2001 Tahoe not starting - just RAPID clicking!

[AustinAir]

Hi all, just tried to start my '01 Tahoe and all it is doing is clicking - no turn over what-so-ever. I just got done washing it so I don't know if I got something wet and it just needs to dry. I seem to be getting juice - radio works just fine, lights, etc. The clicking is EXTREMELY rapid - seems to be quicker than normal for a starter, but then again I have never experienced this specific problem with my Tahoe.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
jason

[hossim4692]

Try either tapping the starter while starting it, or replace cylinoid(not spelled right but ya know)

[AustinAir]

Originally Posted by hossim4692

Try either tapping the starter while starting it, or replace cylinoid(not spelled right but ya know)

Thanks for the reply Hossim4692. Now for the real naive question; where is the solenoid (think that's how you spell it) located and what does it look like? If it is the solenoid how much can I expect to pay to get it replaced?

Thanks for you help!

- jason

[hossim4692]

When you look at your dist. you should see one wire that probably goes to the left since that is probably where the battery is. Or go to autozone and pick up one of the books they ususally have right in front of their registers. I forget the name of the books, but you'll see them. You can get almost any year/make/model you need and it goes step by step on checking, locating, and replacing any parts.

[AustinAir]

Originally Posted by hossim4692

When you look at your dist. you should see one wire that probably goes to the left since that is probably where the battery is. Or go to autozone and pick up one of the books they ususally have right in front of their registers. I forget the name of the books, but you'll see them. You can get almost any year/make/model you need and it goes step by step on checking, locating, and replacing any parts.

Great - thanks Hossim4692!

[krewl1]

The clicking you hear means there is not enough juice to start your car. First I would check to make sure your battery terminals are not loose or have corrosion all over it. Then double check to make sure your battery is good. If they are both good then check the solenoid/starter.

[glenncof]

I had intermittent starter problems (1997 Tahoe 6.5l) which required new relay in the fuse box under hood. I believe it was $16 at NAPA.

The Chiltons Manual (& I believe the GM 1997 shop manual) DOES NOT SHOW the RELAY in the circuit.

Also note for this engine there are two types of starters; direct drive and gear-reduction. I don't know if the are interchagable.

[AustinAir]

Originally Posted by glenncof

I had intermittent starter problems (1997 Tahoe 6.5l) which required new relay in the fuse box under hood. I believe it was $16 at NAPA.

The Chiltons Manual (& I believe the GM 1997 shop manual) DOES NOT SHOW the RELAY in the circuit.

Also note for this engine there are two types of starters; direct drive and gear-reduction. I don't know if the are interchagable.

Thanks for all the insight. Strange thing though, I went to try and start it about 4 hours later and it cranked right up. Makes me think I got something wet and it had time to dry out. So the 'starting up' is a good thing, but now I'm worried everytime I take it out that it will not start up again. Any ideas??

Thanks!
- jason

[glenncof]

My wife drives the car and complained about not starting. I go out and it starts right up for me on several occasions.

Finally it happens to me while starting.

I come from New England and have rebuilt a starter or two. So I know something about starter wearout in cold weather. Now I'm in California and the Tahoe always started with a flick (except with the known fuel injector problem).

It sounded like the solinoid was shot, not pulling the starter gear enough to engage with flywheel. (Weak battery can have same effect at times.)

I JUST could not believe the starter/solinoid were bad. The manuals did not show relay. I pulled the starter thinking loose wire and tested with voltmeter.

I SUGGEST replacing the relay anyhow as I had similiar failure with horn relay. Not worth saving $16 at Kragen.

Starter relay failed intermittently at 104K miles. Horn relay at 95,000.