Starting issue

[4x4chevydude]

I have an issue right now with my truck that is very hard to diagnose because it wont duplicate the problem very oftem..the other day I went to start my truck and turned the key to the accesory position and all power came on as normel. Turned it to crank and it clicked once and lost all power. I then turned it off and tried again and same issue all power came back but then clicked and lost all lights and power. I then left it alone and came back later to tru again and this time it cranked and I used some throttle to help it catch and everything is good...battery shows very full charge on volt meter...has new batteries newer alternator now it starts up no issues...what could it have been...batttery cables? starter? Thanks!

 

[tinmanSC]

Wasn't the alternator or starter, probably battery or battery cables. From what you describe, sounds like cabling or connection.

 

[Chris142]

I have seen corosion where the cables go into the terminal cause weird things. Can't see the corrosion inside the terminal

 

[Kuato]

I've seen corrosion as far as 8" away from the battery, INside the insulation.

 

[crazyoildude]

check cables and ground if all is good check the switch (not the cylinder)

 

[JimPghPA]

Bad connection somewhere. First thing to check is grounds. Be sure there is a good connection to both the frame and the block of the engine.

When it is acting up you could add a ground from the battery (-) to the block and the frame with jumper cable. If that does not solve the problem, try jumpering the + of the battery to the + lead connection on the starter if you can get to it.

 

[JimPghPA]

Did you clean the battery cable connection and the battery terminal. For side terminals use a 1/8 wide regular screw-driver to get the 4 little high points shiny, and also scrape the lead on the battery.

 

[SuperDave456]

I've had battery terminals come loose on me before and give me a very similar issue. This is on a 1998 F-150.

I eventually solved the issue of them working themselves loose by placing a couple of 12 gauge copper wires in there (like two 1" long bits) and clamping it down. Then cutting the wire that sticks out off.
Sure it isn't the prettiest thing. But it works like a champ.

I had to backwards engineer a battery tray that had rusted out on it at the same time. The tray worked, but the hold down for the battery had broken off due to the rust and been lost.

Go wiggle the terminals and see if they come loose.
It's a starting point.

 

[Doog]

Could be:
1. tired starter
2. battery short in 1 cell
3. cables to starter or ground.
4. ignition switch (doubtful)

My guess: Loose or corroded connection.

 

[4x4chevydude]

ok I am guessing the cables are my issue especially since its intermittent....thanks for the advice