No crank no start

DEVINF31

MEMBER
2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
3.8L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
28,000 MILES

Hi there, after doing a engine swap on my Grand Prix I am faced with a no crank, no start issue. My original motor was a 2008, 3.8l series 2 and I swapped it with a 2007 3.8l series 2 out of a Buick. To be safe I swapped all sensors from old engine to new, I also used old ignition control module and coils, I put new plugs in as well all grounds are hooked up and cleaned before hooking up and I have power to the starter. When I went to start for first time, I turned key, lights turned on, when I went to start, nothing I could hear relay click once after letting off key, however I just noticed when I turn key to "on" position my information center turns on then shuts off.

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Honestly, it sounds like a bad ground. Reconfirm that the battery terminals are clean and tight, the ground to the engine is clean and tight as well as other grounds from the battery (There are a total of three) and make sure the connections at the starter are tight. I have a feeling when installing the new engine, one of the body grounds were damaged.

I attached two pictures of the starting system. I overlapped them so you could follow them. Note the three body grounds. Also, note fuses.

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

Take care,
Joe

Images (Click to make bigger)

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, January 24th, 2019 AT 6:19 PM

DEVINF31

MEMBER
7 POSTS

I appreciate your rely. I am going over it now. I will let you know what I come up with.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, January 24th, 2019 AT 7:47 PM

DEVINF31

MEMBER
7 POSTS

So I checked and cleaned all grounds, still no crank, no start, I tested all fuses, and found that the top section of my fuse panel under the hood is not getting any power for whatever reason, when I turn key on. Information center lights up then shuts off still, but found when I shut my headlights off the information center turns back on. I jumped the starter and my car fired right away. I still need to resolve no crank no start.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, January 25th, 2019 AT 3:03 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Okay, if the grounds are good, then there is either a weak connection in the power distribution box or there is an issue with one of the pins. I have attached the plugs which are on the back side of the box. You need to check these for one that is disconnected, corrode, or got damaged during the work. I attached the legends so you can see what each plug powers.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

Images (Click to make bigger)