I have a 1994 4WD GMC Sierra with 140k miles on it. It's a straight drive. The guy I bought it from babied the shit out of it, and had all the regular maintenance done on schedule.

A couple weeks ago I drove it to work and it cranked right up. I stopped for gas, and when I got back into the car it wouldn't start. Turn the key and nothing, no clicks, no attempt to turn over, nothing. Battery is brand new and has plenty of charge. I was able pop the clutch to get it started so I could get it home, but I still can't get it to start.

My first thought was the starter. I banged the hell out of it with a hammer and still nothing.

Any ideas? I haven't really put a lot of effort into getting it fixed because it's not my primary vehicle, but with the winter weather we're expecting I could really use the 4WD. It's probably too late at this point, but if it could possibly be something simple I'd like to tinker with it.

[Edited on February 12, 2014 at 11:14 AM. Reason : a]

2/12/2014 11:13:26 AM

sounds electrical.

starter switch?

2/12/2014 11:18:24 AM

starter solenoid....if you've confirmed a load test on battery.

2/12/2014 11:48:23 AM

could be the starter...sometimes the hammer trick doesnt work

2/12/2014 1:11:03 PM

Ignition switch?
Relay of some sort?

2/12/2014 7:22:05 PM

Check the basics like your battery terminal connections and the main ground and starter connection points. If they're questionably dirty/corroded or that stamped sheet metal crap remove/clean and reconnect.

2/12/2014 7:30:41 PM

eep not chitchat

2/12/2014 8:36:29 PM

Start with the easiest then work up. Battery terminals, then get the new battery tested - could be bad, starter solenoid, ignition switch

2/12/2014 9:33:00 PM

do you have to mash the clutch to get it to crank? if so, it could be that switch. or if it has a switch for shifter position. definitely an electrical issue. get a test light and go to work.

2/13/2014 4:48:48 PM

so did you figure this shit out yet? did you make sure the air filter was not clogged with bees and/or honey?

2/14/2014 2:57:25 AM

^^ yes, I have to mash the clutch all the way to the floor to get it to crank. It's been like that since I bought it. That was actually mentioned to me by a friend that knows way more about cars than I do.

^ Not yet. My work is closed again today due to the weather so I'm hoping to get out and look at it today. Once it warms up some and the back roads get better my friend is going to come over and help me out.

2/14/2014 9:06:56 AM

I missed the part about it being a manual - 100% bet it is that.

2/14/2014 11:17:07 AM

Yeah it's either starter solenoid or that clutch switch.

2/14/2014 11:41:00 AM

Are both of those fairly easy fixes?

2/14/2014 12:11:05 PM

If truck has a remote locking system with an immobilizer, that could be your issue. I once accidentally knocked out a fuse from the immobilizer circuit, which was hanging right above the kickpanel separate from the main fuse cluster. Same symptoms.

2/14/2014 12:39:50 PM

Do you mean keyless entry? If so, then the answer is no. It's not remote, I have to put the key in to unlock it.

2/14/2014 12:52:37 PM

safety switch on the clutch

2/16/2014 9:56:32 PM