Here is my problem, when I try and turn on my truck I hear a loud clicking sound when I turn the key, I know this to be the starter solenoid located on the firewall, I have tried to just it(place a wire on the two post to start it) and eventually it will start after a few minutes of making it spark, but heres the catch I just replaced it so the solenoid is brand new(BWD). What else could be causing my truck to not start?

also it only seems to happen when the engine is absolutely cold, if I am to get it started and drive it around and then stop and turn it off and then turn it on later but the engine is still luke warm then it will work however if I let it sit over night or for around 5 hours or so it wont start and I will have to break out my piece of wire.

truck info in sig

 

The starter solenoid is on the starter. The thing on the firewall is the starter RELAY.



When it clicks but doesn't start, does the voltmeter drop below 10V? Do the headlights get REALLY dim? Does the starter get hot? Have you had the battery, starter, alternator tested? Many parts stores test them free in the parking lot.

I'd start by removing, cleaning, & tightening EVERY terminal on each of the 2 heavy battery wires, especially the battery posts.

 

I have tested the alternator and battery and both are good but not the starter I guess that is the next thing, it is after all only about 12 years old,although I did just replace the solenoid about a year ago

 

Great post from Steve(and I thought I had some good diagrams, his are the best!) and it sounds like your on the right track. - I can't recall a click when this happens, so it's most likley not your problem, but if all else fails~

- Check your Mega fuses, the 175's. - Careful with those, you can't bend them, not even a little, -they can fracture inside causing intermittent connection problems. They can be a PITA to determine as fault. The connection when fractured can pass a continuity check, but fail @ start. That happened to me on my 98 in the past. It wasn't until I by passed the fuse while troubleshooting that I found one was losing contact @ start.

That might give reason why MEGA fuses have been non existent since 1999 lol.

BTW- If you by-pass to check,- DON'T leave them this way, she could flame up on yuh lol.

Good Luck and let us know what you find ( :

 

I dont leave a wire there I just place it across te two poles and when she starts I take it away from there but I guess I will have to check the mega fuses when I get home from school today but I will let y'all know what I find

 

Yea, since that's pretty heavy cable their, you might want to by-pass bolting the eyelets together. Just pull the fuse/ the cable eyelets will slide of their studs (13/14mm). Join eyelets together w/8 M battery bolt or whatever you can find laying around close to it.

Just don't leave it that way lol. It will work fine temporarily and get yuh up to the store for a fuse,- IF you connect as described.