GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Starter Solenoid Does Not Click w/o Allison

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Starting and Charging Schematics

1

Did you preform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

Turn the ignition switch to the START position.

Does the engine crank?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 3

3

Turn the ignition switch to the START position.

Does the starter motor relay click?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 4

4

Is the vehicle equipped with a manual transmission?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 7

5

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the Clutch Start Switch Signal parameter in the PCM data list while depressing the clutch pedal.

Does the scan tool display Released/Applied?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the powertrain control module (PCM) harness connector.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the clutch start switch signal of the PCM harness and a good ground.
  4. Turn the ignition to the START position while depressing the clutch pedal.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM harness connector.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the Crank Voltage circuit of the PCM harness and a good ground.
  4. With the transmission in park, or clutch pedal depressed, turn the ignition switch to the START position.

Does the test light illuminate?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect for poor connections at the PCM connector, underhood fuse block or ignition switch harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 9

9

Test the supply voltage circuit of the crank voltage circuit and Crank fuse for an open or high resistance. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 30

10

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM harness connector.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the starter enable relay control circuit of the PCM harness and a good ground.
  4. Turn the ignition to the START position.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 11

11

  1. Remove the starter motor relay.
  2. Connect a test light from the supply voltage circuit of the starter motor relay coil circuit to ground.
  3. With the transmission in park, or clutch pedal depressed, turn the ignition switch to the START position.

Does the test light illuminate?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

12

  1. Connect a test light from the supply voltage circuit of the starter motor relay coil circuit to the control circuit of the starter motor relay coil circuit.
  2. With the transmission in park, or clutch pedal depressed, turn the ignition switch to the START position.

Does the test light illuminate?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 17

13

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the park neutral position (PNP) switch. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4L60-E/4L65-E, Park/Neutral Position Switch Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4L80-E/4L85-E, or Clutch Pedal Engine Start Switch Replacement in Clutch.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Connect a 10-amp fused jumper between the starter motor relay coil control circuits of the PNP switch or clutch pedal position switch.
  5. With the transmission in PARK, or clutch pedal depressed, turn the ignition switch to the START position.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 18

14

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the starter motor relay.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter motor relay switch circuit and a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 26

15

Connect a 30-amp fused jumper between the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter motor relay switch circuit and the supply voltage circuit of the starter solenoid.

Does the engine crank?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 16

16

Does the fuse in the jumper open?

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 19

17

Test the control circuit of the starter motor relay for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 28

18

Test the supply voltage circuit of the starter motor relay coil circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 24

19

Test the supply voltage circuit of the starter solenoid for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 25

20

Inspect for poor connections at the starter motor relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 28

21

    • If equipped with an automatic transmission, inspect for poor connection at the PNP switch harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. If OK, perform the Park/Neutral Position Switch Adjustment in Automatic Transmission - 4L60-E/4L65-E, Park/Neutral Position Switch Adjustment in Automatic Transmission - 4L80-E/4L85-E.
    • If equipped with a manual transmission, inspect for poor connection at the clutch pedal position switch harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 29

22

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 23

23

Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 32

--

24

Inspect for poor connections at the ignition switch harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 30

25

Inspect for poor connections at the starter solenoid. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 31

26

Repair the open or high resistance in the battery positive voltage circuit of the Starter Motor relay switch circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 32

--

27

Repair the short to ground in the supply voltage circuit of the starter solenoid. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 32

--

28

Replace the Starter Relay. Refer to Relay Replacement in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 32

--

29

  1. Replace the PNP switch. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4L60-E/4L65-E, Park/Neutral Position Switch Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4L80-E/4L85-E.
  2. Replace the clutch pedal position switch. Refer to Clutch Pedal Engine Start Switch Replacement in Clutch.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 32

--

30

Replace the ignition switch. Refer to Ignition and Start Switch Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 32

--

31

Replace the starter. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 32

--

32

Operate the system for which the symptom occurred.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2

Starter Solenoid Does Not Click w/Allison

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Starting and Charging Schematics

1

Did you preform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Turn the ignition switch to the START position.

Does the engine crank?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

Turn the ignition switch to the START position.

Does the starter motor relay click?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the powertrain control module (PCM) harness connector.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the Crank Voltage circuit of the PCM harness and a good ground.
  4. With the transmission in park, turn the ignition switch to the START position.

Does the test light illuminate?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect for poor connections at the PCM connector, underhood fuse block or ignition switch harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 26

Go to Step 6

6

Test the supply voltage circuit of the crank voltage circuit and Crank fuse for an open or high resistance. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 26

Go to Step 24

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM harness connector.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the starter enable relay control circuit of the PCM harness and a good ground.
  4. Turn the ignition to the START position.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Remove the starter motor relay.
  2. Connect a test light from the supply voltage circuit of the starter motor relay coil circuit to ground.
  3. With the transmission in park, turn the ignition switch to the START position.

Does the test light illuminate?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 15

9

  1. Connect a test light from the supply voltage circuit of the starter motor relay coil circuit to the control circuit of the starter motor relay coil circuit.
  2. With the transmission in park, turn the ignition switch to the START position.

Does the test light illuminate?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 13

10

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the starter motor relay.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter motor relay switch circuit and a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 21

11

Connect a 30-amp fused jumper between the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter motor relay switch circuit and the supply voltage circuit of the starter solenoid.

Does the engine crank?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 12

12

Does the fuse in the jumper open?

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 15

13

Test the control circuit of the starter motor relay for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 26

Go to Step 23

14

Test the supply voltage circuit of the starter motor relay coil circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 26

Go to Step 19

15

Test the supply voltage circuit of the starter solenoid for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 26

Go to Step 20

16

Inspect for poor connections at the starter motor relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 26

Go to Step 23

17

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 26

Go to Step 18

18

Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 26

--

19

Inspect for poor connections at the ignition switch harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 26

Go to Step 24

20

Inspect for poor connections at the starter solenoid. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 26

Go to Step 25

21

Repair the open or high resistance in the battery positive voltage circuit of the Starter Motor relay switch circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 26

--

22

Repair the short to ground in the supply voltage circuit of the starter solenoid. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 26

--

23

Replace the Starter Relay. Refer to Relay Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 26

--

24

Replace the ignition switch. Refer to Ignition and Start Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 26

--

25

Replace the starter. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 26

--

26

Operate the system for which the symptom occurred.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 1

Starter Solenoid Does Not Click Diesel

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Starting and Charging Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Power and Grounding Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Turn the ignition switch to the start position.

Does the engine crank?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the Diagnostic Circuit Check Class 2 Power Mode parameter.
  4. Turn the ignition switch to the start position.

Does the scan tool display the actual ignition switch position.

Go to Step 4

Power Mode Mismatch

4

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Verify that the transmission is in Park or Neutral.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the PNP switch parameter in the engine control module (ECM) data list.

Does the scan tool display Park/Neutral?

Go to Step 5

Go to Transmission Internal Mode Switch Logic

5

Turn the ignition switch to the start position.

Did the starter relay click?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the starter relay.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit of the starter relay coil and a good ground.
  5. Turn the ignition switch to the start position.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 15

7

  1. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit of the starter relay coil and the ground circuit of the crank relay.
  2. ON manual transmissions fully depress the clutch pedal. Turn the ignition switch to the start position.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 12

8

  1. Turn ON the ignition.
  2. Connect a test lamp between the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter relay switch circuit and a good ground.
  3. Turn the ignition switch to the start position.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 17

9

Important: Ensure the parking brake is applied and the transmission is in park equipped with an automatic transmission or neutral on a manual transmission.

Connect a 40-amp fused jumper between the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter relay switch circuit and the supply voltage circuit of the starter solenoid.

Does the engine crank?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

10

Does the fuse in the jumper open?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 11

11

Test the supply voltage circuit of the starter solenoid for a high resistance or open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 14

12

On manual transmission repair clutch start switch circuit. On automatic transmissions repair the ground circuit of the crank relay. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 22

--

13

Inspect for poor connections at the starter relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 19

14

Inspect for poor connections at the starter solenoid. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 20

15

Repair an open or high resistance in the control circuit of the starter relay coil. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 16

16

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 22

Step 21

17

Repair the open or high resistance in the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter relay switch. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 22

--

18

Repair the short to ground in the supply voltage circuit of the starter solenoid. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 22

--

19

Replace the starter relay.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 22

--

20

Replace the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 22

--

21

Replace the ECM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 22

--

22

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2