Starter issue / need help

I had some intermitent starting issues with my 99 suburban and then no start. When I turned the key I could hear the current run to the starter and click, but that was it. I figured that the starter was bad. I replaced it. It started like a champ three times the same day. The next day....same issue? I've done a search and read something about the safety/nuetral switch? Could this be an issue or am I overlooking something? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

neal

The neutral safety switch keeps the starter circuit open unless the vehicle is in neutral or park. If you had current flowing to the starter then I wouldn't think the neutral safety switch is the problem. Perhaps the battery is low and the new starter drew less current than the old. But starting the vehicle a few times further drew down the battery and it is now insufficient to turn over the engine even with the new starter. Autozone, and probably others, will test your battery for free; as well as the alternator. Have these tested before you buy any more parts.

Might want to check the starter relay, swap with another to check

Might want to check the starter relay, swap with another to check

If the starter relay is bad, would vehicle starting be intermittent? I too replaced the starter on my 98 Sub, because it would occassionally do the same thing - click when I try to start, but nothing more. The problem is continuing with the new starter.

I found that when I disconnected/reconnected the positive cable from the battery the vehicle would then start. Something must be getting reset when I disconnect/reconnect the battery cable, so I am currently suspecting the alarm system. But if the relay could be the problem, that would be a quicker fix than tearing into the dash board to get to the security system.

One of my co-workers suggested the security system may have its own battery, and a dealership service rep said the stock system does have one. He just wants $69 to hook up his test machine to determine if a $10 battery is bad.

We had the same problem and had to replace the alternator, but get it bench tested before replacing it.

If your truck has two positive battery cables, with a lead spacer between, it probably has corroded between the spacer and one of
the cables. One cable powers the starter, the other powers everything else. If this is the case the relay will click but the starter won't turn.

I don't think it's the alternator, because my battery is not losing its charge, and I already cleaned both positive cable connections and the spacer between them.

I replaced the starter relay last night, and this morning it wouldn't start. Same story - disconnect the battery cable, reconnect it, and it started. I guess my next step is to figure out how to either disconnect the bundle of wires going into the panel under the dash with the flasher module plugged into it or get that panel off the firewall. The wiring bundle and the panel are blocking access to the security system.

One dealer service rep I talked to said there is an $8-$10 battery in the security system that may require replacement. Unless someone has a better suggestion, I want to see if replacing that battery takes care of the issue.

Someone in my office suggested finding out if there is a recall on the stock alarm system. Do any of you know if there is one?

How bad was the corrosion on your battery cables? My 99 was doing the exact same thing. The volt meter even showed the battery fully charged. The problem ended up being the positive battery cable was ccorroded internally and not allowing enough current to the starter. I think a new set was about $70 and was pretty easy to install.

The next day....same issue? I've done a search and read something about the safety/nuetral switch? Could this be an issue or am I overlooking something? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I had the same problem, some days it wouldn't start and other days no problem. I had replace the battery and starter, and almost replaced the alternator. Come to find out the cables on the side post (positive side) were not making a constant connection. I ended up cutting the rubber (red colored) sheathing around the rings (where the battery post bolt screws into the battery) off completely. Problem solved....I took it to have the alternator checked at auto zone, they told me the voltage regulator was going bad, that maybe the alternator had to be replaced...so get a couple opinions before spending some big dollars.