Thank you for taking the time to respond.
I have had my suspicions about the starter from the outset. The truck was parked outside of my shop space when it would not start. I did a little research and noticed that it could be the relay causing the problem also. So, I ordered a new relay and starter. When you are shopping for 2003 parts it looks like there is an overlay in the years that certain parts will work on. Case in point, several sources said the relay was mounted on the inside of the passenger side wheel well for the 2003 but in my case it is not, it's in the fuse panel.
So, I ordered a second relay and decided to change out the starter. I got the starter ready to drop, only the top bolt left, when the correct relay came in. I plugged it in and dropped the old starter and installed the new one. The truck turned over and started like it always had. However, a minute later I am getting this scraping sound.
After hours on the net looking for an answer I decided I got a bad starter. Emailed the vendor and told them my problem, they assured me their starters were blah blah blah and sent me a new one. I installed it and again the scraping sound. I had to admit defeat that I could not solve this myself and decided to record the sound and put it here since I frequented this site but had, until now, never joined.
Now I am left wondering if the original problem was the OEM starter or relay. Either way, I still have the old starter I am going to clean it up and reinstall it. Two things 1. I am getting pretty good at locating and pulling that top bolt. Lol 2. At least this time I am not in the grass slapping fire ants as I am doing the install. Florida, if it's got six legs, we got it.
I will let you know how this works out. Next starter i'll buy at a local store, advance or AutoZone and bring the vehicle's VIN with me.
Thanks again,
John M
Sunday, March 20th, 2022 AT 5:07 AM