Starter problem???
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,359
Likes: 1
From: Hampstead, NC
Starter problem???
Today I went out to start my truck for the first time in a week or so. Cycled the glow plugs twice(about 1 1/2 minuites total) and then turned the key. For the first time ever(since I've owned it), it didn't start right away. It did, however, keep turning over, even with the key off and removed. Bad thing was, the truck is in my shed and I had to run to the garage and get tools to unhook the battery cables, the whole time the starter continued to run. When I got back to the shed(<30 seconds) the starter wasn't turning and the odor of hot wires was in the air. I got the batteries disconnected and that's as far as I've gotten with it.
What would cause it to do this? Low batteries? Bad starter? The solenoid on the starter was replaced about 18 months ago.
What would cause it to do this? Low batteries? Bad starter? The solenoid on the starter was replaced about 18 months ago.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 5
From: Slatington, PA
It could be a sticky solenoid on the starter. IIRC, the solenoid does two jobs, engages the starter gear in the flywheel and switches the power on and off. Pull it off and see if the gear moves in and out freely. I'd also try engaging it while you have it out to see if it sticks. Sounds like you might need to check out the battery cables too.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,359
Likes: 1
From: Hampstead, NC
Thanks Trevor.
Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to look into it any more today. I needed to do a brake job on my car and a few other things that kept me tied up all day. I'll pull the starter tomorrow and have it tested.
Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to look into it any more today. I needed to do a brake job on my car and a few other things that kept me tied up all day. I'll pull the starter tomorrow and have it tested.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,359
Likes: 1
From: Hampstead, NC
Tell me about it.
Sunday was not a good day for me with the electrical stuff. First, the truck thing and then later I installed a new tail light wire harness in my car when I heard what sounded like the starter trying to engage, maybe a half second or so. Mind you, this is WITH OUT the keys in the ignition and me working in the back of the car. So, I finish up the wire harness and start the car to back it out of the garage. Hit the brakes to shift into reverse and the starter engages for a second or so.
Did it a couple more times and decided I'd better look into it as the car was needed in the morning to go to work. Turns out, the PO had an alarm/auto start system in the car and for some reason something decided to short out and try to start the car after it was running when the brakes were applied. I found 2 fuses under the dash on what looked like the main wire harness for the alarm/autostart and pulled them. It seemed to fix it for now, but when I get time all the extra wires are GONE.Will do. Might be a few days, it's getting cold around here now.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
If you don't have a local rebuild shop that can rebuild it for you, DB Electrical makes a good starter that is very reasonable. Their stuff doesn't come with that "lifetime" warranty you get at the parts store, but it also doesn't fail every year like those "lifetime" parts do. They also have a hi-torque starter if your interested. I went with the regular one, and it turns over much faster than my old one did.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,359
Likes: 1
From: Hampstead, NC
If you don't have a local rebuild shop that can rebuild it for you, DB Electrical makes a good starter that is very reasonable. Their stuff doesn't come with that "lifetime" warranty you get at the parts store, but it also doesn't fail every year like those "lifetime" parts do. They also have a hi-torque starter if your interested. I went with the regular one, and it turns over much faster than my old one did.
BTW, I looked over all the wires and cables and nothing was melted or burned, thankfully.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
You'll be happy with DB. I had an unusual request on an alternator for my wife's truck, and after calling and talking to those guys, I won't hesitate to do business with them again or recommend them to anyone. It's just a bonus that their pricing is good.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,359
Likes: 1
From: Hampstead, NC
I checked a local rebuild shop today, $160 for a reman from him. I now have a DB Electric starter on its way to me. Thanks for the recommendation Chris, I'd give ya reps but got smacked down on the attempt.
