Starter Issues - Need Help ASAP!

[04 Rocko Taco]

Okay guys, I was returning from my vacay in South Carolina last nite/ this morning. Been driving for roughly 4 hours with two restroom stops, no issues.
Then i stopped about 1:30am at a BP about 40 miles south of ATL, filled up the Taco, and went to crank it up, it turned over MAYBE half a revolution, tough to tell, then the starter just clicks. Not like dead battery clicking, but LOUD fast clicking.
Knowing I have heard of this type of issue being solved with the proper application of sudden force (Read: Hit it with a BFH) - I tried it out with my 4 cell mag, which is tough to swing in the engine bay, but alsa, and unsurprisingly, no dice, still clicking.
Thinking perhaps the Bendix or some other oddly named part was stuck in the starter somewhere, I decided to try to jolt the tranny and flywheel/starter.
I get Cort in the driver seat, put it in neutral, and puch her off a little bit, get it going 3-4 miles per hour, and have Cort snatch it into Drive. My thoughts were the truck would lurch to a stop, and jolt the stuck starter...as it turns out, the truck does not stop (any ideas on this?? I thought it should have) but continues to roll as normal, she hits the brakes (having also expected the truck to stop) and I had her put it in park, and try to start it, sluggish, but it started. I drove it another hour home, backed it into the driveway, and turned it off, tried to start it, it started 18 times in a row. a little sluggish each time, and a little time to start each time, but it did start, I didnt risk driving it to the office today though, I drove her truck, but I would really like to get on this ASAP, so any ideas? suggestions?

Starter Contacts?
Bad Starter?


Also any ideas on why the truck didnt stop when pulled into drive? Or am I just wrong in thinking it should have?

Thanks guys!!

-Chris

[mastacox]

You can't roll-start an auto tranny; there's mistake number 1...

As for the problem, I would check battery voltage and charging first before anything else. It sounds like it might be not getting enough charge from the alternator, or not holding enough juice. Also inspect/clean the electrical connections on the battery and starter.

[Cebby]

Starter Contacts?
Bad Starter?


Also any ideas on why the truck didnt stop when pulled into drive? Or am I just wrong in thinking it should have?

Thanks guys!!

-Chris

Bad starter or contacts would = no clicking IMO, it would be a case of turn the key for silence. How old is your battery? Even if it shows 12v, it might not have the CCA available anymore to turn the starter.

As far as the truck stopping in Drive - shouldn't happen. It will roll in any gear. Park makes it stop suddenly . You were on the right track though, if the starter was stuck, rolling the truck in Drive would move the flexplate to free it.

[humanoid]

When was the last time you changed the battery?

[04 Rocko Taco]

You can't roll-start an auto tranny; there's mistake number 1...

Wasn't attempting to roll start, just to jar the stuck starter.

[04 Rocko Taco]

You were on the right track though, if the starter was stuck, rolling the truck in Drive would move the flexplate to free it.

Ah, Thanks!!

[MTL_4runner]

Yeah, you can't roll start with an auto so that's out.

Often you can reach down and turn the main crank pulley by hand just slightly and that should be enough to free a stuck starter but I doubt that's the issue if you hear it clicking. Can you jump the truck and get it started? Check the charging voltage with the engine running after (you should see at least 14+ volts with all ascessories off....if not, there's an issue). My bet is either your battery or alternator is toast (my money would be on the alt from the symptoms you gave) Make sure to check both though because I've seen a case where a bad battery also toasted the alternator so sometimes the two can be related.

[04 Rocko Taco]

Thanks, I'll charge up the batt for now, and clean all connectors and check cabling, and then have the shop check out the batt and alt, appreciate it!!

[callmej75]

Yeh it sounds like your momentary stop let the battery pick up a little to turn it over. Whereas the alternator wasn't charging while you were running and the accessories was draining the battery. My bets are alternator. A fast clicking usually lets you know you don't have enough charge in the battery to turn the starter over. Take it to the auto parts store and have them check the alternator for charging. Thats free...

[Robinhood4x4]

Sounds like contacts to me, clicking and all. But also check the battery cable connections at the battery and also all the other connections for the charge system.

Contacts are cheap and easy to fix.