New Starter, No life

[j_mcartor]

morning from Tulsa all, I've been on your forum a few times and have joined out of necessity (and your expertise). Two days ago the 99 started to have problems turning over. Took it to o'reilly and he tested it and said alternator, took it to autozone and with the same test he said it was the battery. Shocker. So in a pinch for time I chose battery, put a new one in and same problem. Took my battery back and got my old one, wasn't convinced it was the alt so I bought a new starter. All the lights and electronics run strong. Throw a new starter in yesterday morning and fires right up perfectly. Does that all day long til I leave work at midnight last night and I turn the key only to hear a few clicks then nothing. But all gauges and lights and everything still strong AND it will take a jump. I'm confused

 

[Mark_88]

Welcome to TRS~!

Could be your alternator...either that or you have a slow parasitic draw somewhere that is draining the battery just enough to not allow the starter to kick. Could be a light bulb is on somewhere like in the trunk or glove box or something is otherwise running when it should be off without the key (or otherwise).

Test the battery before you try to start it...should be around 12.5 volts...if lower than that it will not turn the truck over. If it is and you are still getting no start it may be your wires are corroded or not tight enough...check all wires on the starter circuit...

If the voltage is lower than 12.5 volts then check for parasitic draw...I just watched a video on this by Eric the car guy and it seems pretty straight forward...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF1gijj03_0

 

[jeremysdad]

Definitely check your connections, esp since you have just removed/replaced everything. Doesn't take much looseness to prevent a start...sometimes just a 1/4 turn of a nut/bolt will give issues.

Good luck!

 

[j_mcartor]

Thanks for your input fellas. Battery and alternator tested good, but the terminal connectors to my battery were pretty skanky. Popped some new ones on and she purrs again! Now I can spend the afternoon working on the bike instead

 

[jeremysdad]

Thanks for the resolution. This is the reason I always suggested new terminals if a customer had me test a batt and the terminals were visibly gross.

Glad it was a simple easy fix! Check those connections occasionally, as mine work loose every now and then. I keep the tools I need to tighten them in the glove box. If it acts up, I'm going again in a minute or less.