Will Not Start

fflynn · July 25, 2006

I turned off my truck and a couple of minutes later turned the key and it will not start. It does not crank and every few turns of the key, I hear a click.

It is a 99 Ext cab Sierra, 4x4. Any thhoughts or trouble shooting advise would be appreciated.

KICK · July 25, 2006

I turned off my truck and a couple of minutes later turned the key and it will not start. It does not crank and every few turns of the key, I hear a click.

It is a 99 Ext cab Sierra, 4x4. Any thhoughts or trouble shooting advise would be appreciated.

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battery dead or loose connection from batt to vehicle

fflynn · July 25, 2006

Nope... that was the 1st thing I checked. Thanks

ken1mod · July 25, 2006

Not to disagree but connections would need to be checked out, of course it could be a bad starter. It really can't be much else. You might short the big positive wire to the solenoid terminal on the starter and see if it cranks. be careful though, it the ignition is on (it shouldn'tbe) and truck is in gear it will take off on its own maybe with you under it.

Do all the basic tests. My bet is its something simple. (cheap)

Ken

fflynn · July 26, 2006

I have done what I figure are all the basics, tested battery with volt meter, turned on lights and wathed draw on volt meter, took battery off and put back on again, tried starting in netural and park.

When I old the key in start for a couple of seconds, I hear a pretty strong single click from under the vechicle... I am assuming the solenoid.

The location of the solenoid and starter under the vechicle makes it difficult to get at, so I'm a little weary about trying to cross it with a screwdriver. Anyone have any thoughts or tips on getting at it.

I did give the starter a few taps with a hammer while I had someone turn the key, but nothing.

Rolandd · July 27, 2006

When I old the key in start for a couple of seconds, I hear a pretty strong single click from under the vechicle... I am assuming the solenoid.

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It sounds like the solenoid is engaging but the starter motor is not. Try rotatling the engine by grabbing the belts and moving the crank shaft an eighth of a turn or more (with the key OFF!). I have had it happen that the starter gear and flywheel line up so perfectly that they cannot mesh, which stops the solenoid from extending enough to make the electrical connection for the starter motor.

If this does not work you are probably looking at a starter by the description above.

KICK · July 27, 2006

If this does not work you are probably looking at a starter by the description above.

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sounds like a bad starter ,dont it.?????????????

barring the starter being bad, will have to do voltage drop tests across both positive and negative cables.

fflynn · July 28, 2006

Thanks guys for the posts, I'll try the belt rotate when I get home. But as I mentioned, I get no starter whine, just a single loud click.

I suspect I need to replace the starter. Has anyone who has done this lately on a GMC/Chevy have any advice. It looks very crowded down there and I am sure I am not going to be able to get my hands up around to the solenoid to disconnect cables.

Is there only two boths attaching the starter? Once I let them go, will there be enough slack in the wires for it to come down enough for me to see how to dissconnect them?

Thanks

Bish · July 28, 2006

Don't forget about the infamous cracked battery post causing corrosion in the hot lead. If you have corrosion in the wire (have to pull back some insulation to make sure), even a new battery won't work properly. If that is the case, voltage would look good but the cable won't be able to provide enough current to the starter to turn it. If there is any doubt, I would replace that wire.

Elwood 2000 · July 29, 2006

Before you tackle the starter, I have a true story. My wifes Impala did the same thing. A couple times it would start, a couple times, it did exactly what yours is doing. I tested the battery AND load tested it. It appeared fine. After taking apart and cleaning all the connections, looking for any possible loose or damaged wires, my thought was then possibly a starter or altenator. After finally getting it running, it would charge properly and when it would finally start, it seemed to operate properly.

I was really stumped, but we were leaving for Florida in a few days, so for $80, I thought it was a cheap gamble on the correct fix, so I bought a brand new battery. The car has started like new ever since. The old battery is still on the shop bench and will load test to this day. Don't ask my why.

You might just try a battery? My wifes car is only 4 years old.

fflynn · July 31, 2006

Thanks guys for the posts.

I was out of town and never had a chance to try any of the suggestions. I'll give them a try tonight. As for the battery cable, I would not suspect that, as I apply a rust proofing agent every year leaving all wiring and metal well "lubed" as part of the process... but you never know.