Try Starting Truck and Only Get One Click From Starter

nbuchanan · December 13, 2011

I have a 2003 Chevy 2500HD with a 6.0. The truck has a battery that is about 14 months old and I have had no signs of starter prolems what so ever. The other day I started the truck to pull it up into the driveway and it started up just fine. Later that evening we got in it to take off for the weekend and all it would do when I turned the key was just click one time and the was it. I tried jumping starting just for the hell of it and still just one click. I have been sick with pneumonia since this happened and I haven't had the time to clean the connections and wires up yet. Just wondering if anyone had any suggestions that may help me out.

Thanks,

Nate

txab · December 13, 2011

I have a 2003 Chevy 2500HD with a 6.0. The truck has a battery that is about 14 months old and I have had no signs of starter prolems what so ever. The other day I started the truck to pull it up into the driveway and it started up just fine. Later that evening we got in it to take off for the weekend and all it would do when I turned the key was just click one time and the was it. I tried jumping starting just for the hell of it and still just one click. I have been sick with pneumonia since this happened and I haven't had the time to clean the connections and wires up yet. Just wondering if anyone had any suggestions that may help me out.

Thanks,

Nate

^^^^ This first

dewfpo · December 13, 2011

I agree, if you're getting a click even with a booster battery connected you need to check your connections at the battery, grounds, and starter.

DEWFPO

waumo1 · December 13, 2011

Bad starter or solenoid.

Whack the starter with a solid piece of oak, axe handle or such and it will probably start. Then move it to where you are going to work on it.

nbuchanan · December 13, 2011

Bad starter or solenoid.

Whack the starter with a solid piece of oak, axe handle or such and it will probably start. Then move it to where you are going to work on it.

I tried this already and unfortunately it didn't help me any...

pjp · December 14, 2011

The click that you're hearing is the solenoid engaging the bendix gear and the starter motor is failing to turn. If you really need to move it, have someone turn the key to the start position while you tap the starter from the underside with a hammer. The jolt may cause the starter to make a connection and turn. However, I can't say enough to be SAFE with the emergency brake mashed on and the truck in PARK.

nbuchanan · December 15, 2011

Any suggestions on a place to get a starter for a good price online?

Shaners · December 15, 2011

Before buying a new starter I would have the battery load tested first. Most part stores will do it for free. If there is a dead short in the battery the truck won't jump start. Also check the ground strap to the frame... that has given alot of people problems.

nbuchanan · December 18, 2011

Well, went out and tried starting it before I worked on it and it fired right up! So I took it to the local parts stored and they tested the battery and said it was good along with the alternator and the starter. Guess I'll see where cleaning the cables and connections gets me. Hopefully I don't get stranded somewhere.

etex211 · December 27, 2011

It is most likely worn brushes in the starter and it will happen again.

I don't like rebuilt starters and alternators from parts stores. I'd buy the brushes and fix the starter myself...or just take the starter to a local motor shop and let them do it.

tvrsq51 · December 27, 2011

Thats is so an old school remedy that will work if most of the time. I have the same truck and that happened a few times until my starter died. I replaced it myself and it was a little awkward putting it in but it went in. No issue for a week or two then it started to happen again. The mallet worked once but i didn't like that since it is new. i took it to a local autoparts store where they know a thing or two about a thing or two. They noticed an actual spark at the starter terminals and thus my problem was shown. A little tightening and all is well almost a year later. But new if that is the problem and check the battery.

oldscsc · December 27, 2011

Exactly what my truck was doing. My connections were clean and tight so, off to AutoZone I went. I spent $190 (ouch) on a new Duralast Gold (guy said rebranded Remy), put it in, and haven't had a minute's problem since.

FWIW, I did have my starter tested at two places. The first said my "drive gear isn't popping out" but the motor works fine (it did spin up). The second place said everything was fine but the motor (just clicked). He let me watch and, sure enough, my solenoid was doing it's job. A quick tap with a wrench and the motor spun right up.

nbuchanan · December 28, 2011

I actually took the starter into an auto electric place today and they are rebuilding the it and putting a new solenoid on it for around $90.00. I thought that was awesome since a crappy one from the auto parts is around $170.00!