'08 5.7 One Click, Won't Start

Hey everyone,

I'm having some trouble with my 2008 Tundra 5.7 V8 and could use some advice.

Last month (07/06), I replaced the starter, and everything was running great until a couple of days ago. The truck was dead, so I put in a new battery. The A/C, radio, and lights all worked, but the truck still wouldn’t start with the new battery. I jumped it, and it started fine. I drove it for a few days with no issues, but then it wouldn’t start again, and this time, it wouldn’t even jump. The A/C and lights still work, and the battery is showing 12.6V.

I had everything tested at AutoZone the first time this happened. They said the battery and starter were good, but the alternator was bad, indicating a charging current failure. However, I’m not entirely convinced the alternator is the issue since it won’t even jump start now.

I disconnected the battery, cleaned the connectors, and tightened everything back up. The truck fired up with no problem after that. On startup, the voltage didn’t dip below 11.2V, and it stayed steady around 13.5-14V while driving, which seemed fine. I had the alternator tested again, and it showed a 23mV ripple.

I drove it all weekend with no issues—no dimming, stable voltage readings, everything seemed good. But this morning, the truck won’t start again. The A/C, radio, and lights all work, but I just get one click when I try to start it. It won’t jump, and even after disconnecting and cleaning the battery again, it still won’t start.

Any ideas on what could be going on? I’m stumped here.

 

How are you cleaning the battery posts and terminals? I use a wire brush and absolutely go to town on both sides. I've had similar issues where there was continuity issues at the battery connections. Doesn't quite explain why the jumper wouldn't work though...

 

Disconnecting battery and going hard all around on it with a wire brush, loosened and cleaned up ground connection also. The no jump part is stumping me as well.

 

my 07 just would click or do nothing earlier this year.. under the negative cable it was completely coated in surface rust... sanded a spot off truck ran fine I recently replaced both sides with new brass terminals