Hey there,

Still trying to troubleshoot my starting problem on my 2003. Works one start, the next is doesn't? I have done all the fuel related things talked about on this site, except injectors and nothing has made it worse or better. Dealer told me my injectors are fine while getting tested a while back. I drove my truck from Vancouver to whistler today and it was flying, lots of power blowing up the hills. Funny thing is it started aweful! I am convinced this injectors thing is a hoax, my truck would not have preformed the way it did today if the fuel delievery was bad. Lately is starts for about a second then dies, seems fuel related but I just can't figure out where if it is.

I am curious about the starter motor relay, just wondering if any one knows where it may be under the hood. Looks to be part of the intergrated power module? I am wondering if its latching sometimes for the required amount of time and not other times. Once I discover where it is, my plan is to try and find another one the same number and swap them to troubleshoot. I am also curious about the signal coming from the generator to the powertrain control module? The ground provided for the starter motor relay is in the Powertrain Control module, wish I knew how this box works. Also suspecting the ignition switch, maybe a short someplace?

I am onto the ignition because I have discovered if I push the key into the ignition while turning it over there is sometimes a different result then if i pull the key outwards while turning.

I am lost, like mostly everyone. I just pray it will start good and sometimes it does, other times it needs a second crank.

 

they are on the driver side of the engine compartment behind the battery. the relays are all the same number, i think there are 4 of them together. i can't remember which one is which but it's one of them.

 

Another thing to check is the trigger wire that goes to the starter solenoid. It can ground out on the engine mount bracket. Can't miss it, color is yellow.

 

If you look in the driver side wheel well over the top of the tire, back by the engine, you can see the yellow wire crossing the bracket. I put some foam pipe insulation between it and the bracket. This is on an 06'. Not sure if it's the same on other years.

 

If you are trying to rule out the starter relay, just disconnect the trigger wire (there is a connector along there somewhere with a spade terminal in it). Run your own 14 gauge wire either thru a heavy duty switch or just short it to the battery. I started my engine on the stand this way many times with no issues. The key will have to be ON obviously for it to start.