Exactly what I did but at the time I was hoping it wasn't a bad starter.
Truck wont start (selenoid click)
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 54
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Truck wont start (selenoid click)
I have been having trouble starting my truck for a little while now. Once and a while it wont start ( i turn the ignition for a few minutes and sometimes it goes). Welll that doesn't work anymore. I just get the click when i turn the ignition. I have since cleaned all the connections and still no luck.
Do you think it may be the starter? If it is... is this an easy do it yourself? Thoughts and comments are welcome!
Thanks,
-Deepbass
Do you think it may be the starter? If it is... is this an easy do it yourself? Thoughts and comments are welcome!
Thanks,
-Deepbass
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Could be a lot of things. A parts store will test the starter. If you have any doubts about it, take it in and have them check it out. It's easy to take off, just a couple bolts holding it on.
It could also be the starter relay on the fender.
Don't forget battery cables - the get water inside, they corrode and don't carry the current needed to crank any more. That almost sounds like what you're experiencing.
It could also be the starter relay on the fender.
Don't forget battery cables - the get water inside, they corrode and don't carry the current needed to crank any more. That almost sounds like what you're experiencing.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,062
Likes: 35
From: Central Oregon
The way I check the solinoid relay is to jump power from the small pole on the front to the battery cable with a srewdriver, if the engine turns over, then problem lies with the relay or the ign. switch.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 1
From: St Louis
I had the starter go out on mine. I tried to jump from the battery post to the ignition post. The starter did nothing but cook from that direct voltage.
You have already have enough possible answers to the question. Check the batter that it actually has enough charge to start the truck with a volt meter. If it isnt roughly 12 volts with rounding then it is the battery. if the starter tests good then its between the battery and the starter, i.e. either cables or the selinoid itself. Also, check to see if you have a good motor to batter ground and a good contact on the housing for the starter. A bad grounding issue can stop a starter in its tracks.
You have already have enough possible answers to the question. Check the batter that it actually has enough charge to start the truck with a volt meter. If it isnt roughly 12 volts with rounding then it is the battery. if the starter tests good then its between the battery and the starter, i.e. either cables or the selinoid itself. Also, check to see if you have a good motor to batter ground and a good contact on the housing for the starter. A bad grounding issue can stop a starter in its tracks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
What do you think the starter relay (not a solenoid, BTW) does?
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,007
Likes: 5
Starter moters have brushes in them that wear down. Sometimes when they get worn down enough they will start sometimes and sometimes not. Testing at a parts store may show them working.
Take the starter motor apart and check the brushes.
Brushes cost dollars, starter motors cost tens of dollars, i.e. $4 versus $60.
Take the starter motor apart and check the brushes.
Brushes cost dollars, starter motors cost tens of dollars, i.e. $4 versus $60.
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 149
From: SE Georgia
why? that is pointless advice. not to mention very labor intensive. what if it's a simple fault that good troubleshooting procedures can find without a single wrench being turned?
the easiest way to find the fault is:
1. get a voltmeter and verify you have roughly 12volts at the starter solenoid terminal
2. use a screwdriver and jumper across the starter relay
4. check your park/neutral switch on the tranny if an auto
the easiest way to find the fault is:
1. get a voltmeter and verify you have roughly 12volts at the starter solenoid terminal
2. use a screwdriver and jumper across the starter relay
if truck starts, the relay is most likely bad. if truck doesn't start, and you have 12 volts present at the starter relay, then either the cabling at the starter is corroded, or the starter itself is bad
3. if you have a manual, make sure the clutch neutral switch is working. this switch ensures the clutch is depressed before allowing power to the starter4. check your park/neutral switch on the tranny if an auto
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 149
From: SE Georgia
What is the point in removing the starter first to check brushes?
You can perform several simple NON-INVASIVE troubleshooting checks first. After you narrow it down to the starter itself, then remove the starter.
BTW, brush cleaning and replacement is not easy. At most an amatuer doing the job can do basically what is a bandaide patch. Get you through a little while, but it'll go bad again fairly quickly 
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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I went to clean the terminals on the starter and they were so badly corroded they snapped off... so i had to get a new started.... still did not start
(that was ok cause i still needed the started anyways)
I ended up doing what birtha66 does and (it started right up) I then knew it was the switch. Went to autozone $18 for new part and it works great.
Total cost $118 and thanks for the help everyone
(that was ok cause i still needed the started anyways)
<TABLE class=tborder style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0 itxtvisited="1"><TBODY itxtvisited="1"><TR title="Post 6452085" vAlign=top itxtvisited="1"><TD class=alt1 align=middle width=125 itxtvisited="1">bertha66</TD><TD class=alt2 itxtvisited="1">The way I check the solinoid relay is to jump power from the small pole on the front to the battery cable with a srewdriver, if the engine turns over, then problem lies with the relay or the ign. switch. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Total cost $118 and thanks for the help everyone
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 149
From: SE Georgia
$18 for that thing now...wow, it was only $11 last time I replaced one. darn inflation
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,062
Likes: 35
From: Central Oregon
I went to clean the terminals on the starter and they were so badly corroded they snapped off... so i had to get a new started.... still did not start
(that was ok cause i still needed the started anyways)
I ended up doing what birtha66 does and (it started right up) I then knew it was the switch. Went to autozone $18 for new part and it works great.
Total cost $118 and thanks for the help everyone
(that was ok cause i still needed the started anyways)
I ended up doing what birtha66 does and (it started right up) I then knew it was the switch. Went to autozone $18 for new part and it works great.
Total cost $118 and thanks for the help everyone
