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 the S terminal of the starter solenoid.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

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

Component Connector End Views (Component Connector End 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 (Control Module References) for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Turn the ignition switch to the start position. Listen for the starter and solenoid operation.

If starter solenoid does not click, refer to Starter Solenoid Does Not Click (Starter Solenoid Does Not Click).
If the starter solenoid clicks, but the engine does not crank, refer to Circuit/System Testing.
If the engine cranks slowly, refer to Engine Cranks Slowly (Engine Cranks Slowly).
If the engine starts normally, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections).

Circuit/System Testing

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 (Procedures).
• If battery cables are not clean and tight, refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications ([1][2]Specifications).

2. Remove the engine drive belt. Refer to Charging System Test (Testing and Inspection) for the 4.2L engine, or Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory (Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory) for the 5.3L engine.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the START position. Verify that the engine does not crank.

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

4. Attempt to turn the engine crankshaft with a breaker bar, or other suitable tool.

• 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 4.2L engine, or Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate (Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate) for the 5.3L engine.

5. Using a DMM, measure between the positive battery cable 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 positive battery cable.

6. Using a DMM, measure the negative battery cable to 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.

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