I posted this in the electrical thread, but figured I'd check here too:

Ready to pull my hair out (if I had any). Here's the scenario. About a month ago, tried to start the truck and got nothing. Jumped it and it worked fine for a while. Never found any rhyme or reason why, but it was working, so let it go. The last few weeks, noticed the 4WD switch would not do anything to put it in 4WD. Sometimes the window wouldn't go down. The heat only works on low or high, nothing in between. Nothing major, but PITA nonetheless.

So now we come to this past week. On Tuesday night, I'm sitting by a window which is next to the driveway and I hear a car starting in the driveway. I go outside and the truck is trying to start by itself, no keys, no one in it. Things are dinging, hissing, all kinds of noise. I pull the battery cables and let it sit. Today, I hooked it all back up and when I try to start it, I just get a loud CLICK and nothing else. Lights work, heater works, everything works(even with the ignition off and keys out), but won't start. The battery gauge shows full charge. I got underneath and noticed smoke coming from the starter. I disconnected everything and walked away. Someone, PLEASE give me some good news and some help here!!!!!!!!!

 

I'd just start with gettin your battery,and starter tested. . It's free and a good place to start

 

Don't do that, -for obvious reasons..

 

oh, please, enlighten me to these wonderful obvious reasons. I must not be hip to your online excellence. but thanks for the help and info on my issue!!

 

It's called crossposting and it's poor forum etiquette.

 

Providing the truck does not have remote start, the only way the starter can engage is a short across the ignitoin switch leads the same as if you turned the key to the cranking position.
.
What this does is complete battery voltage to the start relay on the firewall.
When this relay pulls up it completes power from the battery to the starter.
.
I would begin at the igniton switch looking for it to be broken in some manner or leads damaged or crossed.
A short to ground won't cause your issue but would normally blow a fuse for safety.
Good luck.

 

Sarcasm on your 3rd post here. That will definitely make us eager to help you. FYI, that was sarcasm too.

 

The first advice start with the Baattery.. Modern cars do strange stuff if the battery is weak. Have it tested.. Start there..

 

wow, aren't you a pleasant turd sack to have around here...





looks like the OP isn't interested in anything but what he/she/it wants to hear

 

Well maybe if the 2nd response to my post wasn't in such a condescending manner, that would have been different. Another member responded and actually explained the problem, instead of commenting with a "holier than thou" attitude.

 

Yeah, that's it. Good detective work I came here to hear myself talk. Amazing how someone asks a simple question and instead of answering, you all jump all over them. Good job guys! Way to help out.