No crank no start

Tiny
TPMPRODUCTIONS
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
  • 3.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 282,600 MILES
Three weeks ago car started not starting when I would park. I had to wait five to ten minutes to get it to start. Finally it stopped completely a week ago. The lights would come on and everything would come on when I turned the key but it would not start. Now after thinking my starter went out, I got under there and touched the two bolts of the starter with my trusty screw driver and it didn't start. Now the car has went dead and I got no power to anything. No lights, no crank, anything. Hooked it up to jumper cables from my brother's truck and got lights.I hit it with the screwdriver (the starter) again and it turned a little bit like it wanted to start but it wouldn't. Got it towed home, now I still have nothing. Changed the ignition switch and got lights again, still no start. Then lights go out again. I noticed that when I turned the key with the lights on and it wouldn't turn on the lights would go dim and when I released the key they would come back on. When my starter went out the lights would just go out and not come back on. I am in need of help. I'm completely confused. I'm thinking I blew a fuse but not sure which one to check. Please help! And thank you in advance.
Monday, August 26th, 2019 AT 8:09 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
CAR HEALTH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
1. The ignition switch could be bad, it's a common problem. An ignition switch is an electrical switch installed at the back of the ignition lock mechanism. If jiggling the key in the ignition helps start the car, the ignition switch should be checked first.
2. The starter solenoid control wire could have a bad connection.
3. The starter motor itself or a starter solenoid could be bad.
4.A problem with a neutral safety switch. If a car doesn't start with the transmission in Park, but starts in Neutral, it could be caused by a problem with a neutral safety switch or the shifter cable.
5.A problem with vehicle's security system or some other electronic control module (e.G, ECM, BCM) may also prevent the starter from operating.
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Monday, August 26th, 2019 AT 9:45 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

The first thing I would do is to charge the battery to 12.6 volts with a battery charger.

Then clean the battery cables on both the positive and negative to be sure the connections are good.

Then see if it starts. Let me know the results.

Roy
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 2:54 AM
Tiny
TPMPRODUCTIONS
  • MEMBER
  • 86 POSTS
Okay, so I cleaned the battery cables, got a brand new battery, and the lights came on. Then click; no start. The lights went out, like it's my starter. However I just changed the starter. I also just changed the ignition switch. Both in the last week.
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 11:20 PM
Tiny
TPMPRODUCTIONS
  • MEMBER
  • 86 POSTS
Another thing. Not sure if this is important but I just recently had to replace the bushing on the transmission shifter cable. I'm fairly new at fixing cars but I think I'm learning kinda quick. Thanks again.
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 11:23 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, remove the cables again. Remove the bolt from the cable and wire brush the cable and the bolt. Do that to both positive and negative.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Roy
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Wednesday, August 28th, 2019 AT 2:11 AM
Tiny
TPMPRODUCTIONS
  • MEMBER
  • 86 POSTS
Okay, so I did that, still nothing. However I did remember that I switched the relay from the starter solenoid and switched it back and now it's still not starting but when I turn it (the key in the ignition) the lights go off and come back in when I let it go.
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Wednesday, August 28th, 2019 AT 7:03 PM
Tiny
TPMPRODUCTIONS
  • MEMBER
  • 86 POSTS
Could it be the relay?
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Wednesday, August 28th, 2019 AT 7:03 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Do you have a volt meter to check the battery voltage?

Roy
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Thursday, August 29th, 2019 AT 2:11 AM
Tiny
TPMPRODUCTIONS
  • MEMBER
  • 86 POSTS
Okay, I know this is really late and everything but it was the starter relay that was bad. I switched it with another one and it cut right on. Thank you everyone that helped. I appreciate you all.
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Saturday, June 6th, 2020 AT 9:32 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Sunday, June 7th, 2020 AT 4:40 AM
Tiny
TPMPRODUCTIONS
  • MEMBER
  • 86 POSTS
I do however have another issue that I have asked a question about. I have another no start but it's worse this time. If you look under my name you can see the issue.
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Sunday, June 7th, 2020 AT 10:59 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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I will check for you.

Roy
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Sunday, June 7th, 2020 AT 1:41 PM

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