Question about a problem with a Suburban

[curlesw]

The wife tried to start our 1999 Suburban this morning and got the ‘tick, tick, tick” sound. She was able to get the truck started by “jumping it” and seems to be running ok for now. Any guess on what it might be? I am thinking the starter, but it may be the alternator/battery. The battery has been run down a couple of times over the past few months when the kids have left the dome lights on. Maybe the alternator is bad and not charging the battery. The battery is about 3-4 years old. Any ideas or recommendations on how to proceed? TIA.

V/r
Wayne C.

[RickM]

Sounds like the battery is due for replacement. The solenoid clicking tells you there is not enough current to drive the starter.

If you go to your local repair shop ask them to check your charging system with their meter. It checks the health of all components. If they sell Interstate batteries all the better.

[legion]

Take a voltage reading while the car is running (hook a multi-meter up to the positive battery terminal and ground). If it is > 13 volts (should be close to 14), your alternator is working. If it is less, your alternator is not.

You might also have a bad relay.

I don't know the maximum allowed draw on a Suburban, so I can't tell you how many milli-amps is too much.

[tobster1911]

It is probably just dirty terminals. Remove/clean the terminals and try again.

Either that or hit it with a hammer.....it is a Chevy and that is the prescribed fix

[David]

Battery

[curlesw]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I'll give them all a try, esp the BFH!

Wayne C.