Thread: No Crank - No Start!!

Okay..one more time..a little help please. My 01 GT NA 3.8 has an issue where it periodically decides not to start. I just get a click and no crank. Sometimes will take a few turns of the key an it "catches" and cranks, and other times I have to turn the key upwards of 200 times to get it to start. Then it doesn't do it for 3 or 4 days, then does it again. It's like starter roulette... I've checked the batt, cables and grounds - removed the starter & had it tested, & cleaned all connections. The only modifications I have done to the ignition system is to remove the key interlock solenoid to stop the key from getting jammed in the ignition. Any Ideas?
Thanks in advance!

If it ''clicks'' as in the starter silinoid ''clicks'' then you're starter is more than likley going out.


I had a problem similar to this. Parked at Wal-Mart went inside got 4 things.came back outside....Click...click and it would not start...Towed it home...Took the starter out....Jumped it off by-passing the silinoid...worked fine...So i knew it was the silinoid...Went and got a new one but tested the old one when i got to the parts store...and it tested fine...


Got a new starter and have been fine since. What i'm saying is sometimes it's hard t diagnoise these things. But it is more than likley you're starter. That is if you're sure that the battery cables and grounds are ok.

Did the starter sound strong when tested? Cause when we tested the current starter and a reman unit they sounded virtually identical in sound and apparent speed & torque. No prob replacing the starter money wise, but I don't wanna waste $$ if I t isn't gonna fix the issue.

Sounded perfect. Tested it many times.


Tell you what...Some may dissagree with me but i'm only saying this because I think this is you're problem.


Buy a starter from the parts store. Do not give them you'rs. Try that and if it does not work bring it back to them and tell them sometimes it starts and sometimes it does not and would like you're money back.

They will give you're money back and you will walk out....then you'll come back on here and rub it in my face that that did not fix the problem..


No but really I think that is you're problem.

OK...I'm going with your recommendation. Picked up a starter today at autozone on the way home, and it's going on tonight.

Cool let me know how it works out.

Well...that wasn't it - this thing is making me crazy. Hear a click from under the dash on the passenger side, but just no engagement of the starter - took 9 turns the last time after i filled it up -w- gas. I've now eliminated the cables, battery, starter & starter relay. I'm totally lost now.

On a side note, I also replaced my O2 sensor, and my ses light went off, and as a weird side effect my abs and traction control light went off at the same time...all 3 have been on since I got the car.

Originally Posted by TDCRacing

If it ''clicks'' as in the starter silinoid ''clicks'' then you're starter is more than likley going out.

Well that wasn't it. Sorry my recomendation did not work.Let me do some searching and see it I can not come up with anything else.

Here's another clue...did it again this morning & I can clearly hear the starter solenoid engaging and disengaging when I turn the key, so it's somewhere in the circuit that sends the signal for the starter to crank. I think this rules out the park neutral safety switch as it wouldn't even engage the solenoid?? Any Ideas???

When it happens you need someone to try and put a volt meter on the posotive wire on the silinoid and see how much voltage it is getting.



If it is engaging the starter just a little it would seem that there is a conncetion issue.

I have checked all the connections, and have replaced the Battery now with a new one - the issue remains. I'm at the point where I'm ready to take it to a mechanic for diagnosis. Anyone familiar with the Kansas City metro area know of a good pontiac tech or garage I could go to??

About all that is left is the cables. Here is an article that at least talks about testing the negative cable:

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