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No crank, no start?

Tiny
KPEANUTJR
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 208,000 MILES
Just replaced the engine block in my car listed above, GTP. It had a boost issue after first start, I fixed that issue and the next day it won’t start, won’t click, all lights come on as usual, starter has power and ground. Brand new battery and alternator, starter is 1 year old, I’ve checked everything I can think of. Any ideas?
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2023 AT 10:06 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,389 POSTS
It sounds like the starter has gone bad but to be sure let's check for power at the solenoid trigger wire.

Here is a guide that will help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.
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Thursday, April 27th, 2023 AT 11:15 AM
Tiny
KPEANUTJR
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I’ll check that when next. I got the starter tested and it works fine so I believe it’s wiring.
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Thursday, April 27th, 2023 AT 12:53 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, it could be the positive or ground battery cables, it would check those first.
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Saturday, April 29th, 2023 AT 10:35 AM
Tiny
KPEANUTJR
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Okay update. We got the starter to click with key, battery tested good, but it still won’t crank the engine just clicking the starter.
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Sunday, April 30th, 2023 AT 3:13 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I would put a breaker bar on the front of the engine to see if you can turn the engine by hand to make sure it is not locked up. Let me know what happens.
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Monday, May 1st, 2023 AT 10:17 AM
Tiny
KPEANUTJR
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I’ve tried that just to be sure already its turning over fine, I was think it might need to be shimmed but I’ve replaced the starter a couple times I the past and never had to.
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Monday, May 1st, 2023 AT 10:38 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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I don't think a shim will fix it, they have not used shims in years. It's got to be the starter or battery cables, I would put a test light on the positive cable at the starter to see if it stays lit when cranked over.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Also, can you confirm the trigger wire is getting power when in the crank position, did you go over the guide I provided?
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Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 AT 12:10 PM

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