Won't start

Tiny
TRAVIS BURBACH
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA
Electrical problem 6 cyl All Wheel Drive Automatic 103000 miles

when I turn the key nothing happens, no movement or sounds. I have replaced the starter relay, neutral safety switch and ignition switch. The starter motor has been bench tested and is working. What do I try next?
Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 AT 9:59 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi:
This sounds like a ground problem. Have you checked all of the ground leads from the battery, body ground straps...? Also, Have you checked for power to the starter, relay...?

We are losing power somewhere here is a guide to help us find out where.

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

Here is a starter wiring diagram (Below) to help us see how the system works and check for power.

Let me know. If you are getting no power to any of the components, are you getting power to the accessories?

Joe
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Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 AT 12:54 PM
Tiny
TRAVIS BURBACH
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I have power to what appears to be all accessories. The only thing that doesn't is the remote locks which previously worked. There is power to the starter, but none to the solenoid when the key is turned to start. When I jump the solenoid the engine turns, but it won, t start.I have cleaned all grounds in the engine compartment. Periodically the dash display says unknown driver but has no effect on any functions. Your help is greatly appreciated.
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Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 AT 6:37 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi:
Based on everything you have mentioed, it sounds like the security system has shut the ignition and fuel down so the car can't be stolen. Let me do a little research on this problem. I will also be contacting other techs, so don't be surprised if you get a response from others. If I had to guess, I would say the sensor in the steering column is no longer recognizing the key's sensor.

Joe
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Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
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Definitely sounds like pass lock problem. When you turn key to attempt to start truck I want you to leave the key in the run position and let me know if the theft light goes out or it just flashes. It should just go out, if it continues to flash then the problem is in the ignition key or cylinder/switch. I can temporarily get you started if this is the case but it will need to be fixed. Get back to us.
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Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 AT 6:18 AM
Tiny
JNOVACK
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I agree it does sound like the sentry system you all are on the wright track
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Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 AT 9:23 AM
Tiny
TRAVIS BURBACH
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
The security light turns off when the key is left in the on position. Is it possible that this is a PCM issue? I can bypass the starter relay and the key activates the starter, but engine still won't fire. According to the wiring diagram, the starter relay runs through the PCM. Thanks again for all of your help
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Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 AT 3:35 PM
Tiny
JNOVACK
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Check these fuses they very depending on model fuse 10 and 22,25,28,29 in the fuse block under hood also fuse 47 in rear fuse block the pcm is located on intake manifold left side of engine


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/52960_pcm_1.jpg

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Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
TRAVIS BURBACH
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All fuses are good.
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Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
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I have seen the ground connection on drivers side of cylinder head cause no start by not giving starter relay a ground. Check that.
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Thursday, November 20th, 2008 AT 11:54 AM
Tiny
JNOVACK
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Ok like tim said check your grounds
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Thursday, November 20th, 2008 AT 5:15 PM
Tiny
MSWILSON33
  • MEMBER
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Hi I was just reading this and rite now I'm having the same issues with my 2002 bravda truck. It won't start and I have a security lite popping on, on the dashboard and really need help on getting it started. I just got a new alternator, starter and a new battery can you help me. Thanks
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Friday, September 23rd, 2016 AT 8:05 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,574 POSTS
You will need to reset the security system here is a guide to help.

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

Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
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Sunday, December 31st, 2017 AT 2:32 PM

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