I have a 1994 B2300 with 140,000 miles.

A week ago I had a problem starting it, so I replaced the battery. It worked fine for a day and now it will not start reliably at all.

Sometimes it will start when I turn the key, but sometimes it takes several attempts before it will turn over, start, and run

All the lights and guages respond when I turn the key, but it doesn't always start right away. When this problem happens it usually takes several attempts turning the key before it will start and run. Now I'm having no dice at all. I just hear a single ping or click but no ignition noises.

Can anyone help me identify this problem?

Other than that it runs fine, a little rough, but it's old with a few miles. For whatever reason, the "Check Engine Light" is on and will not go off.

It is a couple of possibilities. The Starter maybe in need of replacement. The starter solenoid could also be bad. Or the ignition switch is bad. The start can be removed and tested for you at about any auto part store that is worth its salt.

Also you mentioned the you replaced the battery and then a short time later the truck would not start again. Are you sure the alternator is charging? That would possibly explain why the check engine light is on all of the time.

I would start with a voltmeter and with the truck running, if you can get it started, you should have a little over 14 volts across the battery terminals. Or if you can not get it started, remove the alternator and have it tested at your reliable auto parts store.

I am leaning towards the real good possibility that you have an alternator that is shot. Been there and done that with the bad alternator.

Good luck!

Bewildered,

Thanks for your response. I appreciate the help you offered.

Before I replaced the battery I tested the alternator. I went online and read that to test the alternator, one should remove the negative battery cable while the vehicle is running in order to see if the engine will continue to run or if the engine stalls. I did that and the engine continued to run, although it did rev for a few seconds once the cable was removed.

I tried to start it today and it would not turn over. I don’t have too many tools and I’m not that handy so I guess I’m going to have to take it in for repairs.

My understanding is, you should NEVER disconnect a battery terminal while the engine is running, as it can burn out the alternator!
However, worn brushes can also cause your alternator not to charge, which may be one of your problems!
Not hard to check, as suggested, and where I come from, it's free!