Last winter my truck had to be jumped a lot to get it started over the winter. If it sat outside more than a couple days I had to jump it. Fast forward to a few weeks ago and I was getting a click when I tried to start that would happen 3 or 4 times- then it would turnover and start. It always seems to crank a little slow - so I just figured the batteries were getting wore out. I replaced the starter contacts with the bigger ones and the new plunger - then today I went to Interstate battery to get new batteries because it seems to be turning over slower and slower - even after driving it. They load tested my batteries and said one was going bad - the other was still good. I replaced both batteries with the correct ones - and turned the key to find the truck turned over just a slow and barely started! I cleaned all the connections, terminals, etc and drove it around - same thing. Sometimes it starts normal - sometimes it barely turns. What the heck is going on?

It is nearly 70 degrees out now so I know it has nothing to do with cold weather yet?

HELP!

 

I would check the cables themselves. Make sure you are getting good connections on the batteries and the starter.
Then if that isn't the case I would check the cables to make sure there is no corrosion on the inside of the cable. That could be a pain to check, but look for splits in the coating, or any other sign of corrosion. My brothers truck did that and he ended up replacing the cable from the batteries to the starter, problem solved.
Good Luck
Cory

 

Replace the relay??

 

Update - I just went out to check a few things and the starter wouldn't even do anything? I swapped relays - they both clicked so they were fine. I knocked the starter while somewas was cranking on it - and it turned over very slowly. I also notice a little smoke coming from the hole where the braided cable goes into the starter motor - and that cable no longer has any rubber insulation because that cracked off when I did the contacts. I am thinking this thing is all jacked up and I have been shopping for a new one. Boy - they are really proud of these things aren't they? Anyone know where I can get a good deal on one here in MPLS?

 

Starter field kinda sounds like the culprit. Ran a few of the older GM direct drives for a while, and if they did the same thing yours is doing, the field went bad=a new starter.

 

I agree, it sounds like its time for an entire starter. I would recommend getting a new stock one instead of an aftermarket one. You can get them from foster truck.

 

I ended up buying a reman from Napa with a lifetime warranty for just under $150 after they price matched another local retailer. (this saved me almost $80) Anyway - after a little fiddling with wires and fuses the truck starts awesome - better than any time since I have owned it. It is amazing what brand new batteries and a properly working starter will do.

 

HAHA, glad to hear you are up and running with no problems.
Cory