Cranking over problem I put a new battery on it?

Tiny
SWEETIE1965
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHEVROLET COLORADO
  • 3.5L
  • 5 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300,000 MILES
I purchased this truck at a "steal of a price" two days ago. It's not running though. I put a new battery on it to make sure the proper volts are getting to what it's going to. I believe it was stuck in anti-theft mode because the anti-theft light stayed on solid. Well since I changed the battery, I can do some further testing to determine why the truck isn't cranking over or starting. When I try to start it, I hear a rapid clicking sound that sounds like it's coming from the starter. I got a new starter and starter relay for it. It's not a bad looking truck as long as it gets cleaned out really good. I don't know about any other problem it may have because I can't start it. When I turn the key on the anti theft light stays on solid until I try to start it then release the key about 10 seconds later the anti-theft light goes out altogether. I just want to get it started so I can see if it has any more potential issues. Anti-theft light and possible starter issues is what I'm having. Thanks in advance.
Monday, July 14th, 2025 AT 12:28 AM

21 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
So the security light is telling you the system is not engaged. If it was flashing, then you would have a problem. I would make sure the ground cable from the battery to the engine block is in good shape and if so, I would replace the positive battery cable. The clicking noise is telling you that now enough amperage is reaching the starter motor. Also, I would go over this guide to make sure the engine is not locked up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN42gZN6gOE

This video can help as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YRW8fyNudY

Please go over these guides and get back to us.
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Monday, July 14th, 2025 AT 8:05 AM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
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When I first went to look at the truck before I bought it, the engine was cracking over but abruptly stopped, like the battery was drained. So I purchased a new battery for it. Now what happens is rapid clicking when I try to start it. I checked the starter relay, it's fine. I didn't check the starter yet because of the weather. I'll check for loose connections and corrosion on the battery cables although none are visible.
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Monday, July 14th, 2025 AT 12:32 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Usually when you hear the rapid clicking, the battery is dead but you said it has a new one correct? Sometimes you can get a defective battery FYI.
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Monday, July 14th, 2025 AT 6:57 PM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
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  • 177 POSTS
I checked it. It shows 12.3 volts. And yes it is a brand new battery
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Monday, July 14th, 2025 AT 8:40 PM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
  • MEMBER
  • 177 POSTS
I'm kinda thinking the problem is either the starter or the ignition switch
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Monday, July 14th, 2025 AT 8:50 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, a defective starter will make that kind of noise, I would try a replacement unit.
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Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 AT 5:34 PM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
  • MEMBER
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I will. I will let you know how a new starter turns out
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Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sounds good, can I ask which brand starter did you use?
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Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 AT 9:06 AM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
  • MEMBER
  • 177 POSTS
Its a starter from O'Reilly. I'm not sure of the name brand. I can tell you it's not a Master Pro
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Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 AT 9:59 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, so these are low end starters and you may need to try a few before you get a good one.
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Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 AT 10:06 AM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
  • MEMBER
  • 177 POSTS
I understand
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Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 AT 3:47 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sounds good, let me know how it goes.
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Thursday, July 17th, 2025 AT 10:02 AM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
  • MEMBER
  • 177 POSTS
I checked all fuses and relays. The 30 amp fuse for the starter has a burnt plug so I put a new fuse. All other fuses and relays seems to be in working condition. I noticed the fuse box itself is a bit loose. Maybe it's not getting a good solid connection. But when I first went to look at the truck, I tried to start it. It was cranking over not starting tho. Then all of a sudden the starter stopped cranking the engine over. I turned the engine by hand so now I know the engine isn't locked up. I can hear rapid clicking when I attempt to start the engine. Its coming from a plug that plugs in the throttle body. When the plug is unplugged there's no clicking sound. When the weather clears up enough I'll check the starter further. I don't want to just put a starter on it then still have the same problems. I'm thinking either starter or ignition switch. One or the other. Please tell me your thoughts on this matter. Thank you for your time
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Thursday, July 17th, 2025 AT 7:22 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Most of the time the clicking sounds when trying to start the engine is a weak battery.
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Friday, July 18th, 2025 AT 9:07 AM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
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The battery is new. I took it to O'Reilly this morning for testing. They said it's good. So I put it back on then tried to start it again. Its still doing the same thing. Clicking.
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Friday, July 18th, 2025 AT 10:05 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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I would change the starter and positive battery cable out.
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Saturday, July 19th, 2025 AT 9:26 AM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
  • MEMBER
  • 177 POSTS
I checked the starter further today. Power from battery is getting to starter. No power coming from ignition. I had a friend attempt to start the truck while I checked for power from the signal wire. There is absolutely zero power coming from ignition switch. I also touched the ignition switch signal wire and battery power wire at the same time, the starter doesn't even click or anything. Now I know the starter is faulty but what about the ignition switch?
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Saturday, July 19th, 2025 AT 12:50 PM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
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When I jumped the trigger wire with the constant 12 vols from the battery there was like a very weak spark. The starter didn't turn or nothing. The battery was reading 12.4 volts at the time.
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Sunday, July 20th, 2025 AT 8:06 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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It sounds like the positive battery cable is bad.
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Sunday, July 20th, 2025 AT 10:12 AM
Tiny
SWEETIE1965
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The battery cables appear to be fairly new
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Sunday, July 20th, 2025 AT 12:07 PM

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