click no start

[04SR54me]

When I turn the key in my 04 v/6, it just clicks, but it won't start. I checked the battery, which reads 12.1v. All accessories work, but it won't start. What is the problem. Thx.

 

[AuSeeker]

When I turn the key in my 04 v/6, it just clicks, but it won't start. I checked the battery, which reads 12.1v. All accessories work, but it won't start. What is the problem. Thx.

A good fully charged battery should have a little more than 12.1 volts, but it could be the solenoid on the starter.

 

[ArthurKotb]

I think it's the battery but it could be that the battery isn't charging because the alternator is bad. I would jump start it and that will tell you if it's a bad starter or weak battery. Check the voltage when the engine is running.

 

[Buckaroo]

When I turn the key in my 04 v/6, it just clicks, but it won't start. I checked the battery, which reads 12.1v. All accessories work, but it won't start. What is the problem. Thx.

A flooded lead acid battery (the normal kind) is fully charged at 12.6V. A 12.1V reading indicates a 50% charged battery. If you check voltage at the battery with the truck running, I would expect it to be 13.5V+. There is a spec range but don't have it handy at the moment.

 

[04SR54me]

click update

I appreciate the advice to check the battery voltage with the car running, but the car would not start.
I tried bypassing the starter relay with no luck, even with jump pack.
I put a jump pack on again and shifted between park and neutral. The darn thing started. I did a lot of shifting between park and reverse to work on the back up camera...that might have caused an issue with the park/neutral switch. However, after test driving it and doing cold starts with it in Park and Neutral, it started every time. So, I'm taking the win. Thanks.

 

[ArthurKotb]

That switch is often overlooked as the source of the problem. I was thrown off when you said that when you turned the key you heard a click. 9/10 that means a starter problem or low battery.

Glad to hear you found the problem. I'll have to remember to tell people about checking the switch.