I need some help please :)

[BigBlueTahoeGirl1230]

Hello!

I have a 97 Tahoe that stopped working. It lost power, so I assumed it was the battery, but the battery tested fine. When I turn the key the engine makes a clicking noise, so I thought it was the starter. I got the starter AND alternator tested and they both test fine. Now, I am completely at a loss as to what the problem is. Has anyone had this issue, or maybe have any ideas on what could be wrong. I don't have a lot of money to take it to a shop and have them work on it. If I had an idea of what could be wrong I know a shop that will specifically look at what I tell them. I just need help as to what else could be wrong. Thanks very much.

BigBlueTahoeGirl1230

 

[Trippers99hoe]

Lots of places to look at for the symptoms you described,Check your battery cables and ends(terminals)first.
If it is clicking like a dead battery does but the battery and starter are good it almost has to be in the cables or terminals....

That is where i would start looking,It may be as simple as a new battery terminal end.

 

[purple 'hoe]

Do you have use of your radio or lights? Check your ground wires, and fuse's. If a ground or a fuse is bad, that will cause it not to start

 

[BigBlueTahoeGirl1230]

Lots of places to look at for the symptoms you described,Check your battery cables and ends(terminals)first.
If it is clicking like a dead battery does but the battery and starter are good it almost has to be in the cables or terminals....

That is where i would start looking,It may be as simple as a new battery terminal end.

My dad and husband checked the terminal end, and they said they looked good, thank you very much for the advice though, I appreciate it!

Maribeth

---------- Post added at 05:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:34 PM ----------

Do you have use of your radio or lights? Check your ground wires, and fuse's. If a ground or a fuse is bad, that will cause it not to start

Yes, I do have use of the radio and power windows and lights! So ground wires and fuses? Thank you so so much!! I will do that!! If I still have problems, I will post, thank you!

Maribeth

 

[gpracer1]

Put a voltage meter on the battery and watch it while you try to crank (clicking) . If it drops below 9 volts the battery is in fact bad. If it stays above 9-10 it is probably the connections or battery cables.

 

[Trippers99hoe]

Put a voltage meter on the battery and watch it while you try to crank (clicking) . If it drops below 9 volts the battery is in fact bad. If it stays above 9-10 it is probably the connections or battery cables.

This^^^^^ and side post batteries are famous for shorting out internally at the terminal connection,also have them check the cable ends that attach to the starter and the ground cable where it attaches to the engine block.

 

[Hammer450R]

Do the lights dim when you crank? Motor might be locked up.

 

[muddymoose]

have you checked the starter wires? im from canada eh and those rust out alot up here don't yah know

 

[jr71]

I think I have a similiar problem, when starting all I get is a single loud click as if a battery that does not have enough to turn over the motor. battery is new 2 months ago, and have all lights and power windows seem to have plenty of juice to run I have not had the starter checked yet. can the starter go bad with out any notice?

 

[SunlitComet]

The is the possibility that the starter solenoid contacts that relay the battery power to starter wiring are burned as well.

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

does the truck even attempt to turn over if not try to hit the bottom of the starter with a hammer whille someone turns the key if this starts it DONT SHUT IT OFF until u have a starter to replace it with once u shut it off if it starts this way the starter is bad

 

[96yukgt]

Can it be jumped off? If not then most likely a starter problem. BTW how did you get the alternator and starter tested?

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

well most autozones and stuff can test for battery an altenator out puts but never heard one for the starter ?

 

[SunlitComet]

You remove the starter for them to bench test if bringing the vehicle to the store is not possible.

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

i did not kno that

 

[SunlitComet]

Possible with batteries and alternators too.

 

[SamoanYukon]

The same problem occured when I first got my truck and I did the new battery & starter thing. It worked then it happened again. But now the post connections were smoking and hot. Found out that the engine froze with cylinder #6 not firing. Turned out to be a head problem (water leaking into the cylinder) causing the engine freeze. Replaced heads and she's running like a champ.

The problem happened again but now without the smoke and heat from the terminals. Figured it was due to loose side terminals. Somehow the side terminals were bad and could not be tightened (probably from all the heat from the first time). So I changed it to top post and it starts fine now.

Hope this helps.