1987 Isuzu Trooper Won't Start 1st thing in the Morning

Tiny
ZAXSOS
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 ISUZU TROOPER
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 500 MILES
I just moved to Steamboat Springs, Co and my Trooper won't start first thing in the morning. It starts fine a little later in the day when things warm up. I've changed the battery and the cable ends, but it still does it. What do think might be the problem?
Monday, December 8th, 2008 AT 12:15 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi zaxsos,

Thank you for the donation.

I would like to understand the situation better and hope you can provide me with the following.

Is the problem due to starter not cranking or the starter cranks but would not fire up?

If starter cranks, does it feel very strained?

Can you describe the symptoms in more details?

Are the dash lights on all the time while cranking and not flickering?
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Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 AT 6:26 AM
Tiny
ZAXSOS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The starter doesn't turn at all. The dash lights and radio come on, as will the headlights if I turn them on. Later when the temps climb a little the trooper will start right up.
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Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 AT 7:35 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi zaxsos,

If the starter shows no activity, ie no clicking noise at all, I would suggest checking the starter relay located on left front corner of engine compartment. It could be weak and the cold prevents it from contacting efficiently.

Sorry I could not find any diagrams to assist you in locating the relay.
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Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 AT 1:30 PM
Tiny
ZAXSOS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I replaced the starter relay and it seemed to work, but now it won't start or do anything. The lights come on, the radio works, and the starter doesn't do anything. What do you think it could be?
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Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 AT 10:00 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi zaxsos,

Remove the starter relay and use a jumper to connect and test if the starter cranks.

Alternatively you need to test if the ignition switch power supply is getting to the relay by using a test lamp connected to the relay terminal and ignition key turned to START.
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Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 AT 10:13 AM

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