Hey guys I have a quick question and hopefully someone has an answer for me because this problem is incredibly annoying. When I go to start my truck there is a pause of maybe around 2-3 seconds and then the starter will kick in and start the truck. When the starter begins to crack it just sounds weak like I have a no power going to it. My battery displays 12ish volts when in the "Run" position. I have read about using a screwdriver to jump the solenoid but I have not done that yet since im not exactly sure how to do it. If anyone has any input on this it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

Check battery/starter connections, likely a weak battery or the starter solenoid (one on the starter) is having problems making contact (internal corrosion likely). Jumping the starter with the screwdriver will verify the solenoid. Use DMM to check battery voltage, not dash. 12.4v = 50% charged battery, 12.7v = 100% charged battery. So within 0.4v you could lose half the charge on battery.

Measure operating voltage while engine is running should be 133. - 14.5v. If lower than that then either bad connections again or a weak alternator. Let sit overnight and re-check battery voltage with engine off. If not 12.5v or higher, you have a battery that is getting old and not accepting charge.

Also check the starter relay, those have been known to go out also and fairly easy to replace.

 

I had similar symptoms, and the problem was the braided wire connector on the solenoid.


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