Single 'click' while trying to start
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Rookie
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 66
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From: GEORGIA
Single 'click' while trying to start
Technically there are two clicks, the 2nd sounds like it's coming from the passenger kick-panel. Anyway....lately, I get a single strong click when I turn the key to start and nothing else happens. There's not been any rapid clicking as with a weak or dying batty. Even with a charger showing batty at 100%, just a click, no crank. I don't think it's the batty because all cluster lights work, dome & map lights are bright, power locks are strong.
A couple of months ago, I had some lighting failures but got them fixed at 1.) the multifunction switch and 2.) ground wire to my added-on fog lights. At this point, I'm almost convinced that something isn't making a good connection, either at that massive connector along the steering column (white plastic box with a screw thru the middle) or further down near the floor. As close to the carpet that you can get (near the end of the steering column) is a yellow wire with red stripe. Twice I've moved that wire and the truck cranked right away. I haven't identified that wire yet but I will look into it. Even if it's unrelated, merely moving it may nudge another wire enough to make its proper connection. I just don't know.
So....what wires from the switch to the firewall should I closely inspect and remedy?
Thanks in advance.
A couple of months ago, I had some lighting failures but got them fixed at 1.) the multifunction switch and 2.) ground wire to my added-on fog lights. At this point, I'm almost convinced that something isn't making a good connection, either at that massive connector along the steering column (white plastic box with a screw thru the middle) or further down near the floor. As close to the carpet that you can get (near the end of the steering column) is a yellow wire with red stripe. Twice I've moved that wire and the truck cranked right away. I haven't identified that wire yet but I will look into it. Even if it's unrelated, merely moving it may nudge another wire enough to make its proper connection. I just don't know.
So....what wires from the switch to the firewall should I closely inspect and remedy?
Thanks in advance.
Last edited by J D GA; Oct 18, 2023 at 10:43 AM. Reason: Replace a distorted pic that stretched
Grand Champion
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,156
Likes: 721
From: S.W. Indiana
Technically there are two clicks, the 2nd sounds like it's coming from the passenger kick-panel. Anyway....lately, I get a single strong click when I turn the key to start and nothing else happens. There's not been any rapid clicking as with a weak or dying batty. Even with a charger showing batty at 100%, just a click, no crank. I don't think it's the batty because all cluster lights work, dome & map lights are bright, power locks are strong.
A couple of months ago, I had some lighting failures but got them fixed at 1.) the multifunction switch and 2.) ground wire to my added-on fog lights. At this point, I'm almost convinced that something isn't making a good connection, either at that massive connector along the steering column (white plastic box with a screw thru the middle) or further down near the floor. As close to the carpet that you can get (near the end of the steering column) is a yellow wire with red stripe. Twice I've moved that wire and the truck cranked right away. I haven't identified that wire yet but I will look into it. Even if it's unrelated, merely moving it may nudge another wire enough to make its proper connection. I just don't know.
So....what wires from the switch to the firewall should I closely inspect and remedy? I don't know why one of the pics is sideways, I didn't turn the camera, happened when I uploaded it here.
Thanks in advance.
A couple of months ago, I had some lighting failures but got them fixed at 1.) the multifunction switch and 2.) ground wire to my added-on fog lights. At this point, I'm almost convinced that something isn't making a good connection, either at that massive connector along the steering column (white plastic box with a screw thru the middle) or further down near the floor. As close to the carpet that you can get (near the end of the steering column) is a yellow wire with red stripe. Twice I've moved that wire and the truck cranked right away. I haven't identified that wire yet but I will look into it. Even if it's unrelated, merely moving it may nudge another wire enough to make its proper connection. I just don't know.
So....what wires from the switch to the firewall should I closely inspect and remedy? I don't know why one of the pics is sideways, I didn't turn the camera, happened when I uploaded it here.
Thanks in advance.
I would check the cables. Both the positive and ground cables. Both at the battery and at the supply end. I would especially check the grounds at the frame, not just the battery. I've seen cables look good but be corroded at the frame. Eventually the heavy draw starting will melt them in two pieces. The starter draws a lot of current when starting and if it doesn't get enough power, it will just click.
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