Starter?

[Frank R]

1999 Yukon that I use strictly on my property as a plow vehicle. Ran it multiple times on Sunday and it worked fine. Went to start it yesterday and nothing – no clicking or attempts to turn over whatsoever. When I turn the ignition on, everything comes on as it should (dash lights, gauges, radio, blower motor, etc) but when I turn the ignition to start, all of that goes out and does not come back on until the key is returned to the on position. There is a fairly loud single click which seems to be coming from behind the dash when the key is turned to start, but I cannot say for sure that it hasn’t always done that. I have isolated and load tested the batteries (2-battery setup) and they test fine (additionally, they run the plow flawlessly without the truck running, so I’m confident it’s not a battery issue). I also swapped out the starter relay with the AC relay to no avail.

Is there anything I should be looking at besides replacing the starter? I have a replacement on hand, but the thought of laying in the snow in below-zero temperatures is not exactly appealing especially if it might be something else. Also, looking at removal/install videos, this seems to be a bit more of a pain than other starters I’ve swapped out – at least from an ease-of-access standpoint.

Any and all input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

From what you've described, it would seem to be related to the starter. Did you apply the old hammer trick to the starter?

 

[Frank R]

I have not yet tried tapping the starter or jumping the solenoid. Been dealing with clean-up from a bunch of snow here.

 

[exp500]

You are on the right testing track.

 

[Anaconda88]

Make sure you’re getting 12v at the starter on battery cable (had a similar issue the lug wasn’t making good connection /corrosion). If that checks out can test the signal wire while somebody turns the key . Don’t just use a voltmeter verify with test light to prove it can handle the load . These trucks are getting up there in age -corrosion/wire damage probable especially in the salt belts! Also can ohm your grounds. If you have a set of jumper cables try hooking one clip to frame other on engine (alternator bracket works great) see if she fires -also engine to body (firewall stud good spot) . If you have good grounds -true voltage at starter then you pick up a starter .

 

[Eman85]

Sounds like a dirty battery cable or a bad battery, a voltmeter can be your friend.

 

[Doubeleive]

classic bad starter, if the hammer smack works replace starter. if not inspect cables/check voltage, if all looks ok, pull starter and bench test.
if bench test pass multiple times, go back to cables.