Starter Solenoid Clicks, Engine Does Not Crank

Starter Solenoid Clicks, Engine Does Not Crank

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* 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 serial data message to the engine control module (ECM) that crank has been requested. The ECM monitors the park/neutral position switch. If the transmission is in Park or Neutral, and there are no DTCs that inhibit engine starting, then the ECM supplies voltage to the control circuit of the STRTR relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the STRTR relay to the X2-S terminal of the starter solenoid. The starter solenoid energizes, and supplies battery voltage to the starter from the B terminal to crank the engine.

Circuit/System Verification

1. Attempt to start the engine. Verify that the starter solenoid clicks.

^ If the starter solenoid does not click, refer to Starter Solenoid Does Not Click. Starter Solenoid Does Not Click
^ If the engine cranks slowly, refer to Engine Cranks Slowly. Engine Cranks Slowly

2. Go to Circuit/System Testing.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Verify that the battery is sufficiently charged and that the battery cables are clean and tight. Refer to Charging System Test. Charging System Test

^ If the battery is not sufficiently charged, refer to Battery Charging.
^ If the battery cables are not clean and tight, refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications.

2. Using a DMM, measure voltage between the positive battery terminal and X1 terminal B at the solenoid as the ignition switch is turned to the START position. Voltage should be less than 0.5 volt.

^ If greater than the specified value, replace the starter solenoid cable.

3. Using a DMM, measure voltage between the negative battery terminal and the starter motor case as the ignition switch is turned to the START position. Voltage should be less than 0.5 volt.

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

4. Remove the drive belts.

5. Attempt to start the engine, with the drive belts removed.

^ If the engine cranks, inspect the engine accessories and belt drive system for mechanical binding.

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

^ If the engine is seized, refer to one of the following:

* Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate for 4.2L (LL8) Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate
* Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate for the 5.3L or 6.0L only V-8 (w/o LL8) Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate

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

Repair Instructions

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

* Battery Charging
* Battery Negative Cable Replacement (4.2L Engine) Battery Negative Cable Replacement (5.3L and 6.0L Engines)
* Starter Motor Replacement (4.2L Engine) Starter Motor Replacement (5.3L and 6.0L Engines)