GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Starter Solenoid Clicks, Engine Does Not Crank or Cranks Slowly

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

DEFINITION: The Starter Solenoid can be heard to click when the Ignition Switch is placed in the Start position. However, the engine does not crank (rotate) at all or it cranks so slowly that the engine can not start. The battery does display the green dot.

1

  1. Estimate the Battery's internal temperature. If the estimated battery temperature is less than 21 °C (70 °F), then de-rate the battery voltage for the following testing. Refer to Battery Load Test .
  2. Connect a voltmeter between the Battery's positive and negative terminals.
  3. Place the Ignition Switch in the Start position.
  4. After fifteen seconds, observe the battery voltage.
  5. Place the Ignition Switch in the Off position.

Did the voltmeter indicate more than the specified voltage with the Ignition Switch in the RUN position?

9.5 V

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 2

2

Perform the Battery Load Test. Refer to Battery Load Test .

Did the Battery pass the Load Test?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Replace the Starter Motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Starter and Charging System Check .

--

4

  1. Connect a voltmeter between the battery's negative terminal and engine block.
  2. Place the Ignition Switch in the START position.
  3. Observe the indicated voltage.
  4. Place the ignition switch in the OFF position.

Did the voltmeter indicate more than the specified voltage with the ignition Switch in the START position?

0.5 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Replace the BLK (450) negative lead from the battery to the engine block and to the sheet metal ground. Refer to Battery Cable

Are the repairs complete?

--

Go to Starter and Charging System Check .

--

6

  1. Connect a voltmeter between the battery's positive terminal and the starter solenoid positive terminal at the BLK (1) wire.
  2. Place the ignition switch in the START position.
  3. Observe the indicated voltage.
  4. Place the ignition switch in the OFF position.

Did the voltmeter indicate more than the specified voltage with the ignition switch in the start position?

0.5 V

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

Replace the positive battery cable. Refer to Battery Cable .

Are the repairs complete?

--

Go to Starter and Charging System Check .

--

8

Replace the Starter Motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Starter and Charging System Check .

--