Help! Intermittent starting problem (1st gen)

Hoping to figure out what's going on...

A month or so ago my truck wouldn't start - heard the starter clicking, but wouldn't turn over at all. Attached my jumper battery to it, started right up. Didn't run it long (maybe 3 minutes) before turning it off. No more problems starting after that... until today.

I did the same thing - strong click, that's it. Tried jumping it, didn't help - even left it on there for a long time... took the jumper batter off. When trying to start it with the dome light on, it barely dimmed - battery showed 12.4 volts - battery sounds okay (not to mention it's not very old). Alternator is almost new (not that it couldn't be defective). Pushed my truck and put in gear trying anything - thinking maybe the starter is jammed and moving it might help. Nothing. Finally it started for whatever reason.

Obviously something is wrong, and I like to drive out to the boonies and don't want to worry... any thoughts? Starter? Starter solenoid? (those are my guesses but unsure so thinking someone can help with some insight).

Thanks everyone!

 

I have the same issue. Not sure what it is but my guess is that whatever it is it's stupid.

 

Well you live in Houston so it might be that your Taco swam a few laps recently....

 

tap the starter with a hammer lightly and try to start her... if it does the contacts on the solenoid are not making good contact... many threads on here about rebuilding/replacing it.

 

Check your ground connections

 

Had the same problem, changed battery terminals. No problems since

 

Thanks... I'll check all those - they were all recently replaced with an upgrade group buy from here... maybe something has come loose.

 

I haven't changed mine but it might be the negative cable.

 

Same thing happened to me a few years ago. Had my starter rebuilt and cleaned with new contact brushes. No more issues and the mechanics who did it only charged $45 for the rebuild. Good luck!