So today I got up for work, went outside and got in my truck. She usually starts on the fly with one, maybe 2 seconds of cranking. Today the first crank was really slow then the rest seemed normal speed and she started right up. Got off work, and same situation. Went to get gas after work, same situation. I arrived home and told my dad about it and he wanted me to show him so i went out, turned the key, got one solid and slow crank, and it just stopped. Didn't even start and next time I turned the key I got a "click". So okay, dead battery. Went and purchased a Brand new battery with same rating as one I had before. Placed it in place of old one, made sure connections were correct and tight. Turned the key, and click. Wow. Now I'm getting frustrated. With this click also came 3 dash lights. The battery light, CEL light, and the fluid light. What do I do now? Replace starter? Alternator? Or am I missing something?

 

Buy a better battery...at least one that's charged.

 

I should also add that we tried to jump it with no luck. And trust me bud, I didn't cheap out on a **** battery.

 

Yea jumping it don't always work, - if you leave the bad battery connected. They will suck volts as well. Just check it with a meter.

 

Just about has to be the starter.

 

Yea, but he posted the starter has been slowing down. Iduno, should totally disconnect the battery that doesn't work before jumping it tho, - if it has a bad cell (bad cells are common with new and old bats), it won't jump if connected. I mean haven't you every attempted to jump start a vehicle in the past and it won't take a jump ? That's why, the junk battery is robbing volts from the jumper.

These starters don't really just slow down and stop, - not that I'm aware of anyway.

There's also a good chance of cable rot given the description as well. A factory type cable can corrode from the center (core) outward and not be visible. Happens under the insulation and out of sight.

Well hell, now I have to know what you find Jabraun98 lol... and it's a 98. If those cables are factory..... The large pos cable on my 98 rotted bad under insulation...right at the loop down by the starter. The smaller red relay wire has been know to cause issues.

Also those MEGA fuses can play games with yuh. You really have to go over with a meter if you have one.

I don't think it's the starter, but hey, I've been wrong before. Sounds like power isn't getting to the starter IMO. Yea let us know.

 

You could bang on the starter a bit while someone attempts to turn on the truck. Jbrew doesn't think it is and I'm with him, but it's a quick and easy process to eliminate or prove that factor.

 

Quick update: I have now tried to jump the vehicle with both the old and new battery. Both failed to even turn over the vehicle. Maybe I'll try to replace the starter tomorrow after work. If that fails then... I'll go from there I guess.
Jabraun

 

The easiest way to see if it is the battery is bad is to turn in the headlights and see if they go off when you crank it. But yeah, PerryB is right. That's your typical starter going bad symptoms right there.

 

Just replaced the starter. Turn the key, and...... Bingo! She fires right up! That starter was a total PITA. Really tricky job for me. But after 2 hours I got it done