How to diagnose a starter failure?

Tiny
ANNACAHILL
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET 1500
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
I have the truck listed above 5.3L V8 OHV 16V RWD Extended Cab. When I put the key in it turns, but it clicks one time and I was hearing a little tiny whirring sound. I checked the voltage of the battery. It was 12.46. I tried to jump it, just in case, and it did not help. I checked the fuse, and it looks good. The relay clicks. So, I think it's the starter. Are there any other ways to confirm this is my issue? The service engine light soon comes on.
Tuesday, January 30th, 2024 AT 5:53 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

First, make sure the battery terminals are both clean and tight. If there is a weak connection, it can cause what you are experiencing.

Next, see if it will start if you place it in neutral.

If there is no change, at the starter motor you will see a smaller gauge purple wire. That is the trigger wire. It doesn't have power until the key is in the start position. Have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check the purple wire for power.

If the wire has power, the starter is the likely problem. If there is no power, let me know and we can work backward to see where power is lost.

Additionally, I attached the wiring schematic for the starter circuit below, and here is a link that you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below. Note: I had to cut the pic in half to make it readable. I did overlap the two so you can follow from one to the next.
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Tuesday, January 30th, 2024 AT 8:45 PM
Tiny
ANNACAHILL
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
Joe! My friend. I'm so glad you're helping me again. Exactly one day after the Hyundai was fixed my truck quit working. First world problems. Lol. Okay. So, I verified power to the starter! I suppose the next step is to order a new starter. I found one on rock auto for $124. ACDELCO 3371027 Gold. Would that work?
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Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 AT 4:37 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

LOL. I'm glad I got it too. I didn't even realize. It sounds like you have the same kind of luck I do. We should be able to get this one up and running a lot easier.

Chances are if there is power to the starter motor and it doesn't respond, the starter is the problem. If you want to confirm it, remove the starter motor and have it bench-tested at a parts store. Most will do it with no charge.

Here is a link that explains in general how one is replaced:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Also, I attached the directions specific to your truck below.

As far as the part you listed, I don't believe that is correct. Interestingly, Rockauto doesn't indicate a 5.3L engine for this year, but I know they came with them.

The OEM part number for the starter in your truck is 10465463. See pic 1 below. I looked up the part you indicated, and it shows a different OEM part number that it replaces. See pic 2.

I used the OEM part number from my manual and Rockauto came up with multiple starters that indicate it is a replacement for what my manual indicates. Pic 3 shows an example.

At the top of the page, you will see a place to put a part number. Put the 10465463 part number there and it will bring up starters.

One last thought. If you order something from them, here is a discount code to get 5% off your order. It's not much, but it's something.

When checking out, there is a place where it asks how you found out about them. Copy and paste this number in there for a discount.

255759021228564225

The code is good until 2/16.

Starting with pic 5 are the directions for your vehicle. Before starting, make sure the battery negative terminal is disconnected. Also, it indicates removing things that I just don't remember ever having to remove. LOL Take your time and check to see what needs to be done for removal. It should be two bolts and the wiring on the starter motor.

Let me know if this helps or if you have questions. Also, welcome back.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, January 31st, 2024 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
ANNACAHILL
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
You saved me a lot of headaches. I had ordered the wrong part. Luckily I was able to cancel and get the correct part. I ordered the New Bosch starter because it had a lifetime warranty. Thanks for saving me the hassle of a return and exchange and the discount code. That was awesome! So, I guess I can start taking the old starter out. I'm wondering how hard those bolts are going to be to remove if they were machine tightened. I don't that. Lol.

I have the truck on my ramps that I use for my oil changes. The tow truck fella was sweet and put it on them for me. Can you tell me why I would just disconnect the negative battery cable? I always disconnect both of the cables, or does it matter?

Thank you for the specific step by step instructions. They are very helpful!
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Thursday, February 1st, 2024 AT 6:55 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

Glad you got it before they shipped. I'm curious why they didn't indicate the 5.3L for this model year. That is what made me double-check.

As far as the battery cables are concerned, once the negative is disconnected, the circuit is open and no longer complete. At that point, you don't need to remove the positive.

The bolts will be tight but take your time and you will be fine. Remember, leverage is a great thing. LOL Add a pipe to the ratchet handle to extend it if needed.

Let me know how things work out for you or if I can help.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, February 1st, 2024 AT 6:02 PM
Tiny
ANNACAHILL
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
I got the old starter out and the new starter in. I was ecstatic. The truck did not start. I reconnected the battery. Lol. And the old gal fired right up!
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Sunday, February 4th, 2024 AT 11:24 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

LOL If I could only tell you how many times, I've done things like that. Turn the key, and nothing. Then I usually sit and scratch my head for a few minutes, and a light finally goes off in my head and I realize. LOL

Regardless, I'm glad it's fixed, and good job. Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Sunday, February 4th, 2024 AT 6:30 PM

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