I have 2001 1500 5.2, just tried to start the truck, all lights, radio, and instruments come on no problem, starter clicks, but will not fire. Started fine earlier today. I checked all the fuses in the engine compartment, no check engine light, I checked to make sure the wires were connected. Starter clicks like it is working fine, but engine will not turn over, not even trying to fire, could be an ignition problem? Any suggestions?

 

Maybe the starter is bad, simple as that. Check all the battery connections down to the starter. If they check out and are not corroded , remove the starter and have it tested.

 

See if it will turn by hand. Na, let's not go there just yet...lol. Clicks once or multiple clicks?

 

Just one click, start was replaced about a year ago, its not doing the click,click,click,click, just one click and nothing.

 

Doesn't matter that the starter was replaced a year ago. It can still be bad . Depending on the brand and quality of the rebuild, it can be bad in a matter of days. Check all the wires/cables as suggested. If they check out, remove it(the starter) and have it tested.

 

Okay, so lets say its not the starter, anything else it could be?

 

Well, if the starter solenoid clicks, but, the starter doesn't turn the engine, either the starter is bad, the main power feed to the starter is interupted somewhere, or, the engine is seized.

 

Okay, don't think the engine is seized, it was fine not 1 hour prior to this happening, I pulled the fuse for the starter, and tried to start it, and nothing, not even a click, so I guess that means its getting power. Is there a way to test it with out taking it out?

 

The fuse is only for the starter relay. (in the PDC) When you hit the key to start, you provide a ground path for the relay, the relay completes a circuit from the battery to the solenoid, to engage the starter, AND complete the circuit from the Fat Red Cable to the starter motor itself. The control side is working as it should. It's the solenoid that comes into question here....... Verify that you do indeed have power on the fat red cable to the starter AT the starter. Clean all the points where the cable bolts to something, and actually wants to conduct electricity. (especially AT the starter.) (disconnect negative cable from battery before playing with it though.)

If you have power on the fat cable, AT the starter, and it still doesn't wanna work after cleaning the terminals and such, more'n likely a bad starter.

Just as a shot in the dark though, also check the main engine ground cable. (battery to engine.) If that one is crappy, you get pretty much the same behavior.

 

Starter is not hard to remove. I second pulling it to have it checked (after checking connection - if it is tight). Hopefully you have a warranty on the replacement you put in a year ago.

Might also double check battery connections. Lights draw less current.