2000 ZR2 for informational purposes.

Went to start it about a week ago and just got a steady "click-click-click" from the soleniod. Figured it was the starter/soleniod as this was the stock starter and was happy it lasted this long.

Bought a new one, install went very easy and quick. When to give it a try and same thing. So, to the manual I go.

In the trouble shooting portion, when the key is turned to the "start" position and there is clicking from the starter, there are only three possible causes:

1. Bad positive cable
2. Bad negative cable
3. Weak/bad battery

I tested the battery and everything is good. So my next step is to replace both battery cables as they too are stock, 11 1/2 years old with over 200,000 miles. So what should normally be a very easy, quick job on most vehicles turns into about 4 hours of cussing, swearing, cuts, bruises but finally get it done.

Go to start. Same damn clicking.

Next step is about 4 lbs of C4.

And the battery is good!

Any help to something simple I'm overlooking? My next ride is going to be a horse! Much better offroad and cheaper on fuel.

 

well you have replaced everything but the battery so you might as well replace it.

by the way how are you testing the battery? with a load tester?

 

try hooking it up as if your gonna jump it...one way to rule out battery that is easy and quick.

 

I have tested the battery with a load tester and my charger and have tried running jumper cables to no avail. I hate to concede but it will go to the shop on Monday if I can't figure this one out.

 

have you checked all your main fuses under the hood? have you check the big fuse/wiring under the battery tray for corrosion? did you replace the cables with gm parts or knock offs? clean up all the + & - cable connections and do voltage drops as you go. by the sounds of it something isnt getting full 12v and now that i really start thinking about it you might want to check the ign switch for 12v in and 12v out.

 

Well, I feel pretty damn stoopid!

I tested the battery at the top posts and also ran the jumper cables to the top posts. My battery cables are side posts.

Yep, bad side post on the negative side. New battery and everything is good. Learned a lesson to not just test the easiest access points on the battery!

Edit: And, yes, I know stoopid is spelled stupid. That's just how damn stoopid I felt when I figured things out!

 

glad to hear that you got it sorted out