Why all of a sudden one Morning the truck's engine cranks, but does not start?

JOL

MEMBER
2018 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
5.3L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
74,000 MILES

Tried to start truck in morning it failed. I gave it a jump with a booster, and it started, and it ran the rest of the morning. In the afternoon it did not start again, tried the booster again did not start, I put on charger for a couple of hours. Still didn't start. I checked battery, two months. Old, 12.9 volts, alternator is 3 weeks old. When I try to start it clicks once and that's it. Everything works; lights are bright, I tried to start in neutral, no go. I'm stranded at home out of ideas please help. I am retired so luckily, I don't have to show up at work. Thank you for your help.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,779 POSTS

Hi,

Have you checked to make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight? I ask because the starter places a heavy draw on the battery and if the connection isn't good, this can happen. Take a look through this link.

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

Also, can you tell if the click is the starter motor? There is a chance the starter motor itself may have failed.

If the click isn't from the starter, there could be a faulty fuse or relay. I attached the wiring schematic below showing the starter circuit. I highlighted the fuse and relay in question. The easiest thing to do is this.

Have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check for voltage at the yellow wire on the starter motor. If you have power and everything is tight, the starter is likely the issue. If there is no power, work back to the relay and fuse.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)