Ok so about a week ago my truck wouldn't start, i could hear the starter gear clicking but not turning over. I took off the starter and found the bolt that goes to the starter solenoid was rusty and not making a solid connection. So I went ahead and bought a new starter(which I'm thinking was probably not necessary). Now after replacing the starter it still will take about 2-3 times before it will start. I'm thinking the connections might need to be cleaned up possibly? At any rate I just thought I'd post and see what everyone here had to say? thanks.


Also i just checked the clutch safety/engagement switch and it tested out out but what I'm wondering is how do I bypass this so that i don't have to push the clutch in to start the vehicle? Can I just connect both wires that run to the clutch switch?

I'm assuming you're still having the clicking before it will start, not that it cranks and cranks before starting.

cleaning the connections is a good first move; the starter might not be getting good contact from them. You should also check your grounds while you're at it, just in case they've gotten corroded and aren't contacting.

Another possibility, although it seems silly, is that it's time for a new battery. If your starter is cranking slowly when it does engage, or if it takes a couple tries before the truck starts, your battery could be getting low on charge. This wouldn't have anything to do with the starter itself, just a separate issue. Take your truck to the local autozone and have them test your battery; they usually do it for free.


As for your clutch switch, connecting the wires should render the unnecessary. You'll just have to be careful about starting it in crowded parking lots from now on. Also, starting it in gear is hard on your starter and will shorten it's life, so most of the time you'll still want to push the clutch in anyway.

yeah it doesnt crank it just makes a click noise the first time. It really seems like the connections are just corroded somewhere down the line. How do I tell if I have a starter relay?

starter relay will be on the passenger side fender in the eng. compartment. I would chance to say its your connections. if the cable is rusted replace it. clean the connection on the batt. as well.

I just had this same problem today, first time in 13 years.

Turned out to be a bad starter relay. $15 part.

those relays used to go all the time, I carry an extra in the glove compartment, it bailed me out once too...