Truck won't start

Scottie · March 21, 2006

I have a 2003 GMC Sierra with the 6.0 engine and 4L80E transmission. The truck has about 47,000 miles on it. Twice in the past week it has not started. The starter does not click or turn over at all. After turning the key off and on three or four times the truck starts up and runs fine. The first time the truck was warmed up, I shut it off for a short time and then it would not start. The second time, the truck was cold.

I took the truck to the dealer this morning, they ran the usual test and could not find anything. The battery is good, the starter is good, the ignition switch is good, and there were no trouble codes.

Anyone have any ideas about what is going on?

Haulin' 8.1 · March 21, 2006

You don't mention them checking the neutral start safety switch on the transmission. The name might be different now but they've been called that for so long everyone will know exactly what you're talking about. Next time it happens try working the gear selector down and up or putting it into neutral to see if that allows it to start. It could be bad or not in correct alignment. That would exlpain what's happening to you completely.

Vernon

Scottie · March 22, 2006

Thanks for the reply. I neglected to mention that I did try moving the gear selector also. The dealer said there was no problem with the neutral safety.

Haulin' 8.1 · March 22, 2006

Do you still have the original Delco battery? I just thought about that. They do this. Goto where you have another battery handy then grab the postive cable where it connects to the battery and try to wiggle it. If it comes off in your hand you know what to do. Take a 5/16" 6-point socket and Vice Grip Pliers with you.

I've already had to trash both of mine (2001) and many customers. Mine I found by checking, but the customers problems started with non starting JUST like you've got and the battery checked fine. These Delcos of many years vintage are well known junk. The positive terminal is eventually erroded off by Acid contact. Go figure. Also if you see corrosion around the terminal or evidence of acid leaking around that terminal you've found it.

Vernon