Sometimes my truck won’t start

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

  1. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    You have high resistance or an intermittent connection at a given connection or component. Temperature changes can cause parts to expand and contract, which is the most likely reason for the randomness.

    Does it ever not crank cold?
     
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  3. Loaderlou

    Loaderlou Medium Load Member

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    Yes it usually doesn’t start in the mornings, as in today. It started right up yesterday, I worked all day, shut it down, got in this morning and nothing, not even a click. Changed the ignition switch, but nothing. As I wrote earlier, I’ve changed the starter, firewall relay, and now the key switch. I ordered a new 20 amp fuse and will change that tomorrow
     
  4. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    There's a relay or fuse of some sort inside the frame rail by the starter as well. Worth checking
     
  5. Loaderlou

    Loaderlou Medium Load Member

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    Hi Lester. Yes I have that part also. I’m gathering as much info as possible to try and narrow it down. The funny thing is it starts most times and runs great, but I travel far even though I’m a day cab and I don’t want to shut the truck off somewhere off the beaten track and not be able to start up again. Sometimes I let it sit for a couple of hours and then it starts.
     
  6. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    If I were in your spot I would do something along these lines. Have a jumper connected to the control stud of the starter solenoid. Run it through a boot in the fire wall or have it tied up under the cab. When it does not start have your test light handy. Connect it to the jumper in a way you can see it when you push the button. Then continue to other circuits to test. Always double check your test light each time.
     
  7. Muddydog79

    Muddydog79 Heavy Load Member

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    Mine did this once about a week ago. Had to turn key 3 times before abs clicked and it started. Let me know what ya find please.
     
  8. Loaderlou

    Loaderlou Medium Load Member

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    Hi guys. Well here I am again with the same problem. Got here at 3am and nothing. Stopped at Peterbilt yesterday and he recommended changing the big breaker on the frame rail and the clutch switch. I was only able to change the breaker and it started, but not this morning. Hopefully it will start soon and when I get back I’ll change the clutch switch
     
  9. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    I dont think your clutch switch has anything to do with your problem. I can start my pete with the clutch in any and all positions
     
    BoxCarKidd Thanks this.
  10. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    and if your clutch switch was a problem for starting, which its not, your cruise control wouldn't be working consistently
     
  11. Loaderlou

    Loaderlou Medium Load Member

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    Yes I agree, but I bought it and I know they’ll give me a hard time returning it. I told the service manager I was able to able the truck without pushing the clutch in which tells me I didn’t need it and my cruise and jake work fine. I remember in my 95 pete there was a relay of some sort behind the driver side dash. I heard something clicking in there this morning. I opened the dash And went to turn the key to listen for the click and the truck started
     
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