Chevy 1998 K1500 not starting

[Mossimo142]

New batter Feb 2011, new starter Nov 2011.

I replaced the starter in November as it wasn't starting. Autozone said it was dead.
Truck started up fine after that.

Was driving home after Thanksgiving, and stopped off at a gas station. Truck wouldn't start. Same symptoms as when the starter was out. Single clicking noise and nothing. I was able to jump start it and I was on my way.

I've since driven it off/on without problems. Yesterday - went to Pizza Hut to pick up pizza and same thing happened - single click no start. Was able to jump it this AM.

It isn't the battery as the lights don't die when I start it. Don't think it's the starter.


Both times the weather was somewhat cool and wet.

Think it may be the battery cables? Any tips/clues?

Engine is 5.7 Vortec. Has new (feb11) spark plugs and wires. 103k.

Reading the board, I think I should just trade it in for an M3 with all it's nifty easter eggs...

Either lay off about the M3 crap or you will not be allowed to post in the garage...

AT Moderator
Bartman39

 

[Sluggo]

If you were able to jump it, it's the battery, battery connections or possibly the alternator not charging the battery.

 

[manimal]

Clean off terminals on battery. I personally would trade it in for a m3 but thats just me

Either lay off about the M3 crap or you will not be allowed to post in the garage...

AT Moderator
Bartman39

 

[Ronstang]

It the problem occurs mostly when it is colder and wetter it is most certainly the cables or the connections. I would take all the cables loose and clean all terminals and reassemble using dielectric grease. Make sure you inspect the cables as they can sometimes have hidden problems. I have cut the insulation off of old cables only to find that there was corrosion between all the strands along the whole length of the cable. If this is the case you have reduced conductivity.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Yep, definitely check the connections. Me and heymrdj here on this forum had this problem with our Expedition. Every once in a while we would come out to the truck and the cart wouldn't start, just a click. Turns out that the battery had shifted and on rainy nights water was pooling on top of the battery and shorting it. The battery would short through this water until the water evaporated leaving the battery almost entirely drained. Once it started it would charge again and all would be fine. That, and also the negative connector was almost broken due to corrosion and the strain of the battery shifted out of place. After replacing the connector and fixing the battery holder all was fine and there hasn't been a problem with it since.

 

[hanoverphist]

It the problem occurs mostly when it is colder and wetter it is most certainly the cables or the connections. I would take all the cables loose and clean all terminals and reassemble using dielectric grease. Make sure you inspect the cables as they can sometimes have hidden problems. I have cut the insulation off of old cables only to find that there was corrosion between all the strands along the whole length of the cable. If this is the case you have reduced conductivity.

this happened to me in my truck. i was out of town for work at the time too, sucked. had the starter and battery tested a few times while working on it in an auto zone parking lot before i decided to cut back the cable and check the leads.