No crank, no start issue after car sat for three years

FMXT3

MEMBER
2007 SATURN VUE
3.5L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
197,000 MILES

The vehicle's been sitting for three years got it from a friend and the only reason she let it sit was because she wasn't sure what the noise was, turns out to be CV shafts. So just trying to get it to start. Everything is working just fine the battery is charged and is good. I have powered to everything and is working just fine as it should but when I go to start it, you'll hear the fuel pump and everything like you should then when you turn it it's like somewhere between ignition and the starter power it shut off somewhere. You don't hear click when you try to turn it you don't hear anything.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Hi,

When this happens, do you lose power to everything and then it returns? Also, when sitting for 3 years, is there any way water could have entered the engine?

The idea that you hear no click, but everything is working leads me to think you have a loose or corroded connection at the battery. Double check that.

Next, I attached the wiring schematic for the starting system below. I highlighted both a fuse and relay that need checked. When checking a fuse, make sure the fuse is good and confirm there is power to and from it. Also, the starter relay needs checked. Here are two links you may find helpful when doing both:

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

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

Also, take a look through this link. It explains how to check the starter.

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

If you look at the schematic below, note the wire to the S terminal is black with a white tracer. Do this. Have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check that wire for power. It should only have 12v when the key is in the start position. If it gets power and the starter does nothing, chances are it is bad.

Pics 3 and 4 show the fuse location to test and the starter relay.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)