Sometimes my truck won’t start

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Loaderlou, Aug 26, 2020.

  1. Loaderlou

    Loaderlou Medium Load Member

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    Feb 24, 2014
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    Hi all. Sometimes my truck wont start. I turn the key and absolutely nothing happens. No cranking, no clicking, nothing. I’ve changed the starter, key switch and the relay on the firewall. Does anyone think it might be my fuse? If I let it sit for a while, sometimes a long while, it starts. Am I missing something else? Maybe the breaker on the inside of the rail above the starter? I can’t always get a pull or push. Anybody ever experience this?
     
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  3. Loaderlou

    Loaderlou Medium Load Member

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    In regards to the fuse, It doesn’t pop out so I’m not sure its bad
     
  4. daf105paccar

    daf105paccar Road Train Member

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    Make off truck?
    Model?
    Year?
     
  5. Loaderlou

    Loaderlou Medium Load Member

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    Peterbilt 379 2003 C15 6NZ
     
  6. zinita17601

    zinita17601 Road Train Member

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    Did u check the wires from batteries to starter?
     
  7. roshea

    roshea Road Train Member

    Also check the clutch switch. If this is an intermittent problem and it works fine when it does start then that is a high probability item to be the cause. When it won't start pump the clutch pedal two or three times and try again, repeat as necessary. Usually a quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive part to replace.
     
    CousinVinny Thanks this.
  8. Loaderlou

    Loaderlou Medium Load Member

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    Hi guys. This has happened before a few times in the past, but I would turn the key off and on and it would start. Lately its been happening more often. When it finally starts, it will start for about a week then it will happen again. I changed the starter about a week ago and cleaned the posts and put dielectric grease on them. I’m going thru process of elimination. I will check out the clutch suggestion and see what happens. I usually press the clutch down when I start
     
  9. Loaderlou

    Loaderlou Medium Load Member

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    Thank you very much for the comeback everybody
     
  10. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Good thought.........but, Petes dont use the clutch switch to interupt crank signal.

    @Loaderlou,

    You need to do some testing when its broken. Start by isolating the ignition circuit from the cranking circuit. Do you have 12vdc at the S terminal when you turn the key? Will it light a headlight?

    Once you determine that, we have a direction to go. Batteries/starter vs ignition circuits.

    Have you load tested batts and checked all cable connections at the batteries?
     
    spsauerland Thanks this.
  11. Loaderlou

    Loaderlou Medium Load Member

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    Feb 24, 2014
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    Hi Goody. I believe everything works as it should when I turn the key on. My radio comes on my teltek switches light up and the teltek clock is accurate, and any gauges that stay showing temperatures go to 0 when I turn the key on. It’s like a dead spot. What I’m trying to figure out is why it starts after I leave it alone for a while
     
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