Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Ignition or starter?

[Rhondasway]

I hate to start a new thread on this but didn't find on searching.

Truck has been starting great, batteries are recent, grounds are perfect, and suddenly when I turn the key it either lightly "bumps" or doesn't respond. It does not feel like a starter to me, and the last time this happened (on my '97) it was NOT the starter (did the kit on it to no avail) but was indeed the ignition. Is there an easy way to troubleshoot this?

Thanks for the help!

 

[DavidC]

Check battery cables, if you have a multimeter put the probes in the cable connectors at the battery and verify 12vdc+ then face the meter towards the cab. Try starting and see what voltage reading is on the meter to verify the batteries are good. Just because the batteries are recent does not mean they are good. Verify good connections on starter.

Dave

 

[MLee]

Ronda;

Mine does something similar. I can move the hight adjustment for the steering wheel and it goes OK. It might be the leads coming into the key switch area on the column that are the problem. I tilt my wheel every night and have done so since I bought it. I've just put up with it but some day its not going to start. Got fix it.

 

[Rhondasway]

Yeah, I'll check the batteries but I think they're good. I've not had any issues including sluggish turnover and charging system seems normal. When I click the key it either doesn't respond, just clicks like it might engage, or just starts right up. If I turn the key off and on a few times it starts up. Usually...

 

[Rhondasway]

Ronda;
Mine does something similar. I can move the hight adjustment for the steering wheel and it goes OK. It might be the leads coming into the key switch area on the column that are the problem. I tilt my wheel every night and have done so since I bought it. I've just put up with it but some day its not going to start. Got fix it.

Man, I hope it's not actual wiring; I hate that stuff! I'll keep it in mind, though, as I go through the process. I may just do the starter kit since I don't think I ever have and it is the cheapest of all corrections...

 

[Rhondasway]

Well, I've ordered the starter kit because, well, why not? It may fix the problem and if not it's probably long overdo anyway...

 

[B.G. Smith]

I think you are on the right track, sounds like the contacts in the starter solenoid. bg

 

[Bob4x4]

If you are getting full battery voltage to the solenoid when it clicks the contacts are suspect. If not look elsewhere

 

[Missouri Mule]

Starter Relay could be acting up, switch another in for it. Also the hot female terminal for starter relay will spread out sometimes you have to close it up some.

Also the connection for the PDC from the battery will loosen up.

 

[Rhondasway]

Just installed the kit from Larry B. Looks obvious as to the problem and expect perfection when I reinstall it tomorrow.

 

[Rhondasway]

BTW, the kit not only comes with instructions, but also now includes rubber gloves and a cute little Bandaid. Nice personal touch!

 

[R Benedict]

Hi. I have a 94 2500 4x4 and have had an issue a couple of times with the starter sticking on and the engine won't shut down when the key is turned off. I have read post's about this issue but can't find them now. Is this also related to the starter contacts sticking? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Bob.

 

[DavidC]

Yes the contacts could be sticking. A new set of contacts, dis assembly and cleaning is a good idea. Electrical fires from a starter sticking on is not a good thing.

Dave

 

[Rhondasway]

Hi. I have a 94 2500 4x4 and have had an issue a couple of times with the starter sticking on and the engine won't shut down when the key is turned off. I have read post's about this issue but can't find them now. Is this also related to the starter contacts sticking? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Bob.

Yes, it is probably the same thing. It happened to a buddy of mine. He did the same fix I did and all is well. Do it before it's too late!

 

[R Benedict]

Thanks, will get out the Geno's catalog!!