Starter issue...I think?

[BlondeDiva82]

I installed a starter last week. I drove all week on it, and it was great. I come out of work this evening, turn the key, and all I get is a click. The lights are fine, the battery is good, connections to the battery are tight...so what should I do now? Engine isn't seized, oil is good...so should I replace the starter yet again? Please help...I actually cried some big girl tears today.

 

[BlondeDiva82]

Oh, and it's a 1998 LT Tahoe. Sorry.

 

[MarkD51]

Hi,
I would firstly double check your electrical cable connections again at the starter.

I myself started having this happen intermittently on my '97 Tahoe about 1-1/2 years ago. Of course said to myself "oh damn, here we go, swapping out a starter", got under the truck, mostly to figure out what kind of job this would be, and discovered one connection loose at the starter. The nut on one of the Starter's Stud connections, was able to be spun by hand.

Out came the small wire brush, the proper wrenches, cleaned all, and tightened properly, and no more issues.

Worth a try first.
Mark

 

[BlondeDiva82]

Ok, I will try that first. I'll do it in the morning when I have some good light, and I'll get back to you. Thank you!

 

[MarkD51]

If this isn't the issue, then there are evidently other problems.

As far as I know, a starter won't work no matter what its condition if the starter solenoid is faulty. You could try tapping on the Solenoid with a screwdriver handle, but this is of course a poor fix at best.

It's not uncommon to get bum starters, as most from the big chain stores are just rebuilt, and some poorly at that.

Let us know the outcome? Mark

 

[BlondeDiva82]

Yes, sir! I'm about to go out and try the connection idea right now, and we will go from there. I'll definitely let you know. I'm just happy to get a response, because I've had another question on the forum for about a month, and no one has responded to it. I'm very grateful you did to this question.

 

[Tex99Tahoe]

Read some of the other posts from today on grounds, then check your negative ground to the lower front of the engine, accessable from under the truck...

 

[BlondeDiva82]

Sooooo, to make a long story short, I had my husband get back under there, since he installed it. I bought a 10" socket wrench extender to make his life easier, and come to find out, one of the bigger bolts worked a little loose. At least towing was covered. And at least it was an easy fix, thank God. Now I just need to tighten up the steering on it and I'll be golden. Thanks, y'all, for the advice! I'm sure I'll need more in the near future!

 

[Beeker702]

At least it was something simple. Glad it's working now

 

[MarkD51]

BlondeDiva, any update on this issue?
Mark

 

[BlondeDiva82]

Starter works now. The bolt closer to the drivers side had worked loose. It's tightened now and working great! Something so darn simple can really get you sometimes.

 

[MarkD51]

Good to hear you got it fixed.