Please help! Truck won't start

[seven3stroker]

Hey,
just got my first diesel two weeks ago. It's been running like a top. This morning though, I went to start it and after i let it cycle I turned the key and nothing happened. Just the dash saying engine temp and fuel filter. Truck is a 95 4x4 5speed. In Denver. Temp is about 50. Never had a issue before. Please help thanks. Cameron

ps is it a lost cause and needs a shop or can I reset something and get to work

[NoRalPh]

First thing I'd do is take a close look at the battery connections and maybe try a get a boost to eliminate a dead/low battery condition....

[symbols]

Yea, if it didn't turn over then you need to check battery connections first and then I would check the starter relay and starter connections unless you think the batteries are weak in which case I would load test the batteries.

[seven3stroker]

I pulled out my box and tried jumping it. But it dosent make a difference. All my accessories stillwork and it clicks to cycle but when I turn the key the rest of the way, there is nothing. It won't even try to turn. Just says temp and fuel filter. Which makes me think this is electronic and not mechanical, but then again i'm new and don't really know. Thank you

[seven3stroker]

Also, just for more background. Last night I ran her pretty hard, raced my buddy, and kicked the crap outa his dodge. However I let her idle for about ten minutes when I got back to base. Now she is sittin where I turned her off last night

[NoRalPh]

And your battery terminals? Clean & Tight?

[greasltn]

Have you checked the safety switch on the clutch. If it goes bad the starter will not engage. From what you said, the battery terminals are good and the ignition switch is good. Make sure the truck is in neutral with the e-brake set and jump the starter relay to fire it up.

[NoRalPh]

Also, give the starter itself a good RAP with a hammer a few times to "settle" the bendix or brushes in case one of them is hung-up...

[seven3stroker]

Originally Posted by greasltn

Have you checked the safety switch on the clutch. If it goes bad the starter will not engage. From what you said, the battery terminals are good and the ignition switch is good. Make sure the truck is in neutral with the e-brake set and jump the starter relay to fire it up.

Yes yes that's sounds more like it. Question though where is the starter on these trucks.

[greasltn]

Starter is on passenger side lower portion of motor. I can't remember if they have a solenoid on the fender well or not.