Archived Starter electrical problem

[MRizzo]

Okay everybody, I need some help!



Yesterday, when (trying) to start the truck to leave work, all I got was a "click" everytime I turned to key - Starter solenoid problem, No Problem, dropped out the starter swapped it at Autozone (lifetime warranty!) put it in, starts right up like normal. Drive home, get up today, drive to work, (starts right up) On the drive to work, stop at the local c-store for a soda, guess what, yes, "click, click, click" again, not start.



Truck Specifics:

1994 3/4 ton 4wd, automatic transmission



This is what I have:

1. Good batteries - tested okay

2. All cables attaching to the batteries a clean and secure

3. All guages, accessories, lights, etc. work fine



I'm stumped -



Anybody have some ideas? I need help!



Thanks in advance,

Matt

 

[LandShark]

Did you actually take the cables apart and clean them? Cables can look clean on the outside but have poor contact inside.



Only other suggestion would be to rebuild the contacts on the old starter and put it back in. It's a 5 minute job since it's out. This wouldn't be the first time that a rebuilt starter was defective.

 

[Lnwing]

dropped out the starter swapped it at Autozone (lifetime warranty!)

Short lifetime,huh!! :-laf



Seriously, however you get this fixed, do the "Larry B" fix soon. It's cheap insurance for a known problem, which can cost you big money if your starter sticks and burns out the fuel shutoff solenoid! While you're at it, get his heavy duty fuel line kit to keep in stock. Chances are you'll need it sometime.





http://fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

 

[DieselTweaker]

autozone starter,,,, would be your problem



I have a local guy that builds all my starters and alt's for me very good price and he rebuilt a starter on a SUNDAY for me.

 

[J Shocik]

Matt, If you can drop the bad starter, you're able to replace the contacts, they're that easy. However, you might want to drop the replacement starter and check if there is paint on the contact area where the starter bolts to the motor, causing a bad or no ground situation-bad connection! I had it happen to me with a new starter before. Store-bought rebuilts are usually re-painted and the paint covers the mounting points where the grounding contact is made. Hope this helps... John

 

[MRizzo]

Thanks for your help everyone... .



I found the problem, the power cable to the starter was corroded inside the sheathing from the battery to about 6" down from the battery (with no symptoms visible until you pulled the sheathing back... swapped out the cable, everything is great now. I figured it out after trying to bump ther starter, and was unable to. The starter was just not getting enough amps.



Thanks again!



Matt