Just a frustrated newbie here trying to determine why my truck won't turn over. Been running rough for last couple of months, replaced a couple of coil packs. (No codes indicated) Some improvement. Last two trips out, the starter was dragging and hesitating a little before the engine fired. It's been very hot here in the Carolinas (like everywhere else), so I thought it was the battery when I got the clicking sound and no start. Bought a new battery yesterday and now it still clicks, and has a check engine light. Charged battery and have same result. Truck has 50K on it. I'm dead in the water at home with no code reader.
Any help would be much appreciated.

 

might be just a poor connection on the starter. or bad ground.
then there is the solenoid that maybe iffy or at least the connection there.

are you loosing any fluids?
getting the codes read would be a plus

 

No fluid loss. I was going to take the starter out next and have it tested, but was trying to make sure I'm do this in the right order of diagnostics (cheapest fixes first). If it's not the battery, I hope I can return it. Is the solenoid a stand alone part on these trucks or an integral component of the starter itself? I wonder if I can borrow a code reader from somewhere......

 

yep your thinking right simple and easy stuff 1st. Typically on electrical items (your battery), you can't return them...but they might? Just don't hold on to high hopes for that

getting the starter tested is a good step...this way you can see and check the connections there.

yeah the soleniod is stand alone unit...should be one on the fire wall. then there is the breakers/main fuse right beside that (just right of the battery) and checking the relays too.

if the starter and everything checks good...then it maybe a fluid filling a cylinder...stuck open injector...or leaking headgasket

 

Thanks! I'll check them out tomorrow and keep my fingers crossed!