After visiting a tourest attraction in Texas I got in my truck and it will not crank. When I turn the key to start I get a click as if battery is low. Using my meter I have 12.6 volts in each battery.

I called a mechanic from a local very small town who sent a young fellow out. After checking the batteries under load, he determined the starter was bad (I didn't think so). While he was gone to the next city to get the starter I had a small heart attack and was in the hospital these past four days. The new starter did not solve the problem. The mechanic told my wife he now thought it was the computer. I don't know if he was talking about the ECM or what. Anyway I'm out of the hospital and we will be returning to get the truck if it is fixed next Monday.

Do any of you have an idea what might be the cause?
With key in start position only a click
Batteries fully charged
Starter is new

Please help. We are somewhat stranded in Western Texas. I don't want to go about replacing parts to discover the true problem.

 

Ground wire? Run a new ground. Short circuit the starter to get it started.

 

Stick or auto?

Auto could be whatever it uses for a N safety switch.

Stick could clutch safety switch on the clutch pedal.

 

If its clicking its not a safety switch. I would be cleaning all battery cable clamps, BOTH sides, first along with the cable to starter connection. Next would be a bad solenoid, high current side. I've never looked, I assume its on the starter? If new it should be good.

Did he do an actual 'load test' of the batteries or a voltage reading with a load on it? How much load? How old are the batteries? Will it start with a jump? A battery can fail intenally but still read good voltage until high demand is applied.

 

My truck is auto trans. Because of the clicking I figured the neutral start switch is Ok. I'll clean the battery terminals again. I don't know if he checked the voltage under load but I believe so.

What the heck could be the computer he is talking abvoue. Isn't the ECM the only computer?

 

Make sure you check the cable connection to the starter.

Can't comment on the computers, don't know much about them but I thought there was only the one.

 

There are a bunch of computers on these new trucks, one for engine, tranny, ABS, airbags, body control module........ I'm sure there are more....

However I don't know if the starter cct runs through one of them or not or is just relayed off of the key switch. I'm guessing that it does, the N saftey probably feeds to the BCM which would then ok starting.

Either way if something is clicking under the hood then the starter solenoid is getting its signal feed.

As said above you can have a bad battery read 12v but take a dump when a load is applied, a simple boost would reveal that.

A bad clamp or battery cable could show 12v and then take a dump when a load is applied. Have they tried boosting directly onto the starter itself?

 

Yes, when they shorted across the starter posts the truck started. It's late but in the morning I'll try the jumper idea. Thanks to all.

 

If they shorted across the starter connections and it fired then the cables/connections/batteries are ok.

Check the starter relay/solenoid.

 

Hey Bud,

The hec with the starter problem. How are you feeling is more important? Tell me where abouts in west texas your at.

Darrell

 

X2 and I apologize. I junmped into trying to help quickly considering your situation and forgot your condition in the process. I hope all is OK, do take care.

 

I am fine. My heart attack was mild and a wakeup call to start eating right, loosing weight and exercising. As of this date (Sunday) we are still sitting here in Fort Davis, Tx. When the sun comes up I will give the battery terminals a good cleaning.

cLAYH mentioned the starter solenoid relay. Where exactly is that located?

Thanks everyone for your help and concerns.
As a side note: we never like to be broken down, but say what you will about West Texas, you couldn't find a more helpful and caring bunch of people.

 

I got to thinking.
*When the mechanic shorted across the starter terminals (or whatever) the truck started. Wouldn't that suggest the batteries are OK?

* Turning the ignition to the start position results in a "click." The ignition switch is Ok

Would a bad starter relay solenoid produce a click and nothing else?

I need to determine exactly what is clicking. Will report back.

 

^^^
Yes, batteries and cable connestions should be fine

Yes, ignition switch should be fine

Yes, bad starter solenoid.

Replace it when you find it. Its usually on the starter. What ever he jumpered (shorted) is shot.

Good luck, it shouldn't be too tough to fix.

 

Check the yellow wire with blue tracer going to the starter solenoid. It comes very close to the motor mount and will get chaffed/short out. Kinda hard to see.