Help Needed Starter solenoid just clicks when cold, no start

[JLDickmon]

or a combination of problems.. it happens.
especially with weak batteries..
when the voltage drops, the amp draw raises..
creates more heat..
damages stuff..
if you jumped the solenoid and it cranked, it's not the solenoid.

I can use the screw driver to by pass that starter mounted solenoid and the Engine will crank over, this is after the glow plugs have cycled and the engine will start up.

you need to get out the test light and check the small purple wire for power when the key is held in the crank position..
then you might need a wiring diagram.. IIRC, there's a crank enable fuse in the dash.. could be blown..
might have a bad transmission range (neutral safety) switch.. put your foot on the brake and put it in neutral and see if it cranks...

 

[jopes]

well I tested a few things this morning, and either the new starter mounted solenoid was junk out of the box, I dunno.

put the new starter on it. it fired right up with the key. and we dropped to -24°F last night.

my Truck runs again!

 

[DaveBen]

Solenoids do come bad out of the box. I wish I knew why...

Dave

 

[JLDickmon]

Solenoids do come bad out of the box. I wish I knew why...

Dave

because they're made in China...