No engine starter operation?

Tiny
JOHN CARMICHAEL
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 GMC ENVOY
  • 4.2L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • 100,000 MILES
Turn the key to crank clicks one time and there's no start. I have cleaned all the top side connections. I can crank it by jumping the solenoid with a screwdriver.
Friday, March 6th, 2020 AT 5:28 PM

24 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

If you can jump the solenoid and it starts, then there is a connection issue. Is the smaller wire on the starter clean and tight?

I need you to check something. Have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check for 12v at the smaller wire on the starter. Here is a link that explains how it is done:

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

I noted that you cleaned all connections on top. Have you done anything at the starter itself? Also, have you tried to see if it starts if it is in neutral?

I attached three pics below that are the entire starting system schematic. I overlapped them so you can follow them. Make sure to check the fuses indicated in the pics as well as the relay.

Here are a few links to help when checking:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, March 6th, 2020 AT 9:35 PM
Tiny
TURNERDJ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 GMC ENVOY
  • 4.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
Engine does not crank replaced battery checked fuses tried charger and jumping all lights and excessarys work wheat's next
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
If no security lamp on the dash lite when you try to start, if starter motor won't crank, have to check circuits at starter motor. Be sure battery has a full charge and battery connections, good.

To check fuses, you check the fuse isn't blown, also check for voltage on the fuse circuit. The purple wire at the starter, should be hot with key in the crank position and starter relay energized. Any starter testing on the vehicle, make sure tranny is in park or neutral and the parking brake is set. The red wire at starter is battery voltage, hot all the time.
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Just to add, the engine isn't seized?
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GWHIZZZ2CP
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 GMC ENVOY
  • 84,000 MILES
Didn't start last Thursday.I jumped it with at jump box and it finally started.

Put in a new Battery last Saturday. As the one that WAS in it was at least 4.5 years old, since I have had the vehicle that long.

There is no even trying to start. It is dead quiet. Voltage when running is normally around 14v.

The security lock light stays on when trying to start. Which I think is normal? But I am guessing that since it doesn't start it says on.

Any suggestions?

It is also saying something about brake system service now - didn't notice that last week.
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Sounds like cable connection issue. Check both ends of cables.
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
You might want to have the antitheft system checked-start here
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GWHIZZZ2CP
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank You. Have been looking towards the anti-theft and reading about bypass modules. Trying the 10 minute leave the key on. Then try to start it trick to see if we can get her started.
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RKANIA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 GMC ENVOY
Over the past week, when I turn the key in the ignition, it doesn't turn over. On the second or third attempt, it starts fine. Could this be a battery or starter problem or something else?
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
There is a tsb on the battery cable terminal bolt also this guide can help us fix it

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

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JGOODWIN1980
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2004 GMC ENVOY
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 73,000 MILES
My 2004 envoy wont start. We just changed out the starter and the battery is new also. The alternator tests good. Sometimes the security light flashes and and the alarm will go off for no reason. The car will start sometimes and not sometimes. What would make that happen?
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-2
Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Start by having the AntiTheft/Security System device checked out-
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JGOODWIN1980
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
IS THERE A WAY TO BYPASS THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM?
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
The Theft Deterrent System on the Envoy will communicate any errors or problems with the computer control system. Hook up a scan tool and run it through a theft deterrent system diagnostic.
Yes, the theft deterrent system can be bypassed, but not easily.
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
The security lite flashs when u open the drivers door. Then when you lock the door it stays on. Then shut the door the light will go off after 40seconds. The alarm is set then.
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
52CASTER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 GMC ENVOY
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 61,000 MILES
The problem is that when the key is turned on sometimes not everything is powering up like it should. Sometimes when the key is turned on, the tach and speedo along with other indicator lights go crazy, that's when it will not crank. But I can turn the key off and on 3-5 times and eventually get everthing powered up like it should, then it will start ok. I thought I had a bad battery, replaced it, same problem, now I'm thinking maybe a relay?Any one got Idea's?
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
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Do you have a security light on
and if so turn key on and leave it on for 10 to 15 min
charge battery and check charging system
have the BCM checked (data and codes )
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-1
Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Checking the BCM will help for sure
I believe your issue is in the ignition switch
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SSKS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2004 GMC ENVOY
  • 115,000 MILES
Can turn key to start and back to accessory position but key will go no further and of course will not come out. Keyless entry will not lock or unlock, envoy will not start, when turn key to run position service engine light comes on, have checked shifter boot as read in another that may not be allowing to go fully in park. Cannot move shifter to any position.
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Are the brake lighst working?

Possibly a problem within the shift interlock control system such as the shiftlock solenoid
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 AT 1:14 PM (Merged)

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