2002 Chevy Silverado Accessary Relay

Tiny
HALPAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
Electrical problem
2002 Chevy Silverado

A few months ago, I turned over my ignition and it was dead. I still had all power in the truck, so I opened my hood and when I turned the key I heard a "click" from the STARTER relay, I switched it with the IGN1 relay and the truck turned over with no problem. I have had to do that 3-4 times over the last 6 months between the HDLP, IGN1, and STARTER relays. This morning, I am having the same issue with the truck not turning over and getting a "click" from the STARTER relay, I switched them all around with no luck. I went to NAPA and bought the only 1 relay they had in stock. I put it in the STARTER slot but it is still just "clicking". I am now lost and have to get my daughter from school this afternoon. ANY guidance is greatly appreciated.

V/R,
Clay
Thursday, November 20th, 2008 AT 10:25 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
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I don't know your engine size, or tranny, automatic or manual, it may not matter.

Usually if there is a clicking sound, it's the battery or cables. Does the battery have a full charge? Are the battery cables/wires all clean and tight on both ends.

With the starter relay, removed, are there two hot terminals, with the key in the crank position. You may have get someone to turn the key, while you do the testing.

I didn't notice that you donated, if you hang around, somebody with all the stars after their name, will probably talk to you. Goodluck
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Thursday, November 20th, 2008 AT 10:41 AM
Tiny
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Thanks for the reply, My wife was turning the key and the click is definantly coming from the starter relay, I can feel the click when I touch it an my wife turns the key.

I don't understand the "2 hot terminals" portion of your reply.
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+1
Thursday, November 20th, 2008 AT 10:51 AM
Tiny
DENNYP
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You will need to check the solenoid control wire at the starter for voltage when cranking. You should have 12 volts when the ignition key is in the crank position.(Small purple wire) If there is not 12 volts, you have an open circuit from the starter relay to the solenoid. If it does have 12 volts, you have a bad starter. You may also want to inspect your battery for acid leaking from the positive terminal. You will notice green or white corrosion or a wet area below the positive terminal. If you see this, replace the battery and clean the terminal ends.
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Thursday, November 20th, 2008 AT 10:57 AM
Tiny
HALPAIN
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Thank you for the info. I am off to autozone to see if I can rent/buy a tester. I will reply with info after I check everything you mentioned.

Thanks
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Thursday, November 20th, 2008 AT 11:03 AM
Tiny
HALPAIN
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I have narrowed it down to the starter. I picked up a tester, but when I was laying under the truck or looking through the front passenger tire well, I could not see/find any wires, let alone a purple one. As I laid under the truck I remembered a "trick" my dad used to do on his ford. I grabbed a screwdriver and "tapped" on the starter and it started right up.

New Question: how do I remove the starter?

Thank you for your help.
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Thursday, November 20th, 2008 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
JDL
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[quote="Halpain"]Thanks for the reply, My wife was turning the key and the click is definantly coming from the starter relay, I can feel the click when I touch it an my wife turns the key.

I don't understand the "2 hot terminals" portion of your reply.[/Quote

The way I look at relays, there are two circuits, the coil side and the switch side of the relay. They both need voltage. You can use a testlite on the terminal socket after you unplug the relay. With the key in the crank position, two of those terminals should be hot, meaning the testlite comes on. Won't show you the actual voltage, just that there is enough to make the lite come on. Because the relay clicks, the coil side should be getting voltage, that doesn't prove the switch side has voltage. It's probably a long shot, but as a first step, other than the battery and cables, I always start at the relay, you can do a lot of testing there, and usually not too hard to get at.
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Thursday, November 20th, 2008 AT 12:45 PM
Tiny
DENNYP
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XTooltipElement
Service Information
2002 Chevrolet Chevy K Silverado - 4WD | Sierra, Silverado (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 642721

Starter Replacement (4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L Engines)
Removal Procedure
Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section.

Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
Remove the engine oil level indicator tube fasteners and position aside. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement .
Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

Remove the right transmission cover bolt.

Remove the starter bolts.
Disconnect the oil level sensor electrical connector.
Slide the starter forward until the starter clears the transmission.

Remove the starter solenoid nut (3).
Remove the starter lead (2) from the solenoid stud.

Remove the starter lead nut.
Remove the positive cable from the starter stud.
Place the starter on a workbench.

Unsnap the transmission cover from the starter.

If necessary, remove the starter shield.
Installation Procedure

If necessary, install the starter shield.

Snap the transmission cover to the starter.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

Install the positive cable to the starter stud.
Install the starter lead nut.
Tighten
Tighten the starter lead nut to 9 N Â m (80 lb in).

Install the starter solenoid lead (2) to the solenoid stud.
Install the starter solenoid nut (3).
Tighten
Tighten the starter solenoid nut to 3.4 N Â m (30 lb in).

Snap the transmission cover onto the starter.
Slide the starter rearward.
Install the starter bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the starter bolts to 50 N Â m (37 lb ft).

Connect the oil level sensor electrical connector.

Install the right transmission cover bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the transmission cover bolt to 9 N Â m (80 lb in).

Lower the vehicle.
Install the engine oil level indicator tube. Refer to Oil Level Indicator and Tube Replacement .

Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
© 2008 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.


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Friday, November 21st, 2008 AT 8:54 AM

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