96 Rodeo Starter Vs. Alternator issue

[davidreedcarroll]

For a couple of months I found that upon engaging the ignition I encountered a single click. When I retryed the engine starts right up. Had all my connections checked and the battery posts cleaned, water level is ok. Still I get an intermittent click followed by start.

Last week, while driving down the highway, I noticed that as I acclerated my voltage gauge had marked changes from 14 V to just below 12 V. I also noticed that my lights dimmed and my troubled ABS light, which stays on as the result of a sending unit issue, disappeared intermittently.

Now when I start the vehicle I find the voltage meter shifts from 14V to just below 12V with acceleration. However, when I have the head lights on and engage the blinker, the voltage meter has only a slight change as I acclerate.

I would appreciate anyone's insight into this problem. Thanks. David

[Ramblin Fever]

The diminish in voltage is 100% normal when you're accelerating, these trucks are set up that way. However, they are also set-up, that if the lights are ON, their volts are NOT supposed to diminish.

It depends on throttle pressure, really, as to how far your volts will diminish, mine only occasionally goes to 12v when I push the throttle - but I baby this truck terribly.

If you have had your truck for quite some time, and notice that it's doing this more then usual, have your alternator checked while under a load, should read 14v - if it's less then that, it's going by-by.

Do NOT purchase just any reman alt, you'll need to get an OEM Isuzu, Bosch, or even a Napa alternator - anything else and this truck will eat it for breakfast.

Your clicking issue at start-up, however, is clearly your starter - it's dying for sure.

[surferfletch]

Originally Posted by Ramblin Fever

Your clicking issue at start-up, however, is clearly your starter - it's dying for sure.

That's how mine kicked. Eventually it quit starting.

[davidreedcarroll]

Thanks everybody for your great insight.

From other posts about alt failure, I have inferred that most experienced that failure click upon initial ingnition. It seems that replacement of the alt cured all. Am I just exercising wishful thinking, or do I indeed, need to replace the starter. In the event I do need to replace the starter, do I need to observe the same OEM/Bosch specifications, or do generic remanufactured parts do the job? Thanks again, David

Incidentallly, this is the best automotive site I have found. David

[surferfletch]

I don't know that these trucks are as finicky about the starter. I went with a new NAPA alt and starter and I have had no problems. They failed about the same time last year.

[surferfletch]

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...hlight=starter

Actually, it was a remanned NAPA starter back in Sept. of '05.

[Cat Fuzz]

Your starter is definitely failing and there is a specific reason for the failure which is very common for Denso starters. EVERY single Denso starter failure I've seen is because of one thing. The solenoid contacts wear out in an uneven fashion. These contacts CAN be replaced for a lot cheaper than buying a new starter, unless you're not doing the work yourself. If you're paying someone to work on your rig, then just replace the starter. But, if you can remove the starter yourself, you can replace the contacts easily and cheaply and get new life from it.

The contacts are under a little plate on the side of the starter which is held on by 3 small bolts. Take that plate off and the plunger will come out, watch for the spring. That plunger is what is pulled down when you engage the starter which completes a circuit by connecting two contacts mounted below it. These two contacts wear unevenly and that's why it sometimes starts and sometimes doesn't. Eventually it won't work at all because the contacts get so bad. Replace these contacts and you're good to go again. The brushes and bearings inside the starter should have plenty of life left in them and after that, there isn't really anything that can wear out except for the gear reduction planetary gears.


Here's a link to a solenoid repair kit. http://www.partsamerica.com/productd...pe=618&PTSet=A

[rod2004]

do you have to remove the exhaust pipe in order to get the starter out on a rodeo 04?

[Cat Fuzz]

Originally Posted by rod2004

do you have to remove the exhaust pipe in order to get the starter out on a rodeo 04?

That's one way of getting it out. Some unbolt the motor mounts and lift the engine, other disassemble the starter and take it out in two pieces.