One Click No Start issue. 2018 5.7

[DerekJR]

First time posting here so I’ll try and keep this short.

About 6 months ago I found my self stranded in a parking lot after my truck was not starting… just one single click. After about 10 tries trying to start it, the truck fired up fine. I went on about my day and the truck was running and starting fine for about 3 months. Then it happened again, same issue and this time it did not want to start no matter how many times I tried. I threw a charger on the battery, let it sit for a while and then finally got it to crank over. Again, the crank was strong and everything seem normal. At this point I thought it was the battery. I put off buying a battery for awhile until today, it happened again. Took my wife’s car to get a new battery, put the battery in and that didn’t fix the issue. I got underneath the truck and started playing around with the connections on the starter, even tried the hammer tap trick and no luck. Eventually I took the power terminal off the starter and noticed the terminal was a little bit loose . I took the terminal off, cleaned it up a bit, and made sure it was snug when I tightened the bold. Then Bam, the truck fired right up. I would like to know your thoughts on this

1. We know it’s not the battery, terminals are clean and all connections are snug
2. The starter relays all look fine and have voltage running to them
3. Could the starter be going bad and eventually stop for good at some point?
4. Could it have been a terminal issue and just needed to be cleaned off and tightened?

I’m honestly confused at this point. When the starter works, it’s sounds strong like there are no issues. I just don’t want to find myself stranded again.

 

[Ken226]

3. Could the starter be going bad and eventually stop for good at some point?

It's possible. Starters go out commonly enough that most parts stores keep them in stock.

4. Could it have been a terminal issue and just needed to be cleaned off and tightened?

Yes. This is at least as common of an issue as a bad starter. It's very possible.

Since you said that when you tightened the nut, it immediately had effect, id lean toward this being the problem. Drive it awhile and see what happens.

If you are worried about being left stranded, then plan ahead. Only drive it places where you have access to a ride home, should something fail.

Swapping a new starter in a parking lot somewhere sucks, but it's also not very hard.

 

[DerekJR]

It's possible. Starters go out commonly enough that most parts stores keep them in stock.




Yes. This is at least as common of an issue as a bad starter. It's very possible.

Since you said that when you tightened the nut, it immediately had effect, id lean toward this being the problem. Drive it awhile and see what happens.

If you are worried about being left stranded, then plan ahead. Only drive it places where you have access to a ride home, should something fail.

Swapping a new starter in a parking lot somewhere sucks, but it's also not very hard.

Appreciate the feedback. Yeah only problem is I’m going on a 1400 mile roadtrip in about 8 days lol. Should be fun. Probably going to bring along 13mm socket and some tools just in case

 

[LeeD]

The only starter I’ve replaced had the same symptoms as yours. Definitely bring along your tools and I hope you won’t need them.

 

[huntergreen]

Tools won’t help if don’t have a spare starter if the original craps out. Personally I think you found the issue.

 

[turkeybird56]

If u do not replace starter, tools and carry a jump box not a bad plan. IMHO when traveling always:

Carry some tools, jump box, breaker bar with 6 point deep well 22 MM socket and bigger bottle jack. Or something equivalent or jack / stand combo. U just Neva know. Also when was last time u checked PSI on spare tire. Just saying.

 

[RamDiver]

Eventually I took the power terminal off the starter and noticed the terminal was a little bit loose . I took the terminal off, cleaned it up a bit, and made sure it was snug when I tightened the bold. Then Bam, the truck fired right up. I would like to know your thoughts on this

It sounds likely that you have identified and corrected the fault, but you have to ask yourself, how lucky are you feeling?

If it were me, not only would I pack all the necessary tools, lighting and a creeper, I'd buy a starter motor and take it with me.

Maybe, you will never need it, but it sure would suck if you did and have to find one after hours or on a Sunday, somewhere in a strange town.

You might call around and find one you could return after your trip, if it's not required.

.

 

[EdGs]

My '15 did that same thing to me several months ago. Gave the starter a good rap, and she's been fine ever since.

I'm at 200k on the original, so I know I'm on borrowed time. I even bought a new starter, but have not installed it yet.

Now would be a good time, since my truck is down for it's turn at a cam/lifter job.

I am a procrastinator superb!

 

[bloup]

Similar issue on my 2017 Hemi 50k miles. Wire between solenoid and starter was corroded/disintegrating. You can use a screwdriver or something metallic to make the contact if you are stranded but the wire needs to be replaced or the hole starter/solenoid assembly.

 

[TJP440]

I'd just replace the starter with a GOOD quality unit. Not sure where to find that anymore

 

[EdGs]

I'd just replace the starter with a GOOD quality unit. Not sure where to find that anymore

I bought a Pure Energy 17948N from RockAuto

Was $104 new, worth a shot.

A local rebuilder wanted $90 to rebuild my original, I will take a shot at it myself before I pay that price.

Recommended by @Sherman Bird

 

[TJP440]

I bought a Pure Energy 17948N from RockAuto

Was $104 new, worth a shot.

A local rebuilder wanted $90 to rebuild my original, I will take a shot at it myself before I pay that price.

Recommended by @Sherman Bird

Agree with your decision but I doubt the guys making any money at 90.00 even if he just cleans it up and cleans the contacts in the solenoid