"Starter Click"

[SeattleSy#1255]

Read the FAQ, and it says this is a common thing with s series trucks...This happens to my sy, every once in awile (probaly 1 or 2 times out of 40 starts if i had to guess). The FAQ says, "replace the Purple wire that connects to the solenoid with a thicker gauge and for extra protection put heat shielding around it." Where is this wire located?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Guest]

at the starter!

 

[Alliemax]

I just bought my Syclone with 20k. Prior owner just put a new starter on within last 2 weeks (prior to my purchase). He said it wouldn't start about 1 out of every 30 or so starts, but eventually would start. Since I have the truck it has failed to start twice.

Is this the problem and solution that this post relates to? If not, any suggestions? If so, please provide more specific directions so my mechanic can fix it.

Thank you for your assistance,

Mark

 

[SeattleSy#1255]

Well, i haven't checked yet but i guess there is a purple wire at the starter that just needs to be replaced...I'll try this...Not sure if we have same problem, but i turn the ignition and i just get a click...If this sounds familiar, then tell your mech. to replace that purple wire with a bigger gauge...I'll do this, then see if anything is different!

 

[InvisiBill]

Yeah, I think the problem comes down to a starter wire that's smaller than it probably should be, combined with a very hot location, which leads to a dead wire.

I still need to replace mine, but I've found that rapidly clicking the key to the Start position repeatedly seems to work better when it does act up. You have to be careful that you don't hit it to Start again once it's going though. Stupid truck, starts perfectly fine unless I'm in front of a crowd or running late...

 

[velox03]

yea, i believe i have the same problem.
i ordered the hot shot relay as suggested by ppl. i'll replace the wire, heat shield it, and install the hot shot relay. i'll see if it is fixed after that. if not, new starter... ugh.

-MikeC

 

[Hu Ryde]

I have a similar problem with my truck. Although I have a new starter and the thicker purple wire it still did it. This was because I relocated my battery to the Truck bed. What I did to fix the problem was give my self more good grounds. I added 2. I mada a couple of body to frame grounds and it also jumped the voltage in the cab .2 volts. It's a win/win situation, give your self more grounds. I took the starter wire directly to the power wire on the battery also.

 

[manitoufs]

A remote mounted solenoid (about $15.00) makes it go away forever.

 

[velox03]

how will a remote mount solenoid help?
ppl have been saying to install a hot shot relay. so i ordered one... taking forever to get here.

anyhow, should we also use a remote mount solenoid??

 

[manitoufs]

The root cause of the click is the purple wire that activates the starter solenoid. It and the solenoid (if left unshielded) are exposed to the high exhaust temps.

By using the remote solenoid (a standard F**d will do)and mounting in the engine compartment, you get the wire and the solenoid out of harms way. Make sure you install a jumper from the main pole on the starter to the old purple wire contact pole. That will activate the Bendix when you hit the key.

I had the same symptoms when I bought my truck about 2 years ago. I replaced the starter and installed the remote solenoid right after I got the truck. It has not failed once since.

As an extra measure, I purchased the solenoid heat shield from a later model S-10 (about $5.00 from the dealer).

 

[mrweelr]

The HotShot relay kit fixed the click, click problem for me. Starts every time now on the first try.