2006 Freightliner Columbia Starter Problems

Ok, so, I hired (and fired) a driver who ran out of fuel, and while helping him start the guy held onto the starter while the friggin' vehicle was started! He held onto it a good five - 10 seconds until I realized it and yelled for him to release it! Immediately afterwards, it began acting up such that often when I turn the key it does nothing. I have to click it a few times, sometimes lots of times before it responds. When it does turn over, it turns over fine, but, it's just that it does not respond many times I try and after two weeks, it seems to be getting much worse.

What could be the problem? This is a brand new friggin' starter I just put on a year and half or so ago. Could it be some component other than the starter, itself? I'm 100% certain this is the incident that caused the issue, as it has been doing this since immediately after. I simply do not know what that proper repair is, however.

Anyone? Thanks a lot, guys.

 

Exhales...I friggin' knew it. I was just hoping one of you guys would tell me I am way overreacting and it has to be just the (insert small issue here). What a mess! In just four days this guy managed to take out my starter, tailpipe, broke part of a dash panel, ripped the seat, and slid my fifth wheel so far forward that when I jumped in the truck after I dented the rear on a turn!!! These darn drivers sure know how to stress a guy out, eh?

BTW, Vintage, that story is so sad. The nerve of some of these guys, eh?

 

Hmm...this is good advice. I'm gonna check this out and see if it works. It's just so weird that when it works, it works perfectly, but when it doesn't, it just doesn't do anything. Like, no click, no nothing...just nothing.