Two out of four times I needed to start my truck to day, when I turned the key nothing happened. All the dash lights came on and the gauges came up, the radio came on and the fan blew, but the starter didn't go and it didn't click -- not even once. All the dash lights went out they way they normally do, but no starter.

Tried several times and nothing. Then after a few minutes it started right up.

'02
3.0
160,000 miles

 

I'm tired but the only thing that comes to mind for me is a cracked distributor cap? My old truck did that all the time because moisture would get into the ol' wizzy and wouldn't give me a good connection, then 5 minutes later it'd work like nothing was wrong at all.

 

Thanks. It doesn't have a distributor though because it has a coil, and that, the wires, and the plugs are all new.

A friend of mine suggested maybe the key is worn out, but I'm not seeing how it would turn in the ignition but not engage the starter.

I've got the starter out, which has the solenoid attached and I'm going to take it for testing in the morning

 

Were all the wires making a good connection at the starter? My old '97 did that a few times on me and it was just a bad connection on the starter. I cleaned them up and never had another problem.

 

Next time it acts up try going to the BJB under hood and pull the starter relay. With a voltmeter or test light, back probe terminal 85 at socket (Tan with Red stripe wire). With key in crank position you should see power. If no power was observed and you have a manual transmission check the clutch pedal switch. If its an automatic, check at DTR sensor on side of transmission and clutch switch jumper (if used).

Check terminal 30 at socket, it should be hot at all times.

Next using a voltmeter set to read continuity/ohms, check terminal 86 at socket with key in crank position (should read less than <1 ohms). If not, check wiring back to PCM.

To verify the starter will turn over, you can momentarily jumper 12v to terminal 87 at socket (starter should crank). If not, check starter.

If you don't know which relay is the starters, click this link and go to page 205 look for relay 56 Click Link

 

Do you think it could be the relay going bad?

 

It could be related to the relay. Is your truck a manual or auto transmission?

 

It's an auto.

The guys at the parts store suggested maybe it was corrosion on the battery. There was some, so I cleaned it. It's been fine for two days now, but I hate to get stranded.

 

Keep a 12v test light or a cheap multimeter handy...