No starter operation? Not cranking over?

Tiny
RYLEY NUTT
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 4.8L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
Dash lights are on but when I try to start it the lights barely dim and it does not try to start at all, and when I turn the key off and take it out the dash lights stay on. I replaced the ignition switch and it is the same also checked ignition fuses in fuse box.
Friday, December 30th, 2016 AT 12:04 PM

35 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check battery for condition including load test. if battery okay try resetting security system, see link.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

and

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

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Friday, December 30th, 2016 AT 12:55 PM
Tiny
RENEE L
  • ADMIN
  • 1,260 POSTS
Hi RYLEY NUTT,

If you decide to check the condition of your battery yourself here is a link to helpful information from this site that features written instructions, pictures and a video explaining how to load test your battery yourself.

If you need further assistance please come back to 2CarPros.com. We are always happy to help.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-battery

Thank you for visiting 2CarPros.

Kindest regards,

Renee
Admin
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Saturday, December 31st, 2016 AT 2:26 PM
Tiny
07_SHORTY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 30,000 MILES
Wont start. Fuel pump runs. Does not try to trun over display says service theft deterrant system. Tried locking unlocking checked apropriate fuses and still nothing
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCOTTY DEE
  • MECHANIC
  • 592 POSTS
Have the body control module scanned for codes. If the TDS displays on the driver information center there will be a code stored to give you a starting point.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MYSTEE333
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 6.2L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
This truck has been super hard to crank. You’d have to hold the key just right, shake the wheel, etc. My husband decided to change the ignition lock today and now it will not crank. Any suggestions?
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

Does the security light stay on? It may have to be reset.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

Give this a try.

Roy
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GREGFUGETT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
Wont start and half the lights come on and the rest wont
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Sounds like your alternator isnt charging the battery like it should, or the battery is shot. Try jumping it. If it starts and then turns off as soon as you remove the cables then you need to test the system to see if the battery is bad or alternator
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LAZY_Y_RANCH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 235,000 MILES
When I try to crank my truck, it will just make a single 'click' noise. I have had my battery, alternator, and starter checked and they are all good. Some days it will not because any problems and then it will do the same issue again. If I maneuver the key in and out, or flip it over, or even use my spare-sometimes it will crank right up. It does not 'whirl or whine' like when a typical starter is trying to crank but going bad. And I have lights, radio, and other power so I do not think it is the alternator. Now, the swapping keys or taking in and out is not working as well as it did a couple months back. Also, when I am having this issue and it will not crank, my programmed seats sometimes will not move either. My guess was either the ignition switch because of the electrical issues with the programmed seats, the single 'clicking' noise, and sometimes the radio being powered "off" and only displaying the clock (but was previously on when truck was running). But then again I thought maybe the tumbler since if the key is placed "just right" sometimes it will fire up after not working just a key turn before.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
The tumblers are there to allow only the correct key to turn the ignition switch and does not effect the electrical system.
It should either be the ignition switch or maybe the transmission range switch.

When problem occurs, note if the dash lights all go out when key is held in crank position. If all lights goes out, it most likely is the switch, just located behind the tumblers.

If the P indicator light is not indicating in dash when this occurs, try shifting the lever to N and test.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LAZY_Y_RANCH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you very much. Can the ignition switch affect the gauges on the dash? For example, it cranked this morning and the oil gauge was reading too low. Matter of fact, it said oil pressure low shut engine off. Could the switch affect that since it can affect the power locks, seats, windows etc or is there some sort of safety feature that is purposely preventing us from cranking it because of the oil pressure being too low? Or is this an additional issue (maybe oil pump)?
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
If the engine isn't running, then it won't have oil pressure. But to answer you, the switch does power the oil pressure sensor. The single click has me thinking there is a connection issue. Please note, make sure battery terminals are clean and tight. Also, on the positive battery cable, there is a fuse-able like wire that runs to the the power distribution box. If the wire is loose, corroded. It can cause a similar issue. Finally, there is a fuse-able link wire that runs to the alternator. I've seen them do the same thing when going bad or poorly connected.

The first thing I would check is to make sure battery connections both at the battery and their locations are clean and tight. I have seen this exact problem many times over the years and 75% of the time, that was the issue.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTA GOWIN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2006 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 4.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
If we stop and turn the engine off. It does not even turn over. If we wait ten to thirty minutes and then try to start it starts with no problem. An insulated blanket for the starter was suggested but does not seem to fit. Any suggestions?
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
It sounds like the starter is going out or a battery that shorts internally when it gets hot. When it will not crank over try this guide to test the battery.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

See if the lights stay bright when you crank it. If the do I would replace the starter. Here is a guide to show you step by step and diagrams below so you can see what it will be like for your truck:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

You can get a AC Delco unit for $134.00 on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007QBU4UW/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=2carprcom-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B007QBU4UW&linkId=a993f6e9122be849361b4bf806afb9df

I do not think the blanket will help I would take that back. Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LIFTEDLIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2006 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 92,000 MILES
When I turn the key all my lights come on but truck will not turn over or start. Radio comes on but blower does not. Can go under hood and jump relay and truck will start and drive but still no blower for heat/ac. Weird thing is that when truck was starting with key I had gears 1-4 and 4x4. Now that I have to jump relay I only have gears 2-3 and no 4x4. Only things

I have cleaned main ground from battery and at engine block. Checked fuses, new ignition switch and cylinder.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

Lets focus on one area, the starting issue. Once that is figured out, chances are it will fix the other issue.

First have you checked for diagnostic trouble codes? IF you haven't you really should scan the computer. I realize most people don't own a scanner, but often times, a parts store will do it for free.

Next, we need to see if there is power to the starter. The large wire at the starter gets 12v all the time, and is most likely not the problem since you can jump it there. The smaller wire on the starter (S - Terminal) should also get 12v but only when the key is in the start position. You will need a helper to check that.

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

Next, confirm the following fuses are good in the under hood fuse / relay box. See pics 1 and 2. I also need you to check the starter relay.

__________________________________

In addition to checking the fuse, make sure there is power available in to it and back out.

Here are a few links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

____________________________________-

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

Joe

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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LIFTEDLIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Ignition fuses are good. There is no power to small wire on starter when I get someone to hold key all the way forward as if they are trying to start the truck.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Have you tried switching the starter relay with a different one having the same part number?
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LIFTEDLIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yes. Still have to jump the starter relay under hood to start it and still no blower or 4x4. Could it be the neutral safety switch?
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SKYWEEZY02
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2006 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Just replaced fuel pump and it was working fine, now it will not crank.
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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 AT 2:42 PM (Merged)

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