On my 2001 1500 4wd 5.9 L, It seems like its starting to have more and more strain when starting up in the mornings. It turns over a few times before it finally catches and roars to life. Could it be the starter that's going bad? I'd hate to wake up one morning for work and have it completely dead, So I'm trying to be proactive about it.

Any thoughts or suggestions??

Thanks in advance

 

How old is your battery? How clean are all the connections, including the gfround behind the PS pump?

A good battery vs an excellent battery can make a great difference in cranking and firing up....more than most people would think.

 

Go to your local neighborhood parts store, and have them test battery and starter. (just take the truck there, no need to pull parts.)

 

Do you have the same issues throughout the day? Or is it just after the truck sits for a while?

Going off of the little info your provided, I'd start with the battery. Worst thing that could happen if you replace it is that you have a new battery...

 

Try running a couple of new ground wires. I had a similar issue with 2 of my vehicles. I thought that testing them for continuity with a volt meter was a good enough test to rule them out but just because u get 12 volts through it does not mean its getting the amperage needed for the starer to turn full speed. Its worth a shot and wont cost a dime to try if you have some spare wire laying around.

 

Does it crank at normal speed before it starts, and just takes longer to start then it used to? Or does it crank slow and then start?

Really need a little better info as DK-v1 stated.

 

Cranks at normal speed, just takes longer. I doubt that it is the battery since I just replaced it in the last 6 months or so. Last detail I forgot is that it only does it after sitting for a while (such as overnight) but then starts right up if its had been driven in the previous few hours.

 

Does it smoke at all when you start it? Do you smell gas?

 

Let it sit overnight. Cycle the ignition on for a few seconds, then off. Try to start it then.

See if you notice any difference.

 

+1 , now we know. I'd say the pump pressure regulator is all done.