Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) HELP! Starter does then doesn't

[David Wheeler]

Went to start the truck this afternoon and no starter. Thought I'd forgotten to press the clutch. Tried again, no luck. Tried turning the key off, then back on. Again, no starter. After a few off and ons, then she started. Happened again when leaving for home and again after dinner. Runs fine after starting. The lights all work, the batteries are new (few weeks old), all dash lights light up, lift pump runs, no clicking from the starter, etc. Have checked for codes... . none Now I'm stumped. Anyone else experience this phenomenon? Wonder when I'll try and start it and it finally won't. Help please!! TIA



David

 

[Briar Hopper]

Originally posted by David Wheeler

the batteries are new (few weeks old)/QUOTE]



Sometimes a loose battery clamp will do that. More than likely, though,it's your starter contacts that are worn out. You can get a new set from TDR member Larry B... "LarryB's Super Starter Contacts"... . easiest lowest cost way to fix the starter problem.

 

[Thomas]

Read this Starter Problem Thread.

 

[SRadke]

With a starter contact issue you should hear the starter click. That doesn't sound like the case here. Two thumbs up for Larry B's contacts though.



-Scott

 

[Mundgyver]

Check the main power wire (RED) within the steering wheel column to the back of the ignition switch. Mine broke at the back of the connector causing the same type problem a few month back. I had the entire dash harness replaced under warranty. DC did not allow for enough flex in the wire harness with the tilt wheel. When the wheel was down it would run and start. Tip the wheel up and everything would die. Thats my experience Good luck

 

[David Wheeler]

Thanks!

Guys,



Thanks for the replies and advice. Called Larry B this morning and discussed my symptioms with him. He agreed with most of you on the contacts. He was very helpful and will be getting me a set of contacts and plunger in the mail. Still waiting for the darn thing to give it up completely before the replacement parts arrive I'll post the outcome after I get the contacts/plunger installed. Thanks again to all that helped!!!



New starter (which is what the DC service manual says must be done in this case) $300 + vs. $35 for new contacts and plunger... ... no brainer. The savings alone has paid for my TDR membership for years to come



David

 

[TJMIV]

Your voltage passes through the switch that is activated by the clutch before going on to activate the starter. Make sure truck is in neutral have someone to hold clutch in &turn switch to start position. Voltage has to be present on both sides of this switch before it can have anything to do with starter relay contacts. Don`t take this the wrong way because when my starter contacts need replacing I will also go to Larry B`s contacts, but it is possible to replace these contacts and still have the problem you are talking about. Just my long . 02 worth. Hope this helps,& GOOD LUCK. TJMIV

 

[David Wheeler]

Now it's getting really weird!!!

Have been living with the intermittent "no starter" now for a few days. Never know how many times I'll have to cycle from off, on, start... . off, on, start until the starter finally turns it over. Now for the really weird part!! If I try and go through the aforementioned sequence with no luck (most of the time) I just keep on trying. But, if I (now get this) open the drivers side door and turn the key, it starts every time!!!!! I thought this was simply a coincidence the first few times it happened, but it has happened consistently for dozens of starts now!! Can't figure it out except to say it must be God's answer to my prayers concerning this starter problem.



TJMIV, could you be a little more specific about the procedure you are suggesting? Are you saying I need to check for voltage at a clutch switch? Sorry, I'm not following very well. Please elaborate if you have time. Thanks!

 

[TJMIV]

If your truck is like mine you have to push clutch in to start unless it has been disarmed. If you look under the dash around clutch pedal linkage you should see a small switch somewhere. When you turn your key to the start position voltage passes through this switch when the clutch pedal is all the way to the floor and then to the activator side in most cases to an assist relay and then on to the starter relay itself. This is to make sure that someone is in the drivers seat before it can be started. I disabled this feature on an older ferd truck diesel (I KNOW I KNOW), and hit the switch while standing beside the truck, guess what that`ll really get your blood pumping and I mean fast. You check your voltage going into this switch by turning the switch to the start position wiyh your foot off the switch, when you mash the clutch to the floor it should go out the other side of the switch. If this checks o. k. follow it to the assist relay, you should get voltage to the activator side of that and then it goes down to the starter relay. If you need to , call me at my business # 803-345-6580 8oam -6m est. ask for MAC.

 

[Thomas]

The clutch pedal position switch is on the rod that goes from the pedal arm through the firewall. There are two black wires that go from the switch to a connector mounted on a bracket below the switch. From the connector you should see two wires. The yellow wire is the battery/ignition side of the switch. The yellow/red wire goes to the starter relay in the PDC.



If you take apart the connector you can check three things and hopefully isolate your problem:



You can check the resistance across the switch contacts with the pedal depressed.



+12 volts should be present at the yellow wire with the key in the start position and the clutch pedal in any position.



If you jump the yellow and yellow/red wires and try to start the engine you will bypass the switch (and the safety feature it is used for) and can test the rest of the starter circuit.



Be careful!

 

[David Wheeler]

Many thanks

I truly appreciate the advice and instruction passed on to me. I am preparing to leave for a few days of vacation so I will dig in to the possibilities upon my return. For the next few days a friend will be watching over the old girl. TJMIV, I may just take you up on that offer to call Thanks!!

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

David

My '93 has a separate relay for the starter under the hood - not sure if later models have the same but it might be worth a look-see. With the exception of the door symptom my symptoms were the same. The replacement of the relay worked for about a year - then it was time for a new starter. BTW I wired a push button interlock switch on my clutch when mine failed completely