Before I get off of work tonight, I looking for any ideas or theories to my problem. I think I know the issue, but I wanna see what others think.

When I left work last night, my truck was real sluggish as it turned over, but it did start and run fine. All the power door locks and interior lights seemed to be working as normal, prior to starting the engine.

This morning when I headed off for work, about 9 hours after getting home, I opened the door and the interior lights began flashing on and off quickly and repeatedly. I tried to start the engine and nothing, no clicks or anything.

I tried jumping the battery. I believe the interior lights came on and did not flash on and off, but I'm not positive. I again tried to start the motor and nothing, not even a click. I also flipped on the head lights. Both the interior lights and head lights seemed to be as bright as they should be.

About 2-3 years ago, I replaced the alternator and the battery. There is 6.8 liter gas engine (original) in this 2000 excursion. I have owned it since about 2006 and have never replaced the starter. I dont think the prior owners did either. The positive battery cable is pretty clean. I had it off about a 4 weeks ago while mounting some led fog lights and was able to check it.

Any theories?

 

Not even a click? Starter relay maybe? If the battery voltage is normal, you'll usually hear the relay click every time the key is turned to start...even if the starter is bad. Not sure but thinking it should be on the inner fender.

 

I dont think its the relay. They usually either work or they dont and with the sluggish starting last night, I think either the cable at the starter end has either corroded or the solenoid has crapped out, along with the starter.

 

Not sure where you're located, but judging by your avatar it looks like you might be getting some of this winter weather.

If you're in a cold zone and you have another battery to try, I would go that route first.

I've had all kinds of strange issues with batteries in this truck even though they seem to be fine and even tested ok at the store on one occasion. The flashing lights were always a common thread.

Did you try to jump the battery with another vehicle or you put a charger on it?

The battery could have been completely discharged and needed a while to charge up enough to engage the starter solenoid.

 

I just jumped it. I think my charger is 18 miles across the bay at my other home - which sucks right about now. I just can't imagine it being the battery. Its fairly new and we haven't really even had a cold winter yet. I am going to check a few things out tonight since I dont want to waste $ on parts that don't need replacing. My gut feeling is that its the 17 year old starter. It reminds me of what my old tractor did and it was a starter issue.

 

Could just be a bad connection on the battery. Try cleaning the terminals and battery posts and see if it helps.

 

My 79 Town Car started acting up in a similar fashion, turned out to be a very bad chassis connection on the negative cable, cleaned it up, and all was good.

 

Voltmeter readings?

Batteries, while cranking, while running...