'08 - Replaced starter July '21, need to again.

My 5.7 '08 4x4 had a dead starter last July. Local mechanic did the fix (said it was likely one of the worst jobs he's done, he had never seen a starter that difficult to remove). Charged me $550, which reading on here seems to be way below what many others are paying.

The ugly part...it happened again. I attempt to start, dash lights all come on, and I just get a single loud *click*. Then nothing. Same as back in July. Tapping the starter doesn't work. Fuses look good. Attempted to jump from another car, as well as with a portable jump kit. With the portable jump kit, battery shows 14.6. No turn over, to try, just that single loud *click* then nothing.

I'm not really certain I'm asking for help, as I'm pretty certain its the starter. But if anyone has some idea before I call and look at round 2 starter replacement, I'll give it a shot.

 

Call who everyone installed it and ask him about it. Should be under warranty.

 

Most places are at least 12 month warranty.

When mine went out I bought a new one at the dealership because I have had too many problems with aftermarket crap from auto parts stores. I was not gonna take a chance on something that hard to swap out.

 

As much labor involved with the swap using an aftermarket starter is asking for trouble.

 

Check for loose wiring. It’ll be a bitch to check the starter side but doable. Make sure you’re ground connections are tight as well.

 

Sounds like you are on the right track. Seems cheap aftermarket starters from the chain auto parts stores are really just remanufactured junk.

If you end up having it replaced again, I would recommend shelling out the $$ for a real high quality new one. Dont cheap out on one its not worth it.