This issue has been haunting me forever...when i try to start my truck(1995 gmc jimmy) all i get it a single click..

Replaced the starter, same deal. Replaced the battery, battery ends, removed and cleaned all grounds.

I tried to shim it out because i had slid underneath it and had a buddy crank it to verify what was happening...It appears the gear is hitting the flexplate but not meshing to grab..So i though shimming it would help..tried multiple different shims/combos with no luck.

Would it be a voltage issue since the gear is extending out...could it not be coming out with enough force due to resistance.

The ignition switch has been replaced and the flex plate was replaced years ago...the only think not new is the positive and negative cables...they look good though.

Any thoughts?

thanks

 

did you wire up the starter and let it set on the ground and make sure it is operating?
have to hold it down and have someone help you crank it. a couple of seconds will tell you if its working. i recently had a similar issue when i reassembled my mustang...the start was not grounded properly...would click but not crank. i tested it wired and it worked then i tried each connection separately only to find the ground was weak.

 

If you have a digital multi meter you can do a voltage drop check of the wires, anything over .5 volts and there is excessive resistance. Excessive resistance will not allow the starter to receive current to start the engine. There is a spring that will force the drive pinion to mesh in with the flywheel after the starter is engaged if it doesn't line up right away.

 

I will see if i have a voltage drop this weekend...Thanks..i am out of ideas of my own!