestown, RI
Another thing to check would be the small wire on the starter mounted solenoid. Some have a spade terminal connector that comes loose. Most replacement starters come with a lug terminal, which is much more reliable.
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Joined: Sep 2012
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Sounds like you're doing the right thing.
The starting circuit isn't all that complicated. There are only a few variables.
If you've got a good battery, and you've done what you've done - I'd say you're starter's on its way out.
Those symptoms match a dying starter.
You didn't say what year the truck was, but if you're in THIS forum its' safe to say your starter's going to be dead soon enough anyways (assuming it hasn't already been replaced)
Personally I'd take this opportunity to swap it out and hope it fixes the problem. They're not all that expensive, and it's a pretty easy fix.
If it turns out not to be the problem, at least you'll get quicker starts.
It's always funny how over the years you don't realize how slowly you're engine's cranking over with your tired old starter - until you put a brand new starter in.
The starting circuit isn't all that complicated. There are only a few variables.
If you've got a good battery, and you've done what you've done - I'd say you're starter's on its way out.
Those symptoms match a dying starter.
You didn't say what year the truck was, but if you're in THIS forum its' safe to say your starter's going to be dead soon enough anyways (assuming it hasn't already been replaced)
Personally I'd take this opportunity to swap it out and hope it fixes the problem. They're not all that expensive, and it's a pretty easy fix.
If it turns out not to be the problem, at least you'll get quicker starts.
It's always funny how over the years you don't realize how slowly you're engine's cranking over with your tired old starter - until you put a brand new starter in.
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The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 20
From: Caracas, Venezuela
Well, I had the battery tested, the poor thing was agonizing... So a fresh battery was in order, now if I don't have any more problems I'll call it good. Something that worries me is that the alternator is keeping the system at 15-15.2V, which is kind of high, and I was told that voltage could burn (damage) the new battery, is that voltage normal? what numbers should I be looking for?.
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Oregon
Well, I had the battery tested, the poor thing was agonizing... So a fresh battery was in order, now if I don't have any more problems I'll call it good. Something that worries me is that the alternator is keeping the system at 15-15.2V, which is kind of high, and I was told that voltage could burn (damage) the new battery, is that voltage normal? what numbers should I be looking for?.
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The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 20
From: Caracas, Venezuela
Well, the fresh battery didn't completely fix the problem, so I'll check the rest of the connections at the starter early tomorrow. If the problem persist then I'll go for the new cables, the starter will be the last step. Let's hope it was just an hiccup this afternoon.
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The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 20
From: Caracas, Venezuela
I cleaned that one and used heat-shrink all over the connector to avoid having it getting dirty and giving trouble again. But I guess checking it again won't hurt neither. Thx for all the suggestions guys :-).
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