Hey guys, for a few months now I have been having an issue with my 22re powered 85 truck starting, or not starting. Randomly when i turn the key in the ignition, I get not attempt from the truck to start. The lights on the dash and the radio come on but no sound from the starter. I have unplugged the starter wire and now have to Mcguyver start it with a direct lead from the starter to the battery, but that is dangerous and a pain in the butt. I have noticed a few times when the starter is disconnected and i turn the ignition, I hear a click sound from the area of the ECU, but other times I hear nothing. It sounds like a relay switching on or something. My question is, what might be causing this? I am thinking it might be the ignition switch at this point since i already replaced the starter and it obviously starts when direct wired, but I am curious what the clicking sound i hear is. Is the ignition regulated by the ecu?

 

See below for an easy diagnostic test:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest

And some possible fixes:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...l#OtherOptions

 

Brodon,

4Crawler, above, is one of the ultimate Guru's/Problem solvers, who even has the site you can see he's linked above for "Cheap Tricks" and "Testing" procedures.... Go through his list, first!

I just thought I'd add, .....the clicking you hear near the glove is most likely the C.O.R.(Circuit Open Relay).... It completes the circuit and opens voltage to the Fuel Pump when the ignition is turned over. The starter has a relay as well, .....not sure on an 85 if it's only under the hood, like with my 87, (passenger side firewall, right next to the Injector Resistor- a finned, amplifier looking thing)... But, I would guess, since Roger has an 85 himself, he would know. Pretty sure the starter relay in yours is there as well. I've never, in rigs with even 350K miles, had a starter relay go out. However, I have had 2 ignition switches go bad.

Again, read through his instructional tech write ups and you'll find the problem, no doubt.

 

No starter relay on my '85 for sure (at least from the factory, I added a HotShot relay many years ago). I don't think that relay appeared until '86 or so with the clutch cancel switch (which my '85 also lacks).

 

SEE? I knew your additional input was needed on this one! hahaha.

Cool.... So, then it sounds more like switch related issues... but we'll see, right? lol.

 

Thanks for the info and quick responses guys. That troubleshooting looks like it will help a lot. Hopefully I can dig into it this weekend and figure it out.