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 Overviewprovides 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 START relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the START relay to 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.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Starting and Charging Schematics 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

Circuit/System Verification

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.

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 Component Tests and General Diagnostics.

• If the battery is not sufficiently charged, refer to Battery Charging Procedures.

• If the battery cables are not clean and tight, refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications Specifications.

2. Using a DMM, measure voltage between the positive battery terminal and 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 battery 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 battery cable.

4. Remove the drive belt. Refer to one of the following:

* Drive Belt Replacement
* Drive Belt Replacement Service and Repairfor the 3.5L (LZ4) engine
* Drive Belt Replacement

5. Attempt to start the engine, with the drive belt 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
* Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotatefor the 3.5L (LZ4) engine
* 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 Verification Tests after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Battery Charging Procedures
* Battery Negative Cable Replacement (LAT) Service and RepairBattery Negative Cable Replacement (LE5/LE9) Service and RepairBattery Negative Cable Replacement (LZ4 or LZE) Service and RepairBattery Negative Cable Replacement (LY7) Service and Repair
* Starter Replacement (LAT) Service and RepairStarter Replacement (LE5/LE9) Service and RepairStarter Replacement (LZ4 or LZE) Starter Replacement (LZ4 or LZE)Starter Replacement (LY7) Starter Replacement (LY7)