Engine will not crank - no starter operation?

Good morning.

The first thing I would do is to check for power to the starter motor when the car will not start. The small tickle wire on the solenoid needs power in the start position. If it has power, the starter is bad. If it does not then it could be a wiring issue, ignition switch or neutral safety switch.

These guides can help us fix it

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

and

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

Please run down these guides and report back.

Roy

It could be a connection that is affected by heat.

It needs to be checked by someone familiar with electrical controls.

Roy

Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.

Here is the starter wiring for anyone that needs it.

Roy

It sounds like the starter has gone bad, but to be sure lets by checking the trigger wire with a test light when the car will not crank over. Here is a guide to help you:

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

Here are diagrams to show you what it will be like for your car.

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Cheers

* Does your temperature gauge tell you that the engine is overheating?
* Are there any visual signs that the engine is overheating?
* How often do you have to add coolant?

If the engine is overheating it would behave this way. Let me know the answers to these questions and then we can go a bit further in the diagnostic process.

If you replaced the negative battery cable and are sure that the connections are clean and tight, perform a voltage drop test on the positive battery cable.

To do this you will need a Digital Volt meter. Set the voltmeter on the 2 volt scale.
Connect the positive (+) voltmeter lead to the positive battery cable (at the battery), be sure it makes a good connection.
Connect the negative (-) voltmeter lead to the positive battery terminal stud on the starter, be sure it makes a good connection.
Have an assistant to crank the engine over. Record the reading on the voltmeter, while the engine is cranking.
There should be a reading of 0.2 volts or less.

To check the negative side of the starting system, connect the positive(+) voltmeter lead to the negative battery cable (at the battery), be sure it makes a good connection.
Connect the negative(-) voltmeter lead to a clean spot on the case of the starter.
Have an assistant to crank the engine over. Record the reading on the voltmeter, while the engine is cranking.
There should be a reading of 0.3 volts or less.

If excessive resistance is found clean the battery cable ends and terminals. Clean the place on the engine where the negative cable attaches. Retest. If excessive resistance is still present, replace the faulty cable.

If excessive resistance is not found, remove the starter and have it tested at a local auto parts store (many of them will test it for free!).

Different person.

"The starter"

Bench testing at the auto store proves that it runs, they cannot simulate the heat and the load on it, short of putting it on another vehicle.

Just a last resort possibility.

I will give you all the information I got before you tear your hair out, or unwisely spend money.

Link follows, see my awesome answers in it!/be sure to check out the link in it near the end! "TRT41" is the best now!, "TRT30" is pretty good!

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/1996-chevrolet-tahoe-wont-start-sounds-dead-battery-jumpbox-get-same-reults

Return with good news!

The Medic

I have a couple questions. First, what are the codes that you got when you checked them? Second, when you say it doesn't crank, that normally means when you turn the key the starter does not turn the engine. Do you mean it doesn't start but it cranks over?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Some starters will not turn over when hot. I had a 1973 Fire-bird with headers. When the starter got hot, the starter would not crank, when cooled down started fine. I replaced with high torque starter. Problem gone.

Yes, lets please try replacing the starter. Here is a link to a good AC Delco unit:

Great instructions by FreeMBA, one of our best online mechanics at his best!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007QBU5IS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=2carprcom-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B007QBU5IS&linkId=d75d2b4665e6f3563ed5a95328323982

Let us know how it goes so i will help others.

Best, Ken