Engine Will Not Turn Over

[phattruk]

i have a '01 1500 hd 4wd, tow and plow . went out started truck and drove off, had to return home 5 nminutes later. when i went to restart truck 3 mins later the only thing i got was a click from the starter. the dash lisgts and radioa all come on. when i turn the key and get the 1 click from the starter, the odometer and radio lights go out but rest of dash is lit. I'm thinking ground first and then starter. The only ground i see is the one from the battery to the block (btw, how the hell do you get down there to loosen and clean it?) where are the other grounds. The battery is less than 1 year and tests at 12.4 at rest. i know this may sound low, but my car batteries test around the same and start the cars with no problem. is there anything i'm missing?

[AirForceAngler]

I'd start with testing the battery under a load, then start looking at the cables. Being it's an 01, but not knowing where you live, I'd say it may be time for new cables. They can corrode up in the insulation where you can't easily see it.

[TexasAl]

Take the battery out, and take it to the auto parts store to get it tested. If it tests okay, then it will probably be your starter. Take a piece of wood (lumber), and hit the starter casing a few times, and try to start it. If it works, then your starter might be on its way out and needs replacement.

[TexasAl]

By the way, since it started fine the first time, it is most likely your starter.

[HawkScot]

Most common cause is loose or corroded cable connection. Next most common is bad battery, then bad starter.

[phattruk]

I'd start with testing the battery under a load, then start looking at the cables. Being it's an 01, but not knowing where you live, I'd say it may be time for new cables. They can corrode up in the insulation where you can't easily see it.

 

 

thanks. i had the battery tested and it was no good. got a new one and truck still wont start. next step will be to remove starter and bench test it. if that works then it on tp the cables .