Weird starter question. Have to hold starter button.

[TexAndy]

The last deuce I bought (fort sill) had dead batteries, so mkcoen and I swapped them out at Fort Sill and drove all the way back (500 miles!)

Every time I start the truck, I flip the switch get a low-pitched air buzzer noise (not the normal noise, but a noise that sounds like the batteries are half dead), the voltmeter reads really low, and when I press the starter button *nothing* happens.

I have to hold the button for a good 4 or 5 seconds for the starter motor to activate. But when it does, it doesn't turn as if the batteries are low or anything (they aren't, I tested them). It fires the engine right up, no problem.

It fires right up every time I want it to, so I'm not too worried about it. Mostly just curious. What would cause:

A. Weak/low-pitched air buzzer
B. Low voltmeter reading
C. Starter that takes holding the button down 4 or 5 seconds to start
that
D. Isn't related to weak batteries

 

[gimpyrobb]

Bad grounds. Double check your wires.

 

[Josh]

I had the same problem with my truck, expect it turned out my front battery was bad. It would read 11.4 volts when tested with a meter, but when I put a mechanical load tester on it, it would drop to 4volts and 200amps, where the other one was 10 volts and 800amps. Only differance between my issues and yours, is my starter took about 3-5 seconds to get up to full speed.

 

[rosco]

Bad grounds! Hold voltmeter leads between frame/good ground, and cable, when cranking. If it reads volts, clean it. Also, if you turn on accessories (like lights/heaters), and you read volts (any volts), between ground cable and frame, ground is not GOOD.

Buzzers commonly get tired and need replacement. DOT likes them loud because they can't hear well. They also like them to come on at EXACTLY 60 PSI. Check with known hot lead to see if sound is weak or changes pitch.

Solenoid contacts can get dirty and arched up. Mine does that sometimes. I suspect that the contacts are arcing until they make good contact, then it cranks up.

Lee in Alaska

 

[TexAndy]

Thanks guys, I'll go over it and check grounds and check the starter leads.

 

[stumps]

Before you check the grounds, clip a voltmeter to the battery terminal clamps, and hang the voltmeter where you can see it. If the battery voltage stays above 22V when you crank, you have a problem in the wiring somewhere, possibly grounds. But if the voltage at the battery terminal clamps drops, you have a problem with your batteries, the terminal clamps, or your dog-bone.

-Chuck