Truck won’t turn over
So a few days ago I recently bought a used new truck from a dealership in town, a 2007 Chevy Avalanche. He said everything works, they rechecked. But the next morning when I went to go start it, it wouldn't turn over it just clicked (plus the weather has been below 0 but that shouldn't be the issue) so we jump start it, it worked fine.. then this morning I tried again but it wouldn't turn over, we tried to jump start it but it still would not turn over so I got back from work around 2pm and we tried again, it still won't turn over.. I took it to get a free engine check but the
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The battery should be load tested by a professional. Load testing can only be reliably performed on a fully charged battery. If the battery passes a load test be sure it is NOT a marginal pass in which case you should install a new battery to reduce diagnostic headaches. Batteries are a VERY important component in a car’s electrical system. Once you have a fully functioning battery, if the starting system still does not function, there are actually only a relatively limited number of causes. Broadly, either the starter motor/solenoid assembly is faulty or the electrical circuit supplying the motor has a fault. That circuit begins at the battery and includes grounds, wiring (some of which is very heavy cabling), fuses, relays, the ignition switch and terminations. Basically, the starter is either getting power or it isn’t. If the starter motor is getting power but it doesn’t work, the starter is condemned and replaced. Alternatively, if there is no power to the starter, then the circuit is traced until the fault in the circuit is found. Notably, faults can include high resistances, due to corrosion, wire strand breaks, or loose terminals, which can only be diagnosed using a voltage drop test. If you desire that a certified mechanic resolve this promptly, please simply request a no start diagnostic and the responding mechanic will get it diagnosed and repaired for you. Please let us know if you have further concerns or questions as we are always here to help you.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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The most common reasons a Chevrolet Avalanche won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
The cause of this problem is usually one of 3 things – a failed starter motor, a bad connection between the battery and starter motor, or a blown fuse (if present) in line between the starter and the battery.
A blown fuse in the starter circuit could be the cause of a no-start problem. Broken or corroded wiring – Damaged or dirty wires to the battery or to the starter solenoid (or wires that are loose) can prevent sufficient power from reaching the starter.
If your car won`t start but the battery is good, the most common cause is a faulty starter – though it could also be to do with your fuel. You may have insufficient fuel to get the car going.
If this happens to you, chances are it`s not the starter. Instead, it`s likely because your engine isn`t getting at least one of the four major components it needs to start: fuel, air, spark, or compression.
The most common reasons a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
Blown Fuse
If there has been a surge, a fuse that controls the fuel pump, the fuel injectors, or another component that`s vital for your car`s functioning, it may be the cause of your car`s failure to start.
One of the best ways to determine if a car fuse has blown is by using a test light. It should illuminate both ends of the fuse, and, if it doesn`t, it needs to be replaced. Sometimes, a blown fuse is caused by a damaged wire, motor, or other part.
The starter solenoid is an electromagnetic switch that engages the starter motor. How can I tell if my starter solenoid is bad? If you`re having trouble cranking the engine over but the battery is charged, or if your starter won`t disengage after starting the engine, it`s likely a starter solenoid issue.
Bad Spark Plug Or Broken Distributor Cap/Rotor
If you have a good battery and enough fuel in the gas tank and your car still won`t start, chances are you have a bad spark plug. Why? A bad spark plug will prevent fuel ignition, and the vehicle won`t move.
Hard start symptoms and starter failure may NOT be caused by the starter, but could actually be caused by the crankshaft position sensor. If your vehicle is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, the crankshaft sensor may be at fault.
If there is no sound when you turn the key, but the lights and accessories work, it could be the stater relay or starter solenoid. However if there is no sound at all, not even a click, it`s probably your battery.
Seized car engine symptoms:
Fumes/smoke: since the engine can`t turn over, fumes, smoke, and even fire can happen – all of which are a sure sign of an engine seizure. Nothing: the most tell-tale sign of a seized engine is when nothing happens. When your car won`t start no matter how hard you try.
The starter relay not only completes the electrical circuit, but it also boosts the battery`s current. If your starter relay has gone bad, the electrical signal will never make it from the battery to the starter motor. As a result, your engine won`t turn over – no matter how many times you turn the key.
The ignition relay is one of the most important electronic relays found on modern vehicles. It is usually located in the fuse and relay panel beneath the hood, and is responsible for providing power to the vehicle`s ignition system, and some of the fuel system`s components.
To check the voltage reaching the starter, connect the voltmeter to the starter feed terminal and earth it on the starter casing. Test the voltage reaching the starter. For a negative-earth system on a car with a pre-engaged starter, connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to the feed terminal on the solenoid.
The starter relay is one of the most critical and often overlooked components in any vehicle ignition system. The starting relay is a small electrical device located in the starting circuit of a large current motor. The relay is just a remote control switch that regulates the current in a high-current circuit.
Solenoid coil failure can be caused by a number of factors. Applying an incorrect voltage to the coil will cause it to fail and may cause the coil to burn out. Electrical surges or spikes may also damage the coil. Burnt out coils cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced.
A car`s engine won`t start if you jump-start it with a damaged starter motor. Jump-starting just increases the power of the battery. An auto transmission automobile cannot be pushed or towed started. However, a manual transmission car with a broken starter may.
So can a bad starter drain your battery? The short answer is: Yes, it can. It could also drain the battery even faster if you repeatedly try to start your car with a faulty starter. A faulty starter is also one of the leading causes of battery overcharging.
Fortunately (spoiler alert) the root cause of a no-crank is almost always simple. Most of the time it`s simply due to a low or dead battery, or voltage drop through a corroded connection. Rule those out before you suspect the starter itself.
Turn the ignition off on both cars. Connect the positive cable to positive terminals on both batteries. Connect the negative cable to the negative node of the functioning battery. Connect the other end of the negative cable to the ground on the dead battery.
Battery Current Sensor Problems
Dirt and Debris: Dirt, debris, or corrosion on car batteries can penetrate into the sensor causing malfunctioning. This failure can lead to a number of electrical problems including no-start.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I parked my truck for 5-10 mins. Tried to turn it on, now it wont start, called a tow tow truck 15-20mins later my truck turned on
ANSWER : It is very likely that you have a powertrain control module failure. This can happen often on many GM vehicles. I would recommend having the powertrain control module tested and replaced as necessary in order to resolve this issue. After the powertrain control module is replaced, a reflash procedure will be required so that the vehicle can relearn all of its primary engine data. Once the reflash is completed, your vehicle should no longer have this issue.
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Engine turned off but inside of car still on, now engine won’t turn back on.
ANSWER : Hi there. The symptoms you’re describing with your boyfriend’s 2002 Grand Cherokee appear to be related to a broken or worn out ignition switch or relay. The ignition switch on the inside of the steering column is attached to multiple electronic connections that send signals to a relay box; which in turn, sends the signal to the individual components. The issue could be related to the ignition switch, the relay, or any of the components in between. If you want to have the fault pinpointed in person, I would have this starting issue inspected by a trained professional to ensure that the correct repair is made.
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Truck won’t start
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. I’d be happy to provide my insight. There are a variety of potential issues that may have caused this. The oil light coming on should not have anything to do with the truck stalling unless the oil level is severely low and the truck’s computer may have gone into "safe mode", which is a safety feature of the truck that is engaged when something goes wrong with the truck that may be catastrophic in terms of engine failure or safety. When this happens, the computer simply shuts the truck down and will not allow it to move in an effort to preserve the engine and safety of the passengers.
If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this no-start issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
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Cruise control turns on at idle, but when the car reaches 10 mph the cruise turns off and won’t turn back until idle again.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check all of the grounds to the vehicle and see if there is any wires that are damaged from the taillight short. A loose ground will cause multiple problems with the electrical system and some or multiple components will not work. If you need further assistance with your electrical issues, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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When I turn the ignition over the truck just clicks once and it won’t click no more As if it gets stuck
ANSWER : Your problems may have its origin in either the ignition switch, or a current drain in the vehicle. Make sure the ignition switch doesn’t have a high voltage drop in the run or start positions. This would affect both engine start, and continued running. Replacing the ignition switch would be the resolution if this is the case.
Check also for current drain greater than about 50 milliamps on each circuit after the engine has been turned off, and all accessories are powered down. Any current drain greater than this will drain the battery quickly, putting a strain on the alternator, and making engine start difficult if not unsuccessful.
I would recommend having YourMechanic diagnose this issue, provide an accurate assessment of damage, and estimate the cost of repairs. YourMechanic can dispatch a mobile, professional mechanic to your location for a diagnosis of your starting issue and make the necessary repair.
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Car won’t turn over. No lights come on when I turn it. Can’t even lock my doorsvor push the seat up or back.
ANSWER : Your probably correct, it sounds as though your battery is done. But it also sounds like you have charging system issues. I’m not sure that fixing your battery and charging system will solve the problem with the car shutting off, but it’s possible that it will and it’s a darned good place to start. By contacting Your Mechanic, you can have a technician come to your home or office to check out your car and help you figure out what to do next.
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Everything turns on, but when I turn my key, the car won’t turn on
ANSWER : Hi there. There are a few things that instantly come to mind that could be causing your starting issues. If you can activate all of your accessories but nothing happens when you turn the key forward, the cause is most likely going to be a battery that has lost cranking amps, a broken starter, or a faulty ignition cylinder relay. In order to determine the exact part that is damaged, and to avoid spending extra money on unnecessary parts or repairs, you may want to contact a professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who can diagnose your starting problem for you.
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As I’m driving, all my lights inside/out of the car turn off and the car still stays on. But when I turn the car off it won’t turn over
ANSWER : Hello there. The charging system on the car may not be charging the battery as you drive and the systems that keep the engine running are priority so the engine will stay running until the voltage drops below about 9 volts but the lighting and some other accessories may cut off above this voltage first. You should have the charging system tested to see if the alternator needs to be replaced.
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