Cody Bush

I have a 99 24valve with an NV4500 that will occasionally not start. Not starting isn't even the half ot it, it won't turn over and even try to start. Its as if I have no power from the battery. Starter was replaced in December, alternator I just replaced a few weeks ago and both batteries have tested good.

Until recently I was able to get it started intermittently, which led me to question the starter switch.

So my question is, what are symptoms of a bad starter switch?

KATOOM

Was the starter replaced with an OEM model or an over the counter auto parts version? Because if it was the later of the two then you're going to have starter problems every now and again simply for reason that those cheaper auto parts rebuilt units are nothing compared to the OEM starters in strength and durability.

But that said, you need to assure that the starter solenoid is even getting power. You do that by using a 12 volt test light on the solenoid wire (smaller brown wire) on the starter while someone tries to start the engine. If you're getting power to the solenoid but nothings happening then you need to replace the starter again.

But if you're not getting power to the solenoid when you test it like said, then you probably have a faulty clutch pedal switch. If thats not it then you can swap out the relay under the hood and start looking for loose connections.

patdaly

Cody, do you hear any type of a click when you turn the key?

Cody Bush

Not sure if its an oem or aftermarket starter. Took it in to have it replaced in December because Wisconsin and no garage. I do know its a factory brand new, so I would assume OEM.

No click when turning the key

KATOOM

The "occasional" means its most likely either the clutch safety switch or a bad starter solenoid.

patdaly

If no click, then it has to be the starter interlock, keyswitch or starter relay in PDC.

I would start by checking fuse 9 in PDC and swapping the starter relay in the PDC with another one. If that doesn't get it it is time to start checking voltage at the starter relay and tracking it back. Neutral safety switch is cheap as well, but lets diagnose it before throwing parts at it.

gorms

Splice the clutch pedal switch through. You'll loose cruise control but it's pretty much free to diagnose.

Cody Bush

Alright so I ran a jumper wire in the position of the starter relay and my truck fired right up.

So that narrws it down to either the starter switch or the relay, correct?

KATOOM

Yes. Most likely the clutch safety switch too. But for sake of just knowing, you can swap the relay with another neighboring one just to see if that helps.

And those clutch safety switches come off pretty easily, aside from the cramped area you have to reach in.

patdaly

So you pulled the relay and jumped across the NO contacts and it rolled over?

If so, then yea, you are down to relay, clutch safety switch, or key switch.

As has been said, easy enough to pull the connector at the clutch safety switch and jumper it to see if that is it.

One other stupid thing I forgot to mention is there is a possibility that you just aren't pushing the pedal down far enough as well. I ended up changing the clutch safety switch only to have the same problem. I then pulled out the floor mat and she fired right up. Looking at it the second time revealed there is a hardish foam "cushioner" for want of a better word that keeps you from breaking the switch when you push it to the floor. I think that over time, the thing takes a permanent set and then requires pushing the pedal further down than when new. I intend to take it back apart someday and fashion a new one out of some packing like you would find a computer come in, foam but tougher than the real soft foam.

In the meanwhile I just keep my floor mat pulled back towards the seat a bit and it lets the pedal depress a bit further.

patdaly

Any updates Cody?

Cody Bush

I haven't really had a chance to look at it.
I did try running the Trailer Light relay in place of the Starter relay and didn't have any luck but other than that, I haven't done much