1996 Blazer starting problem

[[email protected]]

Thanks for your help on the starting problem. It ended up being the battery. I put a new one in and its been fine since.

New problem, 1996 Blazer 4X4. The heater stopped blowing air. I checked the fuses but they are ok. When I turn on the heater switch nothing happens. Any suggestions?

Thanks again
Wayne

[Rick Norwood]

It could possibly be the solenoid on the starter. Occasionally they will stick. I never had one click. Clicking is almost always a bad battery, how did you check the battery?

[[email protected]]

Thanks Rick.

Re the battery, I made sure the connections were ok. I have a battery guage inside which shows the battery fully charged. When I try to start it
all the dash lights come on so it does not appear to be the batter, but I do not know much about cars. After trying to start it for 4 hours yesterday, and just after posting on here, I went out and it started right away without clicking. I appreciate your help;
Regards,
Wayne

[Rick Norwood]

The Starter requires more power from the battery than just about everything else on the vehicle combined. Yes, the head lights, dash lights, radio, horn, and even the cigarette lighter will work but the battery will still click when the starter is engaged if the battery is bad.

Go to your local AutoZone or favorite parts store and have the battery tested. Most places can do it without removing it from the truck, and most will check it for free. The dash gage is not a good check, take it someplace and have it checked. Then you will know for sure.

[[email protected]]

I know, I know you will think I am nuts still dealing with this problem since February but it went from June to October 10 with no problem starting at all. Now it is doing it again. Today I sat there for an hour click, click, click and a kind gentleman offered me a boost and I told him it is the starter and he said he has seen this before so I said what the heck and so he boosted me and it started right away. So am I to assume that I have a weak battery? Help please;

Thanks
Wayne

[viggy58]

sounds like a dead cell in the battery. get it tested at autozone. it's free.

[Rick Norwood]

Bad battery period. Take it to Autozone Zone and have it checked before it really leaves you stranded.

[old_master]

When the weather gets colder, the starter requires more amperage to crank the engine. It may or may not be a borderline battery and replacing it might appear to take care of the problem... until it gets really cold. High resistance at a battery cable connection starves the starter of the needed amperage. Might be why the "boost" helped. Here's something you should check before replacing the battery:

http://www.aa1car.com/library/voltage_drop_testing.htm