Hi everyone, I've been reading some posts here but I'm still not sure what my problem is. I have a '96 blazer 4 door, it usually runs great but three times this week when I turn the key to start it two things happen:
1) all the gauge lights flicker on and off and I can hear a loud clicking noise but the engine won't turn over
2) everything just goes dead like the battery was unplugged, then about 5 seconds later the power comes back

When this happens I have disconnected the battery, waited 5-10 minutes then hook it back up and the truck starts. But now that isn't working either and all that happens is the gauge lights flicker and the loud clicking sound. The clicking sound seems to be coming from something on the intake but I can't tell exactly what.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

It sounds as though your starter is going bad and is binding up. This is usually caused by either a bad solenoid or worn brushes in the starter.

If the starter does not spin when power is applied to it, it essentially causes a massive short to the entire electrical system and exactly the symptoms that you described.

I know that somewhere on here there is a good guide to starter replacement on these trucks. On some years getting them out of the very tight space once they are disconnected can be a chore.

 

Thanks for the reply, I pulled the starter, luckly it came out rather easy. Unfortuantely the auto stores are closed, so I will get a new one tomorrow and let you know how it goes.

 

Well I picked up another starter, got home, put it in, turned the key and click click, the same problem So I checked the power going to the starter and that was good but when the key was turned it droped to about 4 volts so I checked the battery ground and sure enough after I cleaned up the battery ground wire to the frame, it started right up Well at least I shouldn't have to worry about my starter going out