Starting problem with my '06

[aces-n-eights]

About two months ago i bought an '06 Tahoe and it seemed to have a weak battery. No problem, it always started, but it was telling me it needed a battery pretty soon.

Went to the store the other day and it would not start when i came out. When trying to start the electrical comes on - dash lights, radio and such - there is a"click" and no crank.

If i turned the key from the "run" position to the "start" position fairly quickly - back and forth quickly - it would start on the third or fourth turn.

Today i installed a new battery and it's the same thing. The battery did not fix the problem. I have no regrets getting a new battery, it needed it, but the key needs to be turned several times rapidly before it will crank.

What should i check first?

Thanks!

 

[Sasquatch]

Sounds like the starter is dying. If you can get under the truck and tap the starter with a hammer while someone else turns the key to the run position and holds it there while you tap it.

It doesn`t always work but i`ve done it on a bunch of different makes and models of cars/trucks and it works a lot of the time if the starter is the problem of course.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

Click and no crank? Likely the starter solenoid is toast, or the wiring has some corrosion.

I've replaced solenoids before and had starters work for many thousands of miles afterwards. Then again it may be worthwhile to simply replace the whole starter (and eliminate having to eventually remove the starter motor itself when that goes)

Most autoparts stores should have the ability to test the starter out of the vehicle. That may be worth a shot. if the starter tests fine then I would check your grounds and starter connections.

That being said "weak battery" screams ground problems or something.

 

[aces-n-eights]

Thanks guys, you have me pointed in the right direction. I know there is a main ground to the frame… are there other grounds i should check?

The truck has 173,000 miles so i'm not surprised it may need a new starter.

Thanks!