Starter Solenoid Clicks, Engine Does Not Crank

Starter Solenoid Clicks, Engine Does Not Crank

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview)provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

When the ignition switch is placed in the START position, a discrete signal is supplied to the body control module (BCM) notifying it that the ignition is in the START position. The BCM then sends a message to the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) that crank has been requested. The ECM/PCM then verifies that the transmission is in Park or Neutral. If it is, the ECM/PCM then supplies a ground to the control circuit of the STARTER/ CRANK relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the switch of the STARTER/CRANK relay to the starter solenoid.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Starting and Charging Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

Starting System Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

1. Verify that battery is sufficiently charged and that the battery cables are clean and tight.

• If battery not sufficiently charged, refer to Battery Charging (Battery Charging).

• If battery cables are not within specified range, refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications (Specifications)

2. Turn the ignition switch to the start position. The starter solenoid should click.

• If starter solenoid does not click, refer to Starter Solenoid Does Not Click (L26) (Starter Solenoid Does Not Click)Starter Solenoid Does Not Click (LS4) (Starter Solenoid Does Not Click).

3. Remove the drive belt, refer to Drive Belt Replacement (L26) () for the 3.8L engine Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory (Service and Repair) for the 5.3L engine
4. Turn the ignition switch to the START position.

• If the engine cranks, inspect the engine and belt drive system for mechanical binding, seized engine, or seized generator, etc.

• If the engine does not crank, refer to Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate (Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate) for the 3.8L engine, or Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate (Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate) for the 5.3L engine.

5. Test for less than 0.5 V between the positive battery cable and terminal B X2 at the solenoid as the ignition is placed to the START position.

• If greater than the specified value, replace the positive battery cable.

6. Test for less than 0.5 V between the negative battery cable and the starter motor case as the ignition is placed to the START position.

• If greater than the specified value, replace the negative battery cable.

7. If all circuits test normal, replace the starter motor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Battery Positive Cable Replacement (L26) (Service and Repair)
* Battery Negative Cable Replacement (L26) (Service and Repair)
* Starter Replacement (L26) (Service and Repair)Starter Replacement (LS4) (Service and Repair)