where to start with this problem?

[croftonaviation]

Hey I have a m1009, that is my daily driver. This morning I go out to start it and get a nothing other than a clicking noise and the battery indicator going from the green to the red. I noticed I could not move any of the fan belts, do you guys think it's a hung/bad started? It had not ever given any trouble do they just go out? Thanks for the thoughts on where to start.

 

[OL AG '89]

Troubleshooting section n the TM.....
check battery voltages, by doing load test at local auto store
report back with findings

 

[edpdx]

What kind of clicking noise? Is it a single contact being thrown once like the starter solenoid, or is it the rhythmic tic-tic-tic-tic type you get when your battery is low or the cable is loose or corroded?

I would clean and tighten the battery cables first. The next thing I would do if the click you hear is the single click of a starter solenoid without the starter motor spinning-up, is to check the ground at the starter front support bracket (brace). Mine recently worked loose and the grease and dirt that subsequently built up behind it would not allow a solid ground. The result was a click at the relay (under dash) and at the starter solenoid but no starter spin-up -similar to what you describe.

I fixed it by adding a dedicated ground wire to the starter (where the support post screws into the starter) and chassis.

 

[croftonaviation]

I'll check the specific clicking areas when I get home, one fact I ommited is when I release the keys to spring back the drain is still showing on the batteries.

 

[Barrman]

Turn your headlights on. If they don't dim when you try to start, power isn't getting to the starter. Check relay and solenoid.

If they do dim when trying to start and stay dim after you tried. You probably have a bad battery.

If they go out and don't come back when you try. Then you probably have a loose or corroded connection somewhere.

If they dim when trying, bounce right back up and are still bright. Then you could have a hung starter bendix.

Start with the basics though. Make sure both batteries have at least 12V each and if you can, do a load test on them to verify they are good.

 

[croftonaviation]

thanks barrman, just curious I know where the relay is for the starter but where is the solenoid. I know there is one on the drivers side of the firewall, is that it or do I need to look elsewhere? Thanks

 

[southdave]

Coft, I am about to pull the trigger and do the roscomman thing, lamest system I have ever seen design to sell parts imho.

 

[Warthog]

thanks barrman, just curious I know where the relay is for the starter but where is the solenoid. I know there is one on the drivers side of the firewall, is that it or do I need to look elsewhere? Thanks

You really need to read the tech manuals. The starter solenoid is on the starter. Standard GM location. The relay on the firewall is the glowplug relay.

 

[croftonaviation]

thanks warthog, I forgot I had downloaded the -20, looks like my wife gets some time in the truck while I whip out the mulit-meter. I appreciate your help with my novice questions.

 

[croftonaviation]

got home last night, the batteries were dead and The fuse for the glow plugs was melted. At least I have an idea where to start. I unhooked all the glow plug wires and am charging the batteries, hopefully it will turn over and I can get to work repairing the glow plug system.

 

[Warthog]

If you need help with the glowplug wiring just ask.

Which fuse was melted? One of them in the fuse box or the fusable link on the firewall?

Can you post pictures?

 

[stampy]

I would go with the non swelling type glowplug and anti sieze on the threads.

 

[croftonaviation]

If you need help with the glowplug wiring just ask.

Which fuse was melted? One of them in the fuse box or the fusable link on the firewall?

Can you post pictures?

the 30 amp fuse in the fuse block lower right corner it was melted as well as the fuse block. I'll see what happens tonight and try to get some pictures. I appreciate the offer for help warthog and I'll probably have some questions as I get more of this pulled apart.

 

[Warthog]

The 30amp fuse that usually heats up and melts is the Headlight fuse (red circle) It also feds the 10amp stop light circuit above it.

The Glowplug module and Glowpug relay are controled by the 20amp Engine Control fuse (green circle).

The glowplugs them selves are fed via the fusable link at the 24v Positive Terminal Block behind the rear battery (stock system)