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Wont Start

Merc570

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Merc570 Enthusiast

Merc570

Posted
Posted

I have a 99 Serria 5.3 engine, I turn the key and the starter just clicks. I've tried jumping it and still just clicks. The battery posts are clean but I cleaned them again anyway. I've removed the starter and had it checked, it checks good. I have 12 volts to the small starter wire without turning the key to start, is this right? What have I missed checking?

Merc570 Enthusiast

Merc570

Posted
  • Author
Posted
I have a 99 Serria 5.3 engine, I turn the key and the starter just clicks. I've tried jumping it and still just clicks. The battery posts are clean but I cleaned them again anyway. I've removed the starter and had it checked, it checks good. I have 12 volts to the small starter wire without turning the key to start, is this right? What have I missed checking?

 

 

 

Anyother thing to look for? This just happened out of the blue with no warning. Almost like a connection came loose. All the interior stuff works fine and the headlights will light up fine. Of course it had to happen 8 miles away from home.

 

Thanks,

Jim

budhayes3 Senior Enthusiast

budhayes3

Posted
Posted

I've seen worn contacts in the ignition switch cause a similar problem, although it really does sound like the contacts in the starter solenoid are worn. I would perform a starter current draw test, but you need a good ammeter, preferably with an inductive pickup.

Merc570 Enthusiast

Merc570

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I just got back from working on it again. I have 12 volts to the big post and 12 to the small post when keyed on. However, it still just clicks at the solenoid. Even though I had the starter tested and it passed all tests, could it still be the starter? I hate to replace the starter for $165 and that not be the problem. Auto parts stores generally wont take back an electrical item. I need some advice quick.

 

Thanks,

Jim

ryan632 Enthusiast

ryan632

Posted
Posted

I just had the same problem on my 99 5.3 tried to jump it nothing took the starter out and had it tested it was fine. Took the alternater and battery out and had them tested and it was a bad battery. New Battery from Advanced Auto Parts and truck started right up. I bet its also your battery.

Peter_C Enthusiast

Peter_C

Posted
Posted

Try to manually jump it at the starter. If that works there is a problem in the ignition system. Dumb question but the motor isn't frozen is it? Also check the voltage at the starter with the key or while being jumped.

100R1 Enthusiast

100R1

Posted
Posted

I agree with a post above for the weak battery

 

Turn on the head lights & try to start the truck

 

With a good strong battery the headlights will barely dim

 

a weak battery the headlights will almost go out.

 

 

good luck

Merc570 Enthusiast

Merc570

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Just installed a new battery, Auto Zone's tester said my battery was bad. I bolted it up and the same thing. Still clicks at the starter, really starting to tick me off. Not sure what to do at this time. Any help? Any more ideas?

 

Thanks.

Jim

budhayes3 Senior Enthusiast

budhayes3

Posted
Posted

Well, if the motor isn't siezed, and you have the correct voltage at the starter, my guess would be that the starter is bad. Try rotating the engine by hand...put a socket on the crank bolt and turn clockwise to make sure that a siezed engine isn't the problem.

Merc570 Enthusiast

Merc570

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks to everyone for responding. It turned out my starter was bad. Auto Zone gave me incorrect information. I went back and removed the starter, jumped it and it didnt work right so I took it to NAPA. It didnt pass the starter test. I replaced it and my truck starts great. Bottom line is, the Auto Zone in Stillwater Oklahoma needs work either training their employees or their equipment. Maybe I should have been more attentive, but most of my buying parts at auto store's has been positive. Again, thanks to all.

 

Jim

facn8me Senior Enthusiast

facn8me

Posted
Posted

don't be to hard on them parts guys. you got the best free advice from someone making $7.00 a hour that probably didn't know what a spark plug was until he hired on. :banghead: How can you lose? :loser:

sperry Enthusiast

sperry

Posted
Posted

And how old was the battery anyway...? If after a few years, it would't be much of a loss anyway. Now the vehicle's a bit more reliable..

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