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

2018 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
74,000 MILES • 5.3L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JOL
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  • 12 POSTS
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.
Aug 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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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.

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Aug 10, 2022 at 12:38 PM
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JOL
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Finally got somebody to crank the engine while I put a voltmeter on, and it read 11.9. The solenoid was also sparking, $240.00 later it's working again. Thanks for all your help. This will be my go to site from now on.
Aug 11, 2022 at 6:22 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. I'm glad to know it's working again.

Please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe
Aug 11, 2022 at 6:48 PM