Crazy problem, no idea at this point (truck not starting)

coryforsenate · June 26, 2016

Hi guys,

Like many of you, I do all of my own work and am fairly handy with a wrench. Even rebuilt my transmission when it died. However, this really has me stumped.

About a month ago, sometimes when I'd turn my key the lights/dash/accessories would come on but the engine wouldn't turn over. No clicks, noises, nothing. I'd turn the key back to "off" and then try again. Second time the engine would always turn on normally. Fast forward to this week. No matter how many times I turn the key, only the lights/accessories come on now.

Replaced alternator, starter, and ignition switch (all with Delco OEM or Professional series parts). Battery is less than a year old and shows full charge on multimeter. Neutral safety switch was replaced a little over a year ago when I rebuilt the tranny. Checked fuses and all good. Still having the exact same symptoms of accessories/lights coming on when I turn the key but absolutely nothing else happening.

Any ideas are welcome. Thank you in advance

Cory

DaveH71 · June 26, 2016

Check starter wire at both ends. Look for corrosion at the starter, would help to check resistance in the wire as well.

coryforsenate · June 26, 2016

I should add that the starter and neutral safety switch were not replaced this week but rather over a year ago. I didn't consider them since they're fairly new but it's wholly possible I got a crappy one.

coryforsenate · June 26, 2016

Check starter wire at both ends. Look for corrosion at the starter, would help to check resistance in the wire as well.

I'm planning to check the elecricals of the starter tomorrow. It's too dark to do much work now here in Texas. Cosmetically, all areas of the starter looked immaculate when I took a glance.

DaveH71 · June 26, 2016

Tap on the starter with a small hammer while someone cranks as well, if it starts that's your problem.

coryforsenate · June 29, 2016

Just to update, it's the starter. Running juice from a good battery directly to the starter and nothing.

If it had been an old starter it would've been one of the first things to look at, but I discounted it because it was a new AC Delco starter and as of now, only 1.5 years old. But, it was the professional series instead of the OEM series (couldn't find an OEM series starter). I had a Delco professional series throttle position sensor fail after only a year. Never had an OEM series part fail.

They just don't make 'em like they used to. The original factory starter was still working at the 19 year mark. I changed it out on a whim that it was probably a good idea to replace such an integral part at such an advanced age. Oh well. I purchased it through Amazon Prime so they warrantied it (24,000 mile warranty). Both sending me a new one and paying the return shipping. Just an FYI, this only works if you buy it on Amazon FROM Amazon and not one of the other non-Amazon sellers on Amazon. Buy it on Amazon from "Bob's Car Parts", good luck getting the warranty if it's defective after 30 days.

Thank y'all for all the replies.