trouble starting - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

krazy_texan · 07-15-2003, 10:01 AM

i am having trouble with my truck starting i think it is the solenoid because the truck will try and start sometimes but not always and when it doesnt it just does exactly that, nothing, i know i have juice to the battery because everything still works, and when i hook up jumpers the truck starts fine like there never was a problem what could this be.

krue · 07-15-2003, 10:27 AM

To test solenoid use a screwdriver or something with an insulated handle and short between the large (positive bstt. cable) bolt on the solenoid and the screw inboard of it. DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING ELSE WITH IT OR YOU WILL HAVE A DC WELDER! If it works then your solenoid is bad. If not you may need to replace the starter drive gear. You can get a solenoid or drive gear for $10 at your local cheapie parts place.

jhwkns · 07-15-2003, 10:48 AM

Make sure all of your wiring is tight. Especially at the junction block.

Longhorn Man · 07-15-2003, 04:13 PM

By hooking up Jumpers, I'm kinda thinkin your battery is getting weak.
Next tiem it won't start, turn on your head lights and try again. If they dim real bad, then you probably need a new battery.
Popping off the caps and filling it up with distilled water might not be a bad idea. Seems they evaporate more down there.

bobs409 · 07-16-2003, 03:33 PM

And don't rule out the battery. I just went through this with my Chevelle. Every so often, I would get a no start situation. It could happen hot or cold. The only thing that would get it going was to jump start it.

I went through 3 solenoids, had the starter tested and still could not find the problem. Turns out it was a bad battery the whole time. Probably a bad cell. A battery can show full voltage but not have the cranking amps needed.

You could try another battery or have yours load tested.

If that is ok, then replace the solenoid.

orange72350 · 07-16-2003, 10:54 PM

Try cleaning battery posts and make sure u have goood contact. if u have headers, the heat may be killing yer solenoid

07-15-2003, 10:01 AM	#1
krazy_texan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Des Moines, Ia Posts: 3,233	trouble starting i am having trouble with my truck starting i think it is the solenoid because the truck will try and start sometimes but not always and when it doesnt it just does exactly that, nothing, i know i have juice to the battery because everything still works, and when i hook up jumpers the truck starts fine like there never was a problem what could this be. __________________ Krazy Texan My Trucks are made with Wrenches not Chop Sticks 1967 GMC 3/4 ton "Johnny Cash" 1990 v1500 suburban 1967 Ford f100 Swb 4x4 "green bean" GOD BLESS JESUS, JOHN WAYNE, AND THE ALAMO

07-15-2003, 10:27 AM	#2
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	To test solenoid use a screwdriver or something with an insulated handle and short between the large (positive bstt. cable) bolt on the solenoid and the screw inboard of it. DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING ELSE WITH IT OR YOU WILL HAVE A DC WELDER! If it works then your solenoid is bad. If not you may need to replace the starter drive gear. You can get a solenoid or drive gear for $10 at your local cheapie parts place. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

07-15-2003, 10:48 AM	#3
jhwkns Registered Cruiser Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 2,230	Make sure all of your wiring is tight. Especially at the junction block. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

07-16-2003, 03:33 PM	#5
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	And don't rule out the battery. I just went through this with my Chevelle. Every so often, I would get a no start situation. It could happen hot or cold. The only thing that would get it going was to jump start it. I went through 3 solenoids, had the starter tested and still could not find the problem. Turns out it was a bad battery the whole time. Probably a bad cell. A battery can show full voltage but not have the cranking amps needed. You could try another battery or have yours load tested. If that is ok, then replace the solenoid. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

07-16-2003, 10:54 PM	#6
orange72350 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Cold, Snowy High Level, Alberta Canada Eh Posts: 394	Try cleaning battery posts and make sure u have goood contact. if u have headers, the heat may be killing yer solenoid __________________ 2003 yamaha raptor. Stock, but it still hauls!!!! 2000 skiddo mxz 700. Camoplast 1.5 inch track, jaws twin pipes, b+b can, custom built and weighted clutch, wiseco piston, high comp heads. its very fast. wow. 72 c-10 longbox. Bright Orange. Brand new 350, rv cam, performer intake, qjet, headers, 2 1/2 inch exhaust into hooker areo chamber mufflers. Body work coming soon. "dont let yer mind wander, its to little to go places by itself." "Forget the herse, cause i'll never die"-ACDC Back In Black "If It's To Loud, Yer Just Too Old" "I Love Anything Fast Enough To Do Something Stupid In" "Instant idiot, just add beer!!""

07-15-2003, 04:13 PM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	By hooking up Jumpers, I'm kinda thinkin your battery is getting weak. Next tiem it won't start, turn on your head lights and try again. If they dim real bad, then you probably need a new battery. Popping off the caps and filling it up with distilled water might not be a bad idea. Seems they evaporate more down there.



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