Plow trucks that don't start when you need them...

[bonniel]

I have a 1995 Chevy 3500 (former pendot) plow truck (not diesel) that has decided not to start. the first attempt we got a growl, hooked up the jumper cables, and got nothing but dead silence after that....Any ideas??? first year with this truck, so don't know it's quirks....and of course I live in the heart of the snowbelt in Ohio and everytime we need to plow **** happens!! I also have a very long driveway....Any input would be apprecited--I am no mechanic and neither is the old man, but he's too stubborn to hire it out! Thanks!!!

 

[Fast Orange]

Check your battery voltage-should be app. 12 volts. If ok,crawl under truck and tap starter housing with a hammer - the solenoid may be stuck or there might be a dead spot on the armature. try starting truck again with jumper cables hooked up. you may need to clean and check the batt cable terminals too-they may be corroded.

 

[edsauto]

Go out to the truck and leave the door open so the dome light is on. Now watch the light as you try and crank the engine. If the light stays on with no real change in brightness the you have a connection issue at the starter or a bad starter.

If the dome light goes out when you try to crank it over you have a bad or dead battery or a bad connection on the battery.

The dome light is a good "tool" to use in these situations.

Dan E.D.'s auto.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Check your battery voltage-should be app. 12 volts. If ok,crawl under truck and tap starter housing with a hammer - the solenoid may be stuck or there might be a dead spot on the armature. try starting truck again with jumper cables hooked up. you may need to clean and check the batt cable terminals too-they may be corroded.

Both good tips !

Also while under the truck, jump between the heavy cable from the battery to the starter and the "S" terminal on the solenoid.