Engine not cranking over with the starter?

Tiny
CHEVYOWNER48
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 6.0L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
2005 Chevy Silverado 1500 HD 6.0 liter engine. I've been having this starting problem recently which seems to be increasing with time to the point where I drive my truck, stop for a short period and it will not start. My battery tester shows the battery as being 2/3 full charge. As far as I know the battery is 3 years old), or as long as I have owned the truck. I go to start the truck and it won't crank. Sometimes I get just one click from the solinoid, other times a rapid succession of clicking, but no engine crank. If I jump start it, it gives a reluctant crank, but then starts up. Today the same thing happened but no one to help jump start. I unplugged any chargers I had plugged into cigarrette lighters. It did the same thing, but after about 5-10 minutes after trying it repeatedly with the same results, the engine finally cranks and the truck starts up. I have checked my battery terminals for corrossion and snugged terminal bolts down. I see no loose connections at battery. Not sure, but I think it may be a starter or a ignition switch problem. Sometimes when I turn the vehicle off, it seems like the dash lights stay illuminted when key is removed. One thing to note is that I recently had an alcohol ignition interlock device on the truck and it was removed about 6 months ago. About the time the issue started. Related or not, I do not know. I'd appreciate any feedback I can get on the issue as I don't have money just to throw at the truck until I find the answer.
Sunday, July 12th, 2015 AT 1:19 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It sounds like you have a bad ground but to be sure lets look at this guide. This guide can help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Tuesday, July 21st, 2020 AT 2:32 PM
Tiny
CHEVYOWNER48
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks Hmac300. I have checked the battery ground connection. It is snug and corrossion free. Today it is starting, reluctantly, but starting. I have checked all the wiring associated with the battery, ground, alternator, starter and all seem in good condition, corrosion free, and tight. I'm leaning towards the starter or the relay. But seeing how I'm getting the clicking when I turn the key, I would imagine the relay is probably working fine. I have been reading some of the others forum posts. I could remove the starter and have the auto parts store recondition it. Any thoughts on that?
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Tuesday, July 21st, 2020 AT 2:32 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Thy can test it first to see I f that is the problem. Also have them check battery for condition including load test that may be the problem as well even if it's new
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Tuesday, July 21st, 2020 AT 2:32 PM
Tiny
TAMMY WOLFE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 4.3L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 187,000 MILES
We cranked the truck drove twenty feet and it went shut off and will not crank now. Replace cool pack, ignition module, and ignition switch. Still will not crank and not firing.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 4:36 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hello,

When you say will not crank you mean the starter motor is not working? If so this guide will help get us started.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Here is the starter wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know. Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 4:36 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LJW2012
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
Engine Performance problem
2005 Chevy Silverado V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic

today it was storming and me and my buddies were listening to the radio in my truck for probly 45 min with the battery on. When the rain stopped we decided we were going to drive through some puddles and when I went to start it it wouldnt start so I had my buddy jump it and it started right away so we drove and found about a 1 ft puddle I went through it once with no problem turned around to do it again going around 20 mph and as I got through it stalled started smoking and died so I had my buddy jump it again thinking my battery died again he charged it and when I started it up it sounded all jittery and like it was rubbing against something and it started smoking (white) I turned it off and pushed it to a parking lot. Thanks
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 4:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
02REDCAMARO
  • MECHANIC
  • 65 POSTS
If you have a crank trigger sensor that is about a 10 inch rod bolted to the passenger side frame rail, make sure that the casing on the rod isn't cracked or broken. It is aimed right at the harmonic balancer, to tell the ignition module which ignition coil to fire the proper plug. A VERY vulnerable sensor to any kind of abuse, especially when wet. If that's the cause, it's a cheap fix. Most dealers will tell you that the fuel pump is bad ($1000), SO WRONG. Dealers LOVE to replace fuel pumps, they make TONS of money off of them. If they tell you that you have a bad fuel pump, make them SHOW YOU the pressure while the fuel pressure gauge is connected (MOST WON'T). If the fuel pressure is above 35-40 psi, the problem is likely to NOT be the PUMP, fuse, or relay.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 4:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SWEETTEA83
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  • 1 POST
  • 2005 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 230,000 MILES
Hi, first let me start by saying I don't know a whole lot about cars. Okay, I replaced the ignition lock cylinder and now my truck will not start. Also, there a little play in the steering wheel so I'm sure something wasn't put together right on that part. Could there possible be a security issue? Please any advice is greatly appreciated!
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 4:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,577 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros. What was the reason for replacing the ignition cylinder? Lost keys or it wouldn't turn? In either case replacing it with a different cylinder means that the new cylinder needs to be programmed into the computer using a scan tool. At the moment it thinks you stole the truck and are trying to use "illegal" keys that are not in the system and it doesn't recognize the new cylinder as a valid unit. Either an automotive locksmith or a shop with a proper scan tool should be able to fix this issue. Just have proof of ownership and ID.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 4:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
VOYGR1
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 89,000 MILES
Tried to start and got buzz and click all electrical appears good radio and lights work fine battery indicator shows good charge. Lights on dash go blank when key is turned with the buzz and then a click when released. Could it be relay, solenoid or starter? Can I test relay?
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 4:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Do you have a multi meter to do some testing?You could have a bad starter?
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 4:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
VOYGR1
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Yes I have meter could it be the relay and how do I check it sorry disabled and on disability thanks for responding
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 4:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Your best bet would be to see if the purple wire at the starter has power with the key in the start position?If so try tapping on the starter with a hammer and the key in the start position and see if it starts?
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 4:38 PM (Merged)

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