Bad Starter Issue

[zainyD]]

Hey guys, I've been having a bad problem with my 96 3.0 not starting properly.

Let me start off by saying that I have a good Optima red top and a brand new starter. I originally figured that I needed a new one since the truck had the original with 176,000 miles on it, but the new one didn't make a difference. When I put in the new starter I checked my cables(positive & ground), cleaned them, and made sure all the connections were tight and the starter wire had a good crimp.

What's happening is that the truck will not start consistently. When I turn the key to the start position I just get a click. Everything is normal, but the starter will not turn or engage. Sometimes I have to turn the key 15-25 times before it will actually turn over. Other times it starts right away.

I don't want to spend too much more money if possible. What can I do to fix this????

 

[nitrofan1]

Inspect the lock and tumbler assy for wear. If it's good look at replacing the ignition switch which means pulling the steering wheel. Had one just like this the other day at work cept it was a 91 K1500.

 

[trail B2]

What I would do is check the voltage in the actuation wire on the starter the one that comes from the key.Take a test light put it on the terminal have someone turn the key.If the light is bright its the starter if it dos'nt light check the key switch.The ignition switch is mounted on top of the steering column between the wheel and the dash under the cover.The switch runs on a linkage from the key you can adjust it back and forth it might just need to be adjusted.

 

[dennis461]

You need to find out where the "click" noise is coming from.
Down by the starter?

 

[zainyD]]

It's difficult for me to pinpoint the exact location of the click. I can almost feel it in the steering wheel.

I went out to test my truck a while back and it fired right off. I'll have to see how things go the next time I want to drive it.

The ignition switch sounds like a likely culprit. I pull the cover on the steering column and have a look.

 

[dennis461]

It's difficult for me to pinpoint the exact location of the click. I can almost feel it in the steering wheel.

I went out to test my truck a while back and it fired right off. I'll have to see how things go the next time I want to drive it.

The ignition switch sounds like a likely culprit. I pull the cover on the steering column and have a look.

Get help listening for the click.
I doubt it's the ignition switch you get a click, so the key is doing something, tight?

There should be a small starter relay near the fusebox under the hood, maybe that is your problem.

oh, one more thing.
make sure the smaller ground wire bolted to the sheetmetal is in good shape.

 

[4x4junkie]

Bad starter relay (it's on the driverside inner fender).

 

[zainyD]]

Bad starter relay (it's on the driverside inner fender).

I'm pretty sure that's what it is junkie. I tried starting it tonight and got the same click and it's coming from that area. I'll try to see if I can track it down.

 

[zainyD]]

Thanks everybody for your help! It ended up being a bad starter solenoid relay, but I also went ahead and replaced the ignition module that's on the underside of the steering column. I now have a new starter, solenoid relay, and ignition module, but thankfully everything wasn't too expensive. Those items were all due for replacement anyway since it's a fourteen year old truck.