Ok, here's my problem:

Starting a few weeks ago, now and then when I try to start the truck, nothing happens. Electric clicks on, but engine doesn't start or even try.

Replaced the solenoid to see if that was bad, that's not it. I can jump the solenoid with a screw driver and that starts the truck up when this happens. It doesn't happen every time, maybe 1 in 5 starts will require me to jump the solenoid.

That seems to have migrated now, the engine will try to turn over, but doesn't. Can still jump the solenoid to get it to start.

There's also a lot of that white build-up substance around the battery connectors.

Any ideas on what the hell is going on?

 

Test the battery, starter, and alternator

 

Even try switching the ignition switch, located on the bottom of the steering column..

 

Battery is good.

Just to play it safe, ordered an alternator and starter (cheap on ebay) and waiting on those to come in.

New development, radio comes on but won't play. Fuse maybe? I checked the 1 and 8 under the dash and they don't look blown, but the 1 was a bit tarnished on the contacts. Didn't check the fuse under the hood.

 

Check BAT+ connection at starter. They are know to corrode there.

 

Cool. I'll check that asap.

Just checked all the fuses. I had 2 under the hood blown (1 and 2) and 1 under the dash blown 1 (I think), in the daylight, was blown.

How the hell did I blow 3 fuses? I'm surprised I was still moving

Replacing the fuses got the radio back up and running. I'll see if it is still forgetting station presets.

 

Invest in a wire brush to clean up the corosion on the battery connections.

 

That's what I was going to say. Cleaning the terminals, and the wires makes a huge difference.

 

Ok, just got my truck back from the shop.

Almost $500 later, the starter had an unusual high draw, a cop had gone, and it was time for the spark plugs to get changed anyway. So I had them give it a tuneup (plugs and the dead COP), swap out the starter with a spare I picked up on ebay, and track down why my radio died.

Well that died but came back to life the minute I started it up.

Also turns out the Neutral Safety switch is dying. Now I need to get under the truck to see which pan I have to replace the switch.