Car will not start?

SHERWOOD CARLSON

MEMBER
2014 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
167,000 MILES

I went to the car one morning and the car wouldn't start. It still was the original battery, so I replaced it, and the car ran fine for about a week. That's when I noticed that the engine control relay was continuously ticking. Pulled the starter and had it tested, and it was good. I checked it with a OBD2 scanner, and I had no codes. Checking all the fuses I could find that has to do with starting the car and I couldn't find any that are bad. There were other things in the past week that have me thinking it's the engine control module, but I don't want to drop another $400.00 to $500.00 if that's not it. Any thoughts?

Monday, January 27th, 2025 AT 4:23 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,055 POSTS

Hi,

Is the starter engaging and turning the engine but the engine refuses to start? If that is the case, I need you to try something.

See if the engine will start if you use starting fluid. If it starts and the engine stalls, we know it is a fuel related issue. If there is no change, I need you to check for spark at the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how to check:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Also, switch the PCM relay with a different one having the same part number and see if the clicking continues.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Monday, January 27th, 2025 AT 7:36 PM

SHERWOOD CARLSON

MEMBER
2 POSTS

When I turn the key, nothing happens except for the relay clicking. I replaced the relay with a new one and have the same result. The battery is now and fully charged.

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Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 AT 12:43 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,055 POSTS

Hi,

Okay, if you hear the relay click, it sounds like it is working. If the starter doesn't engage, we need to work backward from the starter motor to see if it has power and, if not, where it is lost.

I attached the wiring schematic below for the starter circuit. At the starter motor, there will be a smaller gauge purple wire. Have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check if the purple wire gets power.

The purple wire is the trigger wire and should only have power when the key is in the start position. Try this and let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below. Note: I had to cut the pic in two to make it readable. I overlapped the two so you can follow from one to the next.

Images (Click to make bigger)