Car Won't Crank

[mblaze]

I have been having the intermittant problem of the car not cranking in the morning. It happens occasionally first thing in the morning. The car won't turn over, no clicking, nothing! Everything lights up, the radio plays, all of the electronics work but the cellenoid does not even click. I will keep trying and after 5 to 10 turns of the key, it will crank and fire right up. I already have a new battery. Anybody else have this problem?

[bonnevillain]

is the security light on at all?

[bill buttermore]

Make a high wattage 12V test light by attaching the two wires at one end of a lamp cord to the contacts on a brake light bulb. Connect the other ends to the small wire at the starter solenoid, and to a good ground. Place the bulb where you can see it, then turn the key to start. If the bulb lights brightly every time the key is turned to start, and the solenoid does not click, the problem is the solenoid or the starter. If the bulb does not light every time the key is turned to start, there is a problem with the wiring from the ignition switch to the solenoid. Using a voltmeter instead of a test lamp will not reliably tell you if you have a worn ignition switch or an intermittent internal open circuit, because the wiring may be able to pass small amounts of current but not enough to energize the solenoid.

[mblaze]

No, no check engine light or other indicator. The guage shows that it's charging Ok but I did notice that it varies from slightly above zero to 14. I can't remeber if this normal or not. I will try the light trick, thank you!

[00Beast]

Voltage running should be about 14. Voltage with key on should be between 10 and 12. If it fluctuates while running, your alternator might need to be looked at. How many miles on the car?

[bill buttermore]

Before you spend any money on anything else, check to make sure both ends of each battery cable are clean and tight.

[GXP Venom]

Especially where it's grounded to the floor pan under the back seat.

[mblaze]

Thanks for the advice. The car has 60k on it. I was mistaken before, the voltage fluctuates between 14 & 16. I have not had a chance to do the test yet. Honestly, I can't keep up with everything that is going wrong with this car. Just today I noticed that the air compressor started running almost constantly. I had the dealer run my sevice record the other day and even they were shocked. The car has been to the dealer 17 times for repairs not including regular services. Most of those 17 times were for multiple repairs. I love the styling and the V-8 but I have to say that I am kicking myself for buying another GM. Sorry for getting carried away, I guess I need to vent!

[00Beast]

Did you get an extended warranty? That will save a lot of costs on a car like that, LOL.

[mblaze]

Well...I unplugged my cigarette lighter cell phone charger and I have not experienced the problem since. Must be a short in the charger or in that circuit. Or maybe it's a coincidence and it will happen again tomorrow morning!

[GXP Venom]

Well...I unplugged my cigarette lighter cell phone charger and I have not experienced the problem since. Must be a short in the charger or in that circuit. Or maybe it's a coincidence and it will happen again tomorrow morning!

Now that you mention that,....That circuit is funny. I used the power wire to that to energize a power solenoid for my air suspension and had trouble, no starts and blown fuse for no reason, The solenoid itself drew very little power. I removed the splice and havent had any more trouble. Screwy electronics anyway.

[mblaze]

I had a couple of fuses blow myself, while plugging in my radar detector, that's what made me think of it. But guess what? I jinxed myself, the thing did again this morning! I'll have to follow the instructions above when I have some time.