Starter Solenoid Clicks, Engine Does Not Crank

Starter Solenoid Clicks, Engine Does Not Crank

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) 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) that crank has been requested. The ECM then verifies that the transmission is in Park or Neutral. If it is, the ECM then supplies 12 volts to the control circuit of the STRTR relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the switch of the STRTR relay to terminal A X1 of the starter solenoid, and the engine cranks.

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 (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)

Scan Tool Reference

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

Circuit/System Verification

Attempt to start the engine. Verify that the starter solenoid clicks and the engine cranks.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Measure and record the battery voltage at the battery terminals. The voltage should be between 12.6 and 15.0 volts.

• If not within the specified range, refer to Charging System Test (Testing and Inspection).

2. Ignition OFF and scan tool disconnected, open and close the driver door, and wait 1 minute. Test for less than 5 ohms between the starter motor case and the negative terminal of the battery.

• If greater than the specified range, test the battery negative cable for an open/high resistance.

3. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the starter solenoid B+ circuit ring terminal B X2 and ground.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the battery positive cable for an open/high resistance.

4. Remove the drive belt. Refer to the appropriate procedure listed below.

* Drive Belt Replacement (Service and Repair) for the 2.4L (LL8) engine
* Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory () for the 5.3L (LH6) or 6.0L (LS2) engine

5. Rotate each pulley by hand. Verify that none of the engine accessories or idler pulleys are seized.

• If any components are seized, replace the appropriate component.

6. Attempt to rotate the crankshaft using a breaker bar, flywheel turner, or other suitable tool. Verify that the engine is not seized.

• If the engine is seized, refer to the appropriate procedure listed below.

* Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate (Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate) for the 4.2L (LL8) engine
* Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate (Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate) for the 5.3L (LH6) or 6.0L (LS2) engine

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 (5.3L Engine) (Service and Repair)Battery Positive Cable Replacement (4.2L Engine) (Service and Repair)
* Battery Negative Cable Replacement (4.2L Engine) (Service and Repair)Battery Negative Cable Replacement (5.3L Engine) (Service and Repair)
* Starter Replacement (5.3L Engine) (Service and Repair)Starter Replacement (4.2L Engine) (Service and Repair)