Truck won't start

[sweichelt]

I have a Chevy S10, 4 wheel drive and when I was about to leave for work, I had the worst luck with my truck not starting. Anyways, I am having a hard time figuring out what is wrong with it. When I try starting it, it makes a fast loud clicking noise that can be heard both inside and outside the truck. Lights will still come on, but it won't start. So I decided to come inside, when I locked the doors (with the remote) I noticed that the beap was a lot softer and sounded like it was losing power. It drove fine when I did my drop off at school this morning. Would someone be able to help me. We are in Oklahoma for 6 months, normally from Wisconsin, so I am afraid if I take it down here somewhere, they might rip me off. So I was hoping to figure out what it was and call around to get an estimate. Please help!

[MT-2500]

You have a weak battery or dirty battery cables.
How old is the battery?
Cables loose or dirty?
Check and make sure they are tight and not dirty.
Right now to get it started you will need a jump start or have someone put a battery charger on it or remove the battery and get it charged up.

Some parts places will do a free battery and charging system check.
Have the alt and charging system and battery charged and tested.
Tips on finding a good repair shop.
Check around Ask around
Word of mouth.
Family friends coworkers neighbors business people and delivery people.
Mailmen and parcel delivery people get around and notice a lot of stuff.
Even a good parts house knows what shops are good and not good.
Chamber of commerce and better business bureau and city hall.
If you find a good referral to a repair shop go look them over and talk to them.
Look for a clean looking busy place with nice people running it.
Ask a few questions and ask about their qualifications and training.
Not all places have trained tech/mechanics.
If they do not find a place that does.
Even all dealers do not have all trained techs/mechanics.

MT

[Sparky1349]

Originally Posted by sweichelt

I have a Chevy S10, 4 wheel drive and when I was about to leave for work, I had the worst luck with my truck not starting. Anyways, I am having a hard time figuring out what is wrong with it. When I try starting it, it makes a fast loud clicking noise that can be heard both inside and outside the truck. Lights will still come on, but it won't start. So I decided to come inside, when I locked the doors (with the remote) I noticed that the beap was a lot softer and sounded like it was losing power. It drove fine when I did my drop off at school this morning. Would someone be able to help me. We are in Oklahoma for 6 months, normally from Wisconsin, so I am afraid if I take it down here somewhere, they might rip me off. So I was hoping to figure out what it was and call around to get an estimate. Please help!

Hey, Sounds a lot like the battery is low. Did it start ok the first time you started it in the morning? Did it crank slow? If you can get your hand on a voltmeter how is the battery voltage? >12.8Volts? If less than 10Volts could definately explain the no start and weak horn chirp. Did you try to jump start? If yes and it still wouldn't start and relay chattered then you need to look at the battery cables from battery to starter and ground cable from engine block to battery.

Next question is if battery is low is it because the battery is bad or because the charging system is not working. If you get it started is the charging voltage higher than the engine off battery voltage? If yes alternator is probably ok - battery is probably shot. If you can get it running most autoparts chains will diagnose your starting/charging system free (i.e. autozone, murry's, track auto, etc....). If battery is more than 4 -5 years around WI (I'm in Chicago) they can die rather suddenly, especially if it is maintenance free and has been deep discharged in the past (below 7-8 volts, maintenance free batteries hate that!)

Good luck,

Sparky