2001 Jimmy
4 Door
4.3 l
150,000 KM
4WD


So went to start my Jimmy the other day. Battery seems dead won't do anything sat in the freezing -20 cold for a few days. So I hook the charger to it for a day. Still nothing and volt meter inside is reading only 10. Now I notice that all lights work and radio. So I do a load test on he battery seems fine.

Next pull starter. Get the starter out and test that seems fine. So I figure maybe the Leads going to the starter. I get some alligator clips and extend the wires as I can't reach them very easily. I test the main power and get 12 + volts. I test the starter wire and get my son to turn the key and I get 12 volts. I decide to hook the starter up to the Leads while it is off the truck and again turn the key and the starter turns. WTF.

So now I am left wondering why didn't the truck start? Should I put the starter back in and see what happens? If it doesn't start I'm back at square 1 and if it starts I still don't kn ow what is wrong which could be dangerous if I am out in the bush and the same thing occurs.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Could the starter fail when it is on the engine and under an extreme load? How would I test this?

 

I guess nobody has ever had a truck that would not start.

 

I've had a similar issue with mine. My battery cable ends would get so corroded that it even fails a battery test. Good place to start. Also it could be the ignition switch. Just a few places to start.

 

I suggest cleaning the battery cables and starter cables. Even though you show good voltage, does not mean you have good current. I am going to assume the engine is not frozen, and I would re-install starter and give it go. If it works fine give it a few days before going out very far into bush. Could have just been a dirty connection or it could be the starter is failing. Sometimes a light tap onto the starter will get it working, which tells you to replace starter.

Good luck and stay warm.

 

Don't forget to check out the engine ground wire.