2015 Peterbilt 579 Paccar MX-13 - Intermittent No Crank, No Start

Question

Having an intermittent starting issue with my 579. Most of the time it fires right up, but occasionally I'll turn the key and get absolutely nothing—no click, no crank. If I wait 10 minutes and try again, it might work. All lights and accessories work fine, and batteries show 12.6V.

I've checked the mega fuses and they look good. It seems to happen more when the engine is hot after a long haul. I'm starting to think it's the ignition switch or the starter solenoid acting up when heat soaked.

RamRunnerRay · Accepted Answer

✅ Confirmed fix: The issue was the firewall pass-through connector for the starting circuit. There was slight corrosion on the signal wire pin to the starter solenoid. Cleaned the pins and applied dielectric grease. Also replaced the starter solenoid for good measure as it showed signs of high resistance when hot.

KenworthKai · Answer

Check the starter relay in the fuse panel under the hood. Swap it with a known good one (like the fan clutch relay) and see if the problem persists. If the relay is clicking but the starter isn't, the solenoid is likely dying.

ReganRegen · Answer

Have you checked the neutral safety switch on the transmission? If the ECU doesn't see 'Neutral', it won't allow the crank signal to pass through. Try wigging the shifter next time it happens.

2015 Peterbilt 579 Paccar MX-13 - Intermittent No Crank, No Start

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