Battery or starter

Tiny
BIGALLOYMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 280,510 MILES
When it is cold in the morning usually below forty degrees sometimes it cranks a little and then nothing like the battery is drained, but when I check the voltage on battery it is over thirteen volts but as soon as I hook up my jumper starter it starts right up. I have changed the cables to the battery to starter, to alternator and fuse box it still cranks slow some times it starts some time it does not. Then I jump it and it starts right up. So is it the battery not holding charge under load or the starter? It could be the original starter not sure. Thanks for your time.
Monday, November 27th, 2017 AT 3:31 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
Next time it does this, have a helper turn the ignition switch to "crank" while you measure the voltage on the smaller terminal on the starter solenoid. If you find close to twelve volts there, a somewhat common problem was the coil of wire inside the solenoid warps, then the plunger sticks. If the plunger does not move far enough, it will not turn on the high-current switch to run the starter motor.

If you do not find any voltage on that smaller wire, try starting it in "neutral". If that works, suspect the neutral safety switch/transmission range sensor.
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Monday, November 27th, 2017 AT 7:53 PM
Tiny
BIGALLOYMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
It will be a challenge to get to the small wire. The starter is tucked under the exhaust manifold but i'll try
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Tuesday, November 28th, 2017 AT 3:31 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
I use a small jumper wire to connect the meter's probe to the terminal so I do not have to hold it. Do not need helper then either.
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Tuesday, November 28th, 2017 AT 3:42 PM

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