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Old September 1st, 2024, 1:51 PM
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A single click when I turn the key over could be caused by a number of failing parts, right? So while having a friend hold the key in the crank position, I got under the truck (93 c1500 w/t 4.3 5 speed) and tapped on the starter housing. At first contact the she cranked right up. Because I don't fully understand the mechanics of how **** works, i need to ask; does that automatically point towards starter replacement? Or could it still be something else? Thank you for any feedback. Ron.
Old September 1st, 2024, 2:40 PM
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Welcome from Florida. Does it do this every time you turn the key or only sometimes? The signs point to the starter. Might just need a good cleaning and new brushes.
Old September 1st, 2024, 8:19 PM
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Originally Posted by oldchevy
Welcome from Florida. Does it do this every time you turn the key or only sometimes? The signs point to the starter. Might just need a good cleaning and new brushes.
​​​​​​No, it isn't every time. It's only when I have forgotten to take my jump box with me. Lol. I always try the key first and sometimes she fires right up. I have removed the starter to change out the positive cable from the battery. Cleaned and tightened everything then.
Old September 3rd, 2024, 10:16 AM
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When beating on the starter causes it to start, that usually indicates to a sticking (and failing) starter solenoid. This happened recently to my 1996 C1500, and I pulled the starter, took it to Autozone, where the kids behind the counter struggled to hook it to their tester, and then proclaimed that the starter was good. I watched them and felt they had bypassed the solenoid when they connected it to their machine, so insisted on a new starter anyway. 10 minutes after I got home, I slid up under there, bolted on the new starter, and the truck has been starting every time I turn the key.
Old September 3rd, 2024, 11:29 AM
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Originally Posted by jfmorris
When beating on the starter causes it to start, that usually indicates to a sticking (and failing) starter solenoid. This happened recently to my 1996 C1500, and I pulled the starter, took it to Autozone, where the kids behind the counter struggled to hook it to their tester, and then proclaimed that the starter was good. I watched them and felt they had bypassed the solenoid when they connected it to their machine, so insisted on a new starter anyway. 10 minutes after I got home, I slid up under there, bolted on the new starter, and the truck has been starting every time I turn the key.
Awesome! Thank you for that. I ordered a new starter and once it gets here, I will swap it out, and let you guys know the out come. Thanks again. Ron.
Old September 3rd, 2024, 1:43 PM
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Get a new starter & solenoid, or take the old one in for a good rebuild
Old September 5th, 2024, 2:27 AM
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Ok, the starter arrived and I installed it this morning. I have been running around all day, and my best guess is 12 to 15 starts so far with absolutely no hesitations. Its a huge relief to be able to just turn the key, when I have gone over a month always having to bring my jump box along for the ride. Tomorrow, I will leave it home. Ahhh. Thanks again for your help. Would love to return the favor, but you guys know it all already, right? Lol. Really, thanks!
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Old September 5th, 2024, 9:09 AM
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Glad to hear the new starter fixed it! Good luck going forward!

Oh - a couple of months after I had to replace my starter on the 96 this year, the battery was shot and would not hold a charge for more than a week if I didn't crank it and drive around. Now, in my case, the battery was 7 years old, so I blame it on age more than the starter going bad... I just tossed the battery in the other truck and ran and picked up a new one.
Old Today, 5:13 AM
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So, the truck started for about two full days. And then disaster struck! A beautiful blonde friend of mine called me up and asked if I could give her a jump start. I said that I was on my way, and parked next to her car when I got there. Turned my truck off, hooked up the cables, and then fired mine up first. She turned her key and boom! I am a friggen hero, right? Well maybe so, but when I turned my engine off to unhook the cables, I thought nothing if it. She drove off l, leaving me to do the same. Well now, I don't even get a single click when I turn the key. At least at the beginning of this thread, I at least had a single click to look forward to, right? So, the new symptoms are:
1) no nothing when turning the key.
2) wont push start, or jump start either.
3) i think is uas something to do with the power block on the passenger side firewall in engine compartment. I realize that may not be a symptom, but its acting like it has before. But in the past, I could wiggle something or re connect something. Or find a fuse that blew. I always could tell when I had it fixed, cuz I purposely left the headlights switched on. That way the courtesy beep would chime out loud as soon as I stumbled onto the faulty wire or connection. But tonight, I could not locate an obvious issue, and once again could use some help. It sure seems that when I jumped her car, it caused this issue. Don't understand it. I'm sure that someone here does, right? Help?
Old Today, 11:51 AM
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So are you totally "electriclly dead"? - no lights on dash, no headlights, no power anywehre, or just a dead starter circuit?

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