I may have a problem

[TheMountainCalls]

Ok here's the deal, before now the truck ran near perfectly(just a little starting trouble). Everything seemed fine. However today (as in like 15 mins ago) the truck refuses to start.
Here's what happens:
Turn key to pos 1: dash lights turn on and radio turns on
Turn key to start pos: absolutely nothing except the gen 1 light turns off and the parking brake light turns on. The starter makes no noise

I was driving it 4hrs ago just fine

Please help me, I have no idea where to even start

 

[cucvrus]

Possible starter failure or you have a bad connection at the rear battery. That is assuming it is still 24 volt. Also starter relay under the dash may have gone out or the Neutral safety switch is bad. Many possibility's. Check the starter relay and make sure it is plugged in., Is the radio in the stock location. That is where the starter relay is. It is the small metal box relay closest to the steering column. Check it out. Good Luck.

 

[Al Harvey]

First check the batteries and make sure you got 24v (if 24v system still). A quick way to a partial test of the neutral safety switch is to try and start the truck in neutral. If it starts, that's probably the problem. But as cucvrus said, check connections first. If that doesn't work, try tapping on the starter with a hammer. Don't beat it, but give it a smack. If that works, the starter is going out.

 

[TheMountainCalls]

Thanks for the replies. Yes the truck is still 24 volt. We tried starting it in neutral and that didn't work. I also hit the starter with a rubber mallet a few times. It seems like there's no signal going to the start systems. I still find it really weird that it was working fine 4 hours ago and now nothing.

 

[cpf240]

Fully charge the batteries, and then have them load tested. Perhaps the rear battery has gone south.

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

Start by downloading the TMs. Freebies!

There are step by step troubleshooting guides that were written to be used by 18 year old kids who know nothing about working on vehicles.

They are your friends.

 

[TheMountainCalls]

Thanks again
Update: the truck seems to have magically repaired itself.
I'm happy but now I'm nervous about where and when that problem will surface again

Edit: **** I forgot about the TMs I've been meaning to print them out and store them in the truck

 

[MuleMac01]

Sounds to me the stock Gm starter relay is going south on you. might want to check that out like cucvrus said.

 

[cucvrus]

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• Part Number: 19952
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• Notes:

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[MarcusOReallyus]

For 15 bucks and 5 minutes work, I'd say go ahead and replace it. I'm not a fan of just randomly replacing parts instead of troubleshooting, but this has a low cost ($$ and effort) and a high probability of being the source of the problem.

 

[TheMountainCalls]

Awesome, I was looking for that part last night
I'm always a little intimidated by electrical problems, way too many ways it could go wrong
So thanks for all the help guys

 

[bikeman]

Remember to disconnect the batteries before doing anything... personally I take them out half the time... I hate vehicle electrical.

 

[infidel got me]

starting issue

There is also a linkage rod that runs down the top of the steering column, this rod connects to the electrical portion of your starting

system. Over time, as with everything else, it can get wear or slop in it and wont push the electrical portion of the start function of the switch far enough to make contact. There are two small nuts that hold this switch to the steering column and are adjustable. You have to lower the steering column to check it. It is bolted on the drivers side top of column. The electrical part of the ignition switch can also have burnt contacts. This as well as the other items mentioned in above post should be looked at. I have seen people replace many good parts on trucks and this was the problem the whole time.

Happy hunting-- hope this helps--