engine won't crank...?
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engine won't crank...?
after going off roading, or getting wet any other way, such as winter...i will turn my key and i will just hear a "click", only one, and nothing else will happen, this happens all the time in the winter, it used to be not so bad, but almost e ery time now it does it. on thursday i went into a mud puddle up to my hubs, or a little past, im not sure, and it has been the worse ever since. could this be a ground problem, maybe to the starter? i need some fast help, or else im walking to work tommorrow 
. any help would be appreciated, thanx a lot guys...and gals.
. any help would be appreciated, thanx a lot guys...and gals.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: SC lowcountry
When it does this, can you check to see if voltage is getting to the starter side of solenoid on passenger side fenderwell? Alternatively you can try jumping across solenoid battery terminals thet old way to turn starter. If there is no voltage on starter side the solenoid is bad or if you can jump across the solenoid and get it to turn over again the solenoid is probably bad. If it won't turn over by jumping the starter could be bad or ground could be bad. The first thing would be to trace the ground side from battery all the way to the starter (engine) ground and clean each and every connection. Thsi is also the safest way to start the troubleshooting; also have someone stand by the solenoid and listen to make sure it is the click you are hearing. One other thing - if the battery is dying even if the solenoid is picking up the battery may not have enough current available to make the pole shoe in the starter and nothing will turn; I just had a battery die with unpredictable symtoms occurring, so don't rule this out - check the voltage while trying to start, should have arounf 9 volts with load on the battery trying to start. Good luck!
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i just charged my battery, and it reads that it is fully charged. it is the solenoid on the deivers sider fenderwell/cowl that is making the click. i cleaned the battery posts and the connection to hte starter, still no response. My truck before though, has fried a few ignition modules before, and now im thinking that may be the cause. i'll be back with more info...
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alright...i just ran to autozone, man i love them, anyways. I just bought an ignition module and both solenoids...still nothing, what now??? i still think it might be a ground, i also just put in an amp and a subwoofer, but i dont think that has any bearing on it...uggh 
also...where is the ground located for the starter and the battery?!?!
also...where is the ground located for the starter and the battery?!?!
Last edited by 87carbed; Mar 6, 2005 at 08:17 PM. Reason: needed to ask something else
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From: Central NY
I had the exact same problem 2 years ago and mine was a bad ground thru the starter.
I can see how this symptom could be manifest by several different causes tho.
Definitely check your battery cables and clean your grounds. You have one on the block and one on the frame. Remove the starter and clean the mounting areas on the starter and block too since the starter grabs ground thru where it touches the block.
While you have the starter off of ground clean the positive contact and bolting area. Theres another ground point just forward of the battery, a post on the fender with like 2 or 3 wires ground on it. Another one on the drivers side engine, not sure exactly where without lifting the hood.
Replace any cable that you see any sign of corrosion leading under the insulation.
Hope this helps!
Popa Tim
I can see how this symptom could be manifest by several different causes tho.
Definitely check your battery cables and clean your grounds. You have one on the block and one on the frame. Remove the starter and clean the mounting areas on the starter and block too since the starter grabs ground thru where it touches the block.
While you have the starter off of ground clean the positive contact and bolting area. Theres another ground point just forward of the battery, a post on the fender with like 2 or 3 wires ground on it. Another one on the drivers side engine, not sure exactly where without lifting the hood.
Replace any cable that you see any sign of corrosion leading under the insulation.
Hope this helps!
Popa Tim
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From: Central NY
I just realized that I've had a battery do this too. Although it showed 12.5v it couldn't supply the amps needed. So if you have another known good battery to throw in :-)
The starter could also be bad.
Luckily Autozone will test both for free.
If it is the starter, get new not rebuilt. I had bad luck with 2 rebuilt starters from them not even lasting 3 months and when I switched to new they started lasting many years.
Keep us posted please,
Thanks,
Popa Tim
The starter could also be bad.
Luckily Autozone will test both for free.
If it is the starter, get new not rebuilt. I had bad luck with 2 rebuilt starters from them not even lasting 3 months and when I switched to new they started lasting many years.
Keep us posted please,
Thanks,
Popa Tim
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alright, took the starter off, cleaned the mounting areas on that, forgot too on the block, oops 
...anyways, had autozone test the starter, they said it was in excellent condition, going to have the battery tested tomorrow since its 9:00 on a sunday, and nothing is open, lol. i still need to check the ground cables, at least i know its not an expensive fix, or at least i think...(to be continued)
...anyways, had autozone test the starter, they said it was in excellent condition, going to have the battery tested tomorrow since its 9:00 on a sunday, and nothing is open, lol. i still need to check the ground cables, at least i know its not an expensive fix, or at least i think...(to be continued)
Last edited by 87carbed; Mar 6, 2005 at 10:55 PM. Reason: messed up
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