bad starter? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Silence86 · 09-30-2010, 09:51 PM

ok here lately my truck has had a problem starting. since it has been chilly in the mornings when i got to start my truck, the starter makes a loud clicking noise. like it dropped. and then if im driving for a while and i turn it off and go to start it, the starter will click a few times and has a hard time starting. it will eventually start but im scared i will get stranded somewhere. any ideas other than the starter just so i have an idea what to check tomorro?

mrnize · 09-30-2010, 09:54 PM

Starter solenoid or bad battery. If it clicks and ur lights dim, I think it means battery is no good.

*nbpro* · 09-30-2010, 09:55 PM

Take your starter in to your local parts store and have them test it. Check to make sure you haven't gotten a drain from somewhere.

**old Rusty C10** · 09-30-2010, 09:58 PM

first th ing to do is to check the connections on your battery and the starter. Once they are clean and good then check the charging system that its ok ( battery) and then if all that is eliminated then its prolly the solenoid on the starter like another poster mentioned

dccarpenter · 09-30-2010, 10:54 PM

I had a similar problem, my issue was in the general electrical system, bad grounds, drains on the battery, etc.. were going haywire with my starter and battery. I'd unhook the battery, put in a new starter, it'd work a few times, then boom dead starter again.

I'd take the starter out(it is very easy) and battery and have both tested at the autoparts store, then I'd use a test light to check for a drain if they both test out ok. Replacing the starter solenoid if it's firewall mounted is worth doing, it's a 5 dollar part usually and a 10minute replacement job.

CaliDude76 · 09-30-2010, 11:19 PM

I had the clicking problem as well,... even after a new starter... same thing.. and a new battery clean contacts too....

Didn't see this one coming.. but it was the ignition switch on my column that was the problem... apparently it wasn't making good contact anymore... so it was starving the starter...in a sense..

Funny thing... how I found this out was when I put a tilt column in my truck.. and used all the electronic goodies from that same column too.. just plug and play.. had no problems whats so ever after that with the starter... talked to a few shop dudes.. and turns out.. those switches could cause that problem... so good luck

*nbpro* · 09-30-2010, 11:43 PM

http://assets.fluke.com/appnotes/aut...e/beatbook.pdf

tucsonjwt · 10-01-2010, 04:54 AM

Drive the vehicle to an auto parts store, then have them check the entire charging system. Bad starters and alternators, etc., can check good on a bench but bad in the vehicle. Clicking is usually the solenoid, but as mentioned above, our old trucks can have a lot of electrical surprises. I had an intermittent no start condition that eventually was fixed with an "upper steering column rebuild." I found this out after replacing everything else - starter, solenoid, alternator, ignition switch, etc. If you do need a starter I would look into a genuine GM high torque mini starter - pricey, but worth the money if you plan to keep the truck long term and can afford it. If you sell the truck you can take it out and replace it with the stock one, then sell your used high torque starter to recoup some cost. I think I searched the net and got mine for about $140 a couple years ago. Rebuilt electrical parts are a crapshoot, in my experience, so I avoid them whenever I can.

Silence86 · 10-01-2010, 09:09 AM

yeah i checked my battery with a volt meter before i went to bed last night and it read 12.6 and then re checked it this morning and read 12.2 so im sure its not the battery. could be the switch ill check all my connections today before i replace my starter.

Silence86 · 10-01-2010, 09:10 AM

oh btw is the starter solenoid on the starter? (dumb question?)

*nbpro* · 10-01-2010, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silence86

oh btw is the starter solenoid on the starter? (dumb question?)

Not on all vehicles. I know my 81 has it on the starter

**truckdude239** · 10-01-2010, 02:16 PM

Almost all gm trucks have the solenoid on thye starter. I would most def have the battery checked jsut becasue it has 12.2 volts dont mean the amps AREN'T gone no amps no start.

*nbpro* · 10-01-2010, 05:49 PM

from the pdf link
No-Load Test
Voltage Percent Chart
12.60V to 12.72V 100%
12.45V 75%
12.30V 50%
12.15V 25%

surface charge from the battery by turning on the
headlights for a minute. Measure the voltage
across the battery terminals with the lights off
.When possible, individual cell specific
gravity should be checked with a hydrometer. A
load test should be done to indicate battery
performance under load.

09-30-2010, 09:51 PM	#1
Silence86 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: N. Richland Hills Tx Posts: 229	bad starter? ok here lately my truck has had a problem starting. since it has been chilly in the mornings when i got to start my truck, the starter makes a loud clicking noise. like it dropped. and then if im driving for a while and i turn it off and go to start it, the starter will click a few times and has a hard time starting. it will eventually start but im scared i will get stranded somewhere. any ideas other than the starter just so i have an idea what to check tomorro? __________________ 1986 gmc sierra....http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...hp?albumid=622

09-30-2010, 09:54 PM	#2
mrnize Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Sacramento Ca Posts: 50	Re: bad starter? Starter solenoid or bad battery. If it clicks and ur lights dim, I think it means battery is no good.

09-30-2010, 09:55 PM	#3
nbpro Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Huntsville,AL Posts: 2,119	Re: bad starter? Take your starter in to your local parts store and have them test it. Check to make sure you haven't gotten a drain from somewhere.

09-30-2010, 09:58 PM	#4
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,287	Re: bad starter? first th ing to do is to check the connections on your battery and the starter. Once they are clean and good then check the charging system that its ok ( battery) and then if all that is eliminated then its prolly the solenoid on the starter like another poster mentioned __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

09-30-2010, 10:54 PM	#5
dccarpenter Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Washington, dC Posts: 176	Re: bad starter? I had a similar problem, my issue was in the general electrical system, bad grounds, drains on the battery, etc.. were going haywire with my starter and battery. I'd unhook the battery, put in a new starter, it'd work a few times, then boom dead starter again. I'd take the starter out(it is very easy) and battery and have both tested at the autoparts store, then I'd use a test light to check for a drain if they both test out ok. Replacing the starter solenoid if it's firewall mounted is worth doing, it's a 5 dollar part usually and a 10minute replacement job.

09-30-2010, 11:19 PM	#6
CaliDude76 All About the BOWTIE Join Date: May 2010 Location: Los Banos, California Posts: 436	Re: bad starter? I had the clicking problem as well,... even after a new starter... same thing.. and a new battery clean contacts too.... Didn't see this one coming.. but it was the ignition switch on my column that was the problem... apparently it wasn't making good contact anymore... so it was starving the starter...in a sense.. Funny thing... how I found this out was when I put a tilt column in my truck.. and used all the electronic goodies from that same column too.. just plug and play.. had no problems whats so ever after that with the starter... talked to a few shop dudes.. and turns out.. those switches could cause that problem... so good luck __________________ CaliDude76 "... Being "SQUARE".. is where it's at...." Proverbs 15:30 .... "A Cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones..." Be exceedingly blessed today, my friends!... Last edited by CaliDude76; 09-30-2010 at 11:24 PM.

09-30-2010, 11:43 PM	#7
nbpro Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Huntsville,AL Posts: 2,119	Re: bad starter? http://assets.fluke.com/appnotes/aut...e/beatbook.pdf

10-01-2010, 04:54 AM	#8
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,188	Re: bad starter? Drive the vehicle to an auto parts store, then have them check the entire charging system. Bad starters and alternators, etc., can check good on a bench but bad in the vehicle. Clicking is usually the solenoid, but as mentioned above, our old trucks can have a lot of electrical surprises. I had an intermittent no start condition that eventually was fixed with an "upper steering column rebuild." I found this out after replacing everything else - starter, solenoid, alternator, ignition switch, etc. If you do need a starter I would look into a genuine GM high torque mini starter - pricey, but worth the money if you plan to keep the truck long term and can afford it. If you sell the truck you can take it out and replace it with the stock one, then sell your used high torque starter to recoup some cost. I think I searched the net and got mine for about $140 a couple years ago. Rebuilt electrical parts are a crapshoot, in my experience, so I avoid them whenever I can.

10-01-2010, 09:09 AM	#9
Silence86 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: N. Richland Hills Tx Posts: 229	Re: bad starter? yeah i checked my battery with a volt meter before i went to bed last night and it read 12.6 and then re checked it this morning and read 12.2 so im sure its not the battery. could be the switch ill check all my connections today before i replace my starter. __________________ 1986 gmc sierra....http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...hp?albumid=622

10-01-2010, 09:10 AM	#10
Silence86 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: N. Richland Hills Tx Posts: 229	Re: bad starter? oh btw is the starter solenoid on the starter? (dumb question?) __________________ 1986 gmc sierra....http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...hp?albumid=622

10-01-2010, 02:16 PM	#12
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,234	Re: bad starter? Almost all gm trucks have the solenoid on thye starter. I would most def have the battery checked jsut becasue it has 12.2 volts dont mean the amps AREN'T gone no amps no start. __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube Last edited by truckdude239; 10-01-2010 at 02:16 PM.

10-01-2010, 05:49 PM	#13
nbpro Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Huntsville,AL Posts: 2,119	Re: bad starter? from the pdf link No-Load Test Voltage Percent Chart 12.60V to 12.72V 100% 12.45V 75% 12.30V 50% 12.15V 25% surface charge from the battery by turning on the headlights for a minute. Measure the voltage across the battery terminals with the lights off .When possible, individual cell specific gravity should be checked with a hydrometer. A load test should be done to indicate battery performance under load. Last edited by nbpro; 10-01-2010 at 05:52 PM.



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