My 1983 GMC won't start. When I turn the key it just clicks one time, starter tested ok, is it electrical?

Question

Its a 1983 GMC pickup with a 350. It clicks one time when I turn the key. It was starting occassionally for a while now just clicking. The starter tested out ok, lights/radio work, cleaned battery terminals, replaced old battery ground, tightened connections at starter and now I'm not sure what to check?

Answer 1

All what you say sound good to check out as you did. But still back to battery first things first is or isn't the battery ok?

And don't be putting water in what is allready a weak battery

Do that only when the battery is charged up full and then charge again

Even if you can jump it with another car .... the battery might need charging or replacement ....... and then that might not be the main problem
ie a minor problem in an alternator may not be charging the the battery 100%
If you can, get your GMC to Autozone, they will test you charging system on your truck for free GOOD LUCK

Answer 2

Take the battery & clean up posts, then slow charge over night. Have it load tested for free at most auto parts stores. Before you go too far after charging feel the sides of the battery, if it is "hot" to the touch it has an internal short and needs replaced. A charged battery will feel warm, but shorted it will feel hot and the load test will verify that.

If the battery load tests OK, the starter has a solenoid mounted on it that could have rust or dust interfering with the plunger engaging the starter. Next time tap on the starter lightly and see if it then starts. If yes replace it.

Answer 3

considering you THOROUGHLY cleaned the cables, and everything has proper connection, go ahead and jump it off of another vehicle, or use a portable battery charger, any other source of current. Sometimes, as the battery nears dead, it will still have enough juice for the radio etc, but cannot kick the engine. If it's clicking though, and it's testing ok, that means that it is not getting enough power to move the starter.

Answer 4

I had this same thing, ended up being corrosion under one of the battery posts. All of my electrical would work just fine, when the guys at the shop went to remove the connectors, the post fell off. And from your description, battery is the only thing you haven't replaced.

Answer 5

Did you check your battery out if its bad replace it secondly it may be your positive battery cable going down to your starter (to much corrosion).

Once your battery is OK have your Alternator checked it my have one of the Diodes out so it cant replace the batteries charge.

Answer 6

Yes it is electrical. Probably battery or coil or wiring or spark plugs. Lights and radio don't draw as much juice as a starter motor. Have battery checked.

Answer 7

there,s a ignition switch that mounts down on the steering column and it sounds like it has gone bad ,,or slipped loose on it,i own a repair shop,,and have a old truck that we use,,and it has done that a few times,,its easy to repair,,you need to re-adjust the switch,,and re tighten the two screws that hold it on..it just is not going all the sown to start,,if you adjust it,,and it don't work ,,you may have to replace it,,i finally did on the old truck,,and its working good now,,i hope this help,s.

Answer 8

check your positive battery cable, if it is swelled by the battery end there is corrosion underneath the sheathing. i bet this is a good place to start

Answer 9

It sounds like an electrical prob. You might need to take it in for a diaognastic check to locate the short.

Answer 10

battery mite be out of water ,take the caps off an check the cells to make sure there full