A problem just started popping up with my '97 2500 4x4 diesel...

When I turn the key to warm the glow plugs, everything is lit up normal. Lights, radio, fan, etc. all on like normal. After the "wait to start" light turns off, I turn the key to start the engine and everthing dies. No power in the cab, nothing in the engine (though sometimes I believe I hear a faint clicking coming from somewhere up front in the engine). Eventually, after repeatedly turning the key and sometimes pulling fuse 15 out and re-inserting, it will start up. Occasionally after this, the starter will sound sluggish like it's not getting enough juice. I replaced the batteries and the connections are good.

It truly is erratic - it will happen 3 days in a row, get progressively worse, and then no problem for a couple weeks. Makes no difference if it's been sitting outside for a day or two or if I just shut it off an hour ago.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

check your ground cable. maybe add a second one right to the block.

 

I'll give that a shot tomorrow. Thanks.

 

Not sure about his 97 , but i cleaned all the battery cables on my dad's 97 a few days ago because it would not start , and BOTH large negative cables already go straight to the block , the driver side one goes on one of the lower IP mount bolts , and the passenger side one uses a boss below and behind the oil filter.

 

No glow plugs on that cummins. Just tring to start you off on the right track. They use grid heaters.

 

If you can't figure it out,

carry a multimeter with you in the truck and next time it happens get out right away and check continuity between...


ground post on batteries to block/frame.

positive post on batteries to positive cable.

you could also have a problem were the positive ties in at the black power distribution box.

for giggles check...

voltage at each battery.

voltage at big starter cable to ground.

 

Didn't have a multimeter on me, but had plenty of time while it wasn't turning over this morning to hear the "clicking" distintively coming from the front part of the engine. Wish I'd had someone else on hand to turn the key so I could have pinpointed it exactly. I have no idea why it eventually turned over, just repeatedly turned the key.

Thanks for that plow. I'm not nearly as familiar with my truck as I am my car. That one I work on myself, the truck tends to just see the dealer.

 

I dont know about a 97 but on my 96 I know that there was a recall out on the ignition switch itself.......just a thought

 

Could just be a faulty main relay. I'd start off checking all the fuses and relays. Have someone turn the switch while you listen to pinpoint exactly where the clicking is coming from.