1992 GMC Sierra Truck won't turn over

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1992 GMC SIERRA

Engine Performance problem
1992 GMC Sierra V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 155xxx miles

I went to start my truck to warm it up and it started turning over but wouldn't fire. I figured it was just cold so I brushed off the snow and tried again. This time it wouldn't turn over. I had nothing but a little clicking sound. I took the battery out got it tested and re charged. I put the battery back in and still nothing.

What should I do? If it is the starter how do I go about removing the starter? If it isn't the starter what else could it be? I can get my starter tested for free. But what could be wrong with my truck?

7 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Hello, is it extremely cold in your area? Do you use a block warmer? Have you tried cranking in neutral? Can you tell if there is a load on the starter circuit, watch the lites, how do the lites react when you turn the key to crank?

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Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 AT 1:34 PM

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The lights don't dim at all. I hear a clicking sound when I go to try and crank it, it's just a single *click* It was extremely cold. But it's been warming up lately and I tried again when it was about 35F outside. I have not tried cranking in neutral. Where I park my truck I cannot use a block warmer I'm moving in a month or so where I'll be able to plug it in.

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Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 AT 1:44 PM

JDL

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If the solenoid is clicking, I don't think cranking in neutral will help? If you turn on the headlites and turn the key to crank, the lites stay bright, don't do anything? Then it sounds like an open circuit somewhere, no starter draw. You may have to do some testing at the starter solenoid, if it's warm enough. With the key in he crank position, check for voltage at the starter field terminal, that terminal goes from the lower part of solenoid into the starter body. Any testing make sure the tranny is in park or neutral and the e-brake is set.

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Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 AT 2:38 PM

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What do I use to check the voltage? And yes when the lights are on and I go to crank it, the lights don't dim. Are there any pictures I could see to help me?

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Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 AT 2:54 PM

JDL

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The picture will give general idea, different manufacturers may use a cable instead of a brass arm. It doesn't matter, they do the same thing, it attaches to the lower part of solenoid and goes into starter housing, like the picture. Use a testlite to check for voltage, they don't cost much at the discount autostores.