Engine does not crank

Tiny
CLSHUMATE26
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Been working on the car listed above SS. I am having trouble running down why I can't get it to turn over. I've tried all the stuff with the security system checked and changed all relays. When you turn the key to stay you get the click from the solenoid and there is clicking coming from the fuse box inside the car and clicking from the fuse block under the hood. I'm going to try to jump the starter and relays and see if it will turn over. Any more ideas on what it could possibly be?
Sunday, May 1st, 2022 AT 2:25 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,692 POSTS
Hello, if you have a multimeter, it would be best to see if you are getting full battery power down to the Starter motor on both wires (Red or Black and the Purple wires). Since you're hearing Solenoid, it might be that there is a voltage loss going on somewhere. Also check that all your Ground connections are tight and clean. The diagram for the Starter circuit is below. It will help with identifying the correct wires.
But with a basic multimeter set on 20 DC volts you will get a better idea of what's happening. Using a test light in this case might not be as helpful. A test light will still light with some lower voltage, so with a multimeter you will know exactly how much voltage is being applied to the Starter Motor. If you have a full 12 volts down at the Starter, you will want to turn the engine over by hand and make sure something internal isn't causing it not to turn over. Check the Fusible Link that comes from the Remote Battery Stud to the Crank Relay. They can get corroded inside and you won't be able to always tell by just looking at it.
The Fuse panel at the end of the dash on the driver's side is a good place to inspect too. Those panels that are close to the window are susceptible to water intrusion. The PCM (crank) Fuse 10amp is part of the Starter circuit.
Another place to look is in the air filter box, that's where the ECM is housed, critters like to get in there and chew on wires. Thats another problem area.
There are a couple of guides to help you too:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit
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Sunday, May 1st, 2022 AT 9:17 AM

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