1999 Century C12 No Crank after sitting for 2 years

I’m looking at a buddies 1999 century 112 with the c-12 and Eaton autoshift 10 speed. His dad bought it 10+ years ago and passed away around 15 I believe. Truck has sat and hasn’t moved in two years. We’re building a crawler hauler as we go all over the county doing jeep events and trails (own a very small Jeep shop) and planned on pulling with our 20 F350. Trailer is a brand new load trail 44’ deck, 52’ overall length. Weight will be around 20k

In checking out the truck the batteries were obviously bad. I replaced all 4 with brand new interstate HD-31s. Checked all the fluids and when I went to try and start it, it does nothing. You can hear the solenoid in the passenger dash compartment I think clicking. No draw on the volt meter or anything. Checked and rechecked everything. Long story short I jumped the starter and after cranking for about 4 seconds it fired right up.

starter wasn’t clicking like it was bad, just acted like it wasn’t getting the command to start. Does anyone have some suggestions on where to start?

I have a buddy bringing his laptop out this week to run the codes and clear them. Has an ENG128 and ABS 136 I believe. Eaton controller is saying service. Won’t go into high gear so think it’s the range selector.

brett

 

The clicking is when you turn the key over to the start position there’s a soft click from the passenger side fuse panel. Next time I’m out there I’ll check the firewall for the start solenoid.

Completely unrelated, but do you happen to know how to track down the part number for the range selector on a gen 1 autoshift? Freightliner of Houston said it was around $230 but I’d much rather have it sent to the house vs the 90 min drive to Houston

thanks

Brett

 

It shifts great to 5th but won’t go into high range. That’s not the xy motor but the range solenoid right?

Brett

 

the transmission appears to work fine shifting up and down from 2 to 5th. Didn’t notice any arrows except when the input shaft speed was to high and needed to use the clutch brake I believe.

I’ll try what you suggested and also ordered a range solenoid to put on. According to my buddy, this isn’t a new issue but was doing it when it was parked. It’s located about 20 mins from our place. Ideally I’ll install that solenoid and drive it home at rated speeds. If not, more than likely going to be driving around 20 mph in 5th.

Have a full service to do and get a baseline then start working on issues and maintenance.

brett

 

I’m not one to throw parts at stuff (especially customer stuff) but with the relative low cost of the part it’s easy to rule that part out before spending a considerable time working on a diagnosis. Worst case it isn’t needed but I have peace of mind it has one less part to unexpectedly fail.

Brett

 

Got the transmission fixed and truck home. Still won’t crank.

The firewall solenoid is good. The ignition wire that send power to the firewall solenoid isn’t getting power when the key is turned. The ring connector looks fine but I’m going to cut and replace it to ensure it’s not a short in the wiring or connector.

if that doesn’t work, short of chasing that wire all the way to it’s origin, does anyone know where it comes from? The key it turned, trying to find the right fuse or relay but they seem to work as you can hear something happening over there.

brett