99 Won't start / Just Clicks

[technoweener]

Hi all,

I have a 99 GMC Suburban with 113K mi. Drove home from work last night, parked it in the garage like I always do. Jumped in the morning and ....... click was all I got when I tried to start it. Everything appeared normal (no codes or extra dash lights).

I have replaced the starter (old one was turning hard but would turn).
I have checked the battery - test OK
I have tried jumping it - still just clicks
I have checked all engine and ignition related fuses on the internal and under the hood panels - all OK

Would an ignition relay failure cause this? I am scratching my head...

Thanks,
Tim

[gremlin96]

check your trany fluid, oil, water. once there ok try starting the truck. if it still will not start then start tracing wires for the fuseable link.

is the click coming from the starter or a relay on the firewall.

[technoweener]

After researching others posts I learned that this problem is pretty common. The quickest fix I found was to clean all contact points between the battery, starter, engine ground, fuse panel, etc..

Just spent the last couple of hours doing that and it fixed my problem. My thanks to all those who have endured the "Suburban won't start and now just clicks" problem. I have gained from your suffering ;>)
Tim

[44soccer]

Your problems is most likely corrosion of the battery terminals. If your battery is connected with "rear mount" battery cables you must disconnect the battery. Using a battery terminal brush clean the terminals on the cables extremely well. You will probably find small deposits of "green" corrossion on the terminals, when you are done they should be nice, clean copper terminals. You also want to clean the area on the battery itself where the terminals connect. (note: when cleaning the terminals, these are usually a two-part terminal and you must separate them and clean between the two terminals and then put the terminal "boot" back on and reconnect the battery terminals to the battery).

MAke sure that you tighten them well as loosening can occur and you will have the same problem again. I would recommend that you by Loctite 242, blue, medium threadlocker, and apply this to the threads of the screw on the terminal going into the battery. It will prevent the terminal screws from backing out. If you don't want to spend the money and have some super glue, you can use this as well. Super glue can be considered a "vibration resistant" material for the threads all though longevity is not high. DO NOT USE LOCTITE 271, RED THREADLOCKER as this is a more permanent threadlocker and requires heat or special tools to remove.