Car Won't Start, No Crank

[RoGuE]

I recently made a post regarding the bad timing chains on my 2005 CTS with the 3.6L. I just completed the project of replacing them this morning and I am now facing another issue.

I can't get it to start. It won't even crank, just a click. I did crank it a little bit at first before it was completely back together and it did but I couldn't do it long because I had all the fuel line disconnected. Put the rest of it back together (except for coolant) and tried again and just a click. I double check all my connections but I don't see anything disconnected. I confirmed the engine isn't locked up or anything. I can turn the motor over by hand.

 

[spasm3]

Did you check the battery voltage ?

 

[rijndael]

Did you check the battery voltage ?

While cranking too ... when/if you get it there.

 

[RoGuE]

It's a brand new battery with good voltage.

 

[rijndael]

Do the cluster/lights/dinger all work properly?

 

[bdcardinal]

Are there any theft lights flashing?

 

[97prizm]

I'm thinking a security lock out or immobilizer.

 

[GSCJR]

Double check your starter motor (+) connections.

 

[Drifter]

Possibly the starter. Give it a tap. Check for voltage at the starter.

 

[RoGuE]

All of the cluster light work. No flashing theft light before or after. It comes on solid for a second as you're turning the key and goes off. I tried tapping the starter a couple times to no effect. What are the odds the starter just happens to go out after sitting for three weeks while I fixed the timing set? lol

 

[Trav]

I recently made a post regarding the bad timing chains on my 2005 CTS with the 3.6L. I just completed the project of replacing them this morning and I am now facing another issue.

I can't get it to start. It won't even crank, just a click. I did crank it a little bit at first before it was completely back together and it did but I couldn't do it long because I had all the fuel line disconnected. Put the rest of it back together (except for coolant) and tried again and just a click. I double check all my connections but I don't see anything disconnected. I confirmed the engine isn't locked up or anything. I can turn the motor over by hand.

In the under hood fuse box jump Relay R4 and see if it cranks. Search Google or you tube for the pin out and wiring diagram. I just looked for a starter relay and its location. Check every connection and any that may not be plugged in.

 

[RoGuE]

I did also try swapping the starter relay with another identical one and it made no difference. How do I jump the relay?

 

[Trav]

I did also try swapping the starter relay with another identical one and it made no difference. How do I jump the relay?

Not a great video but should get you there.

 

[Drifter]

If you swapped relays I doubt that's the issue. I could be wrong though. Can you probe the starter easily to check for power at the starter ? Also double check the battery to be sure. Maybe use a jump pack or jumper cables. That stinks. That is my luck too.

 

[ripcord]

Clean the battery terminals extra carefully and ensure they are tight.

 

[4wheeldog]

It may take a second set of hands but you really need to check voltage while the key is in the start position. Or at least try jump starting from a known good battery.

 

[dishdude]

Can you try to turn it over by hand just to make sure it isn't locked up?

 

[NibbanaBanana]

Get a remote starter switch. It will come with instructions.

 

[RoGuE]

Can you try to turn it over by hand just to make sure it isn't locked up?

I did and it turns over just fine by hand.

I just tried using a jumper on the relay socket like in that video and it still only just gave me a click from the starter and the jumper got insanely hot in that fraction of a second

 

[Drifter]

Can you try to turn it over by hand just to make sure it isn't locked up?

I confirmed the engine isn't locked up or anything. I can turn the motor over by hand. From his original post