Truck starting problem

noom14921992 · Aug 25, 2024

So I have a strange ( to me ) starting issue.
Sometime the truck clicks when you try and start and then you try again and it starts right up.

I have a new battery, new starter, fresh gas. The truck does start every time. you just sometimes have to cycle the key 1 or 2 times to get it to start. once its running it has no issues and is fine.

I am not sure what it could be. Maybe a ground? I really dont know. thats why i am here.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I attached a link to a video that shows what i mean and you can hear the issue.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FhuJsuwEGAmVo3wm7

docstoy · Aug 25, 2024

Sounds like connections snug but not tight at starter or battery connections.

Drunkcanuk · Aug 25, 2024

Start with the easy stuff like connections, especially if it still has side mount battery posts. The cable can corrode several inches down from the connection.

noom14921992 · Aug 25, 2024

docstoy said:
Sounds like connections snug but not tight at starter or battery connections.

The battery is new and uses top connections for the terminals.
The cable to the starter has been changed because some idiot ( me ) let it get melted on the manifold. the connections are tights and i did verify them.

noom14921992 · Aug 25, 2024

Drunkcanuk said:
Start with the easy stuff like connections, especially if it still has side mount battery posts. The cable can corrode several inches down from the connection.

verified all the connections were tight on both ends.

The starter is new and was shimmed. but who knows if that was done correctly. any idea how to know how much shim you need?

the truck is old ( 89 ) and has many litttle things that are strange. but this one persists.

Drunkcanuk · Aug 25, 2024

noom14921992 said:
verified all the connections were tight on both ends.

The starter is new and was shimmed. but who knows if that was done correctly. any idea how to know how much shim you need?

the truck is old ( 89 ) and has many litttle things that are strange. but this one persists.

Not sure on the shimming. But just because something is new, don't mean it's good. Definitely been a track record of new parts being crap right out of the box for the last decade or so.
Have you downloaded the factory service manuals yet?
They are in the sticky section of the engine and performance section.

Schurkey · Aug 25, 2024

Verify battery voltage, and verify voltage drop at the starter solenoid end of the main battery cable (Test 1, below) when the starter is cranking. Also verify voltage drop on the ground side (Test 2).

You must be registered for see images attach

Verify voltage to the "S" terminal of the starter solenoid. Weak voltage produces low current flow through the solenoid windings, which then doesn't create enough electro-magnetic force to engage the starter. It is REALLY common for the purple wire connected to the "S" terminal to be corroded to death.

Truck starting problem

noom14921992

Newbie

docstoy

I'm Awesome

Drunkcanuk

I'm Awesome

noom14921992

Newbie

noom14921992

Newbie

Drunkcanuk

I'm Awesome

Schurkey

Supporting Member

Similar threads

Latest posts

Members online

Forum statistics

Share this page