Turn ignition, doesn't start - thump sound

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 29, 2004 | 08:45 AM

space-debris

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

Turn ignition, doesn't start - thump sound

I went to crank my truck on Saturday morning. When I turn the ingnition, I hear a "thump!" sound. No click as in the starter trying to engage though. I replaced the starter relay, and the positive batter cable (the negative cable is also fresh). The battery isn't dead as all the electronics function properly.

Is it time to replace my alternator??

Thanks.

Mar 29, 2004 | 09:05 AM

Bob Ayers

Postmaster

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 4,417

Likes: 3

From: Durham, NC

Nothing pulls the current that your starter does, so your problem still could be your battery......To verify this, turn
your headlights on, and see how much they dim when you
try and crank it. If they dim a lot, replace, or try charging your battery....

Mar 30, 2004 | 01:34 AM

Ford427Strokr

Junior User

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 59

Likes: 0

From: NC

Sounds familiar, Same deal happend to me one time had to charge the battery to get it to start and while the engine was running I pulled the battery cable off and it died so I bought a new alternator and it fixed the prob.

Mar 30, 2004 | 01:43 PM

space-debris

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

thanks

thanks for the suggestions, I'm thinking it is the alternator. Even though the battery is no where near dead, I had hooked another car to it via jumper cables, but still no luck.

I had asked around, and most suggest that it might be the starter, but I haven't banged on it to check it ou.

Regards,

Derrick

Mar 30, 2004 | 06:49 PM

Ecuri

Elder User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 886

Likes: 1

From: Houston/Hope BC

If the battery is charged, it is not the alternator. Do not run an engine without a battery connected to the charging curcuit. It must have the reference voltage or its output will float way high and destroy itself and/or other electrical systems. Remove the starter and see it it works with a pair of jumper cables.. (stand on it it hard, it will want to go for a walk) or let the parts house test it.