Truck Wont Start!

tbclrk · January 2, 2010

So heres my story. It is around the single digits and teen temperature wise around here. I went one day to go start my truck and the radio turned on, all the lights and bells and whistles then i went to actually start the truck and...NOTHING. Me and my step dad tried a new battery just in case, well thats not the case. We tried to pull of the starter and take it in to get tested and he couldn't get it to come off and it was to cold to mess with it to much. So we had it towed to a shop and they went to start it the next day and BAM, it started. They couldn't find nothing wrong with it so they gave it back free of charge and i drove it around. Then the NEXT day i went to start it again and same thing, everything works except when i try to start the truck. This is really frustrating because i only have a month left here in town and i am pretty much stuck at my house unless i steal my moms impala which she usually needs. Can someone PLEASE give me any advice at all.

Thank you for taking time to read this and for helping me.

grose67 · January 2, 2010

I assume it does not even turn over. I am leaning toward the PAS system which is activated by the key. Have you tried using a different key?

tbclrk · January 2, 2010

I assume it does not even turn over. I am leaning toward the PAS system which is activated by the key. Have you tried using a different key?

yes sorry, it does not turn over and i am going to go grab the spare right now and try it.

EDIT: spare key didnt work but i really appreciate the help!

grose67 · January 2, 2010

I still suspect something is up with the ignition cylinder.

MYZ-71 · January 2, 2010

just a shot in the dark but your transmission is in park position fully, maybe shift it through positions and try it again

fggauvreau · January 2, 2010

Sounds like the starter solenoid may be frozen. I had this happen a few years ago after driving through a snow storm. Keep trying tht starter and eventually the contact will break free and make the contact. The starter will engage and the engine will start.

Nytemare · January 2, 2010

Sounds like the starter solenoid may be frozen. I had this happen a few years ago after driving through a snow storm. Keep trying tht starter and eventually the contact will break free and make the contact. The starter will engage and the engine will start.

On that note...try tapping the starter with an adjustable wrench, or a small hammer while you have a friend turning the key...but dont hit it too hard.

tbclrk · January 2, 2010

just a shot in the dark but your transmission is in park position fully, maybe shift it through positions and try it again

yes we put it in every gear trying to see if maybe my indicator on my dash was off, i do appreciate the help though

Sounds like the starter solenoid may be frozen. I had this happen a few years ago after driving through a snow storm. Keep trying tht starter and eventually the contact will break free and make the contact. The starter will engage and the engine will start.

On that note...try tapping the starter with an adjustable wrench, or a small hammer while you have a friend turning the key...but dont hit it too hard.

I did go through some snow the night before so maybe this is it, i will try this tomorrow and cross my fingers that this is it!!!

Thanks

dwhults · January 2, 2010

Check the connections to the starter. Make sure they are clean and tight.

Spurshot · January 2, 2010

This is from my 2000 Helms manual. I recommend you spend the $135 or so bucks for the set (4 volume).

grose67 · January 2, 2010

with the key on, use a screwdriver to short the two posts on the starter. If the starter works, then you know the problem is elsewhere.

fggauvreau · January 3, 2010

So heres my story. It is around the single digits and teen temperature wise around here. I went one day to go start my truck and the radio turned on, all the lights and bells and whistles then i went to actually start the truck and...NOTHING. Me and my step dad tried a new battery just in case, well thats not the case. We tried to pull of the starter and take it in to get tested and he couldn't get it to come off and it was to cold to mess with it to much. So we had it towed to a shop and they went to start it the next day and BAM, it started. They couldn't find nothing wrong with it so they gave it back free of charge and i drove it around. Then the NEXT day i went to start it again and same thing, everything works except when i try to start the truck. This is really frustrating because i only have a month left here in town and i am pretty much stuck at my house unless i steal my moms impala which she usually needs. Can someone PLEASE give me any advice at all.
Thank you for taking time to read this and for helping me.

How did you make out with your starting problem?

desrtrat · January 3, 2010

starter relay may be bad. if i remember you can swap it out with the AC relay and see if it starts, if so relays are cheep

good luck

tbclrk · January 5, 2010

This is from my 2000 Helms manual. I recommend you spend the $135 or so bucks for the set (4 volume).

Thank you for taking the time to do this!

How did you make out with your starting problem?

Unfortunately its ben in the negative numbers lately and i cant STAND the cold, my fingers and toes freeze up way to fast and the i cant get to anything with gloves on so were just going to have it towed tomorrow and have them try one more time to figure out what's wrong with it.

Thanks a bunch everyone for helping me, if only it was warmer i could have tried a lot harder. Id rather give to someone with a heated garage to take care of it.