electrical gremlins
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
electrical gremlins here's what i have: 5.3 vortec from a 2003 chevy avalanche. it was transplanted into an old jeep. I have a toggle ignition switch and push button starter.
here's the issue: Sometimes when i try to crank it the starter will simply click. A short time later i can go back and it will fire right up. Or if i want to crank it right then, the screwdriver trick on the starter will work.
Here's what i've done: Replaced the push button with no luck. bypassed the factory starter mounted solenoid and put a universal on the fender. NO LUCK!!!
The battery is brand new and the starter only has 12k on it. any ideas?
here's the issue: Sometimes when i try to crank it the starter will simply click. A short time later i can go back and it will fire right up. Or if i want to crank it right then, the screwdriver trick on the starter will work.
Here's what i've done: Replaced the push button with no luck. bypassed the factory starter mounted solenoid and put a universal on the fender. NO LUCK!!!
The battery is brand new and the starter only has 12k on it. any ideas? 
On The Tree
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: North Alabama
Do a voltage drop test to see whats going on when your trying to start it. Check amp draw during cranking also. Ive had dozens of bad NEW batteries fresh off the truck...which sucks working on Chryslers like Sebrings where theyre in the damn fender and you gotta take it back out lol. Test the battery anyway, and I dont just mean check if it has voltage you need to test CCA as it may be shorted plates. OR you could just have a seizing starter or one with a bad spot on the teeth where it binds in one spot, but starts out spinning great at another spot. Just my free $.02....good luck!
Last edited by GoatPilot87; May 4, 2012 at 12:19 AM. Reason: corrected spelling
On The Tree
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: North Alabama
Yup. I'm assuming you don't have a good battery tester so darkfire is right just go to a parts store or find a buddy at a dealer or something. The battery can show 12 volts and only have 100 CCAs. Or if a plate is shorting intermittently like when it gets Jarred into a different position it may turn over it may not.
Last edited by GoatPilot87; May 4, 2012 at 10:26 AM. Reason: misspelled
On The Tree
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: North Alabama
Hmm got me. if jumping it directly off the solenoid with a screwdriver works when the button won't I would think it's something in the wiring... I.e. whatever your bypassing when you use the screwdriver to jump it. Try getting the thread moved to the swap section i'm sure some guys in there can help.out better.
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