Will not turn over

JWCAGLE

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
5.7L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
360,000 MILES

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.

5 Replies

SQM

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.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, September 6th, 2021 AT 8:21 PM

JWCAGLE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

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.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, September 9th, 2021 AT 3:17 AM

SQM

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.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, September 9th, 2021 AT 7:04 AM

JWCAGLE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

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.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, September 9th, 2021 AT 3:28 PM

SQM