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Topic: Clicking sound from relay in front passenger side 1995 U300 (Read 481 times) previous topic - next topic

Clicking sound from relay in front passenger side 1995 U300

Still trying to chase down no start issue on our 1995 U300. Should the relay in the panel  in front of passenger seat make a loud clicking noise when key is turned on

Re: Clicking sound from relay in front passenger side 1995 U300

Reply #1 –
Our year earlier U300/Detroit has a relay in front of the driver's seat. Are you talking about the large silver relay? If so, it should click when the key is turned on. The ground for it (and others) is just several inches away.

Pierce

Re: Clicking sound from relay in front passenger side 1995 U300

Reply #2 –
Likely describing the IGNITION SOLENOID.  One large lug has chassis battery voltage all the time.  The other large lug has that same voltage only when the ignition is on.

The ignition solenoid supplies power to those items that only operate with the ignition on-- dash HVAC fan as an example that is easy to verify.

Re: Clicking sound from relay in front passenger side 1995 U300

Reply #3 –
This a picture of it. We went and got a new one at Napa truck dealer. Still won't start

Re: Clicking sound from relay in front passenger side 1995 U300

Reply #4 –
Batteries show 13, relay showed 13 and gauge when key is turned shows 10 volts

Re: Clicking sound from relay in front passenger side 1995 U300

Reply #5 –
Is there a possibility the place that replaced our windshield could have pinched a wire or messed up the ignition try to start it?

Re: Clicking sound from relay in front passenger side 1995 U300

Reply #6 –
Got the batteries out. Each measures 12.68 amps when checked with meter

Re: Clicking sound from relay in front passenger side 1995 U300

Reply #7 –
Suspect that is 12.68 VOLTS which is very close to a fully charged 12 VDC battery.

But, while it is out, take it to any place that sells batteries and have it LOAD TESTED. 

It could show fine surface charge, but suffer a substantial voltage drop when a load is placed on it.

Re: Clicking sound from relay in front passenger side 1995 U300

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Rocky1down –
Is there a possibility the place that replaced our windshield could have pinched a wire or messed up the ignition try to start it?
Very doubtful

Re: Clicking sound from relay in front passenger side 1995 U300

Reply #9 –
We had the batteries load tested. They all tested good

Re: Clicking sound from relay in front passenger side 1995 U300

Reply #10 –
I'm assuming that the starter does not turn the engine over, based on your posts?  Since you see the voltage drop when you turn the key to start, I'm guessing the starter or starter solenoid may be the issue.  When my starter died, it would pull the batteries down to 9.5V or and not turn over, just click or nothing at all when I turned the key to start.

Re: Clicking sound from relay in front passenger side 1995 U300

Reply #11 –
We took the starter out yesterday and had it checked and it tested good

Re: Clicking sound from relay in front passenger side 1995 U300

Reply #12 –
When a starter won't work I like starting at the starter solenoid and jump the solenoid.
If the solenoid won't pull in then the problem is batteries, cables or connections or the
solenoid. If the solenoid  pulls in then its starter, batteries, cables or connections. If the
starter works from jumping then it could be the relay or the starter switch or wiring.
 

Re: Clicking sound from relay in front passenger side 1995 U300

Reply #13 –
Cleaned all the battery connections. Put them back in and it started right up.
Thanks for all the advice!