Truck will not start

JOSHUAJ1109

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET 1500
5.7L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
203,000 MILES

When I try to start my truck all I hear is a clicking sound. My dash gauges and headlights come on. I thought my starter was bad so I changed it and it’s still doing the clicking when I try to start it. When it sits for awhile I go start it right up. But if I drive it for awhile, shut it off and try to start it, it just clicks. What do you think it could be?

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,002 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros. Clicking is a classic sign of low battery voltage. It doesn't necessarily mean the battery is bad but that the power isn't getting to the starter. This can be from corroded connections or even a failed battery cable. First thing I would do is check the battery cable connections at the battery and at the opposite ends, clean the connections and apply a bit of dielectric grease on them once they are clean and tight. Also check the ground strap on the back of the passenger side cylinder head. Those have a bad habit of rotting off and causing this type of issue because the engine isn't grounded to the cab very well.