Will not turn over

1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
360,000 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JWCAGLE
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The vehicle has been sitting for a couple of months as it is a spare vehicle. So i decided to drive it and it would not crank. I have installed a new battery and starter. It still only clicks when i turn the ignition. Turned engine with wrench and everything seems loose. Bypassed ignition switch and starter relay, still only hear starter click. I have a 4 amp trickle charger on the battery to make sure it is fully charged. Not sure what else to check.
Sep 6, 2021 at 10:28 AM
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SQM
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

Typically you will hear the click when there is either not enough power to the starter or the starter is faulty. Since you have already replaced the starter, you might have an issue with the power.
Have you tried jump starring the truck?
Just in case there is a connection issue from the battery to the cable.

Also make sure the cable that goes from the battery to starter is secured properly and does not have any corrosion or damages.

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

You have already verified that the engine is not seized so at this point you should at least get few cranks if not a full start (if there were other spark or fuel issues).

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-charge-your-car-battery
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-jump-start-car-battery-using-jumper-cables

Please let me know of any updates.
Thank you.
Sep 6, 2021 at 1:21 PM
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JWCAGLE
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I removed the new battery that I purchased the day before and put a 4 amp trickle charger on it over night. Installed the battery and secured all connections. All is good know. Apparently the new battery did not have enough power. Thanks for the help.
Sep 8, 2021 at 8:17 PM
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SQM
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
That's good that it was just low on charge and not some other issue. Feel free to reach out should you run into something else.
Sep 9, 2021 at 12:04 AM
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JWCAGLE
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Thanks for the help. I am not a master mechanic but i can am capable of doing most repairs to my vehicles. I just feel really goofy that i did not check the new battery before i went and bought a new starter.
Sep 9, 2021 at 8:28 AM
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SQM
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
Well, it happens to the best of us. So no worries.
Sep 9, 2021 at 1:07 PM
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