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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2001CAVALIER LS, 2.4 TREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 15 (STARTING SYSTEM)SYSTEM TESTSENGINE DOES NOT CRANK, STARTER SOLENOID DOES NOT CLICK
2001 Chevrolet Cavalier LS, 2.4 T

Engine Does Not Crank, Starter Solenoid Does Not Click

2001 Chevrolet Cavalier LS, 2.4 TSECTION Engine Does Not Crank, Starter Solenoid Does Not Click
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2000 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Turn ignition switch to START position. If engine cranks, system is okay at this time. If engine does not crank, go to next step.
  2. Locate theft deterrent relay. See COMPONENT LOCATIONS  . Listen for a "click" from theft deterrent relay while turning ignition switch to START position. If a "click" sound is heard from theft deterrent relay while turning ignition switch to START position, go to step  6 . If no "click" sound is heard from theft deterrent relay while turning ignition switch to START position, go to next step.
  3. Disconnect theft deterrent relay. Connect a test light between ground and theft deterrent relay connector terminal C2 (Yellow wire). With transmission in Park (A/T), or clutch pedal depressed (M/T), turn ignition switch to START position. If test light illuminates, go to next step. If test light does not illuminate, go to step  5 .
  4. Connect test light between theft deterrent relay connector terminals C2 (Yellow wire) and A1 (Yellow/Black wire). With transmission in Park (A/T), or clutch pedal depressed (M/T), turn ignition switch to START position. If test light illuminates, go to step  12 . If test light does not illuminate, go to step  9 .
  5. Turn ignition off. Locate PNP switch (A/T) or CPP switch (M/T). See COMPONENT LOCATIONS  . Disconnect PNP switch (A/T) or CPP switch (M/T). Turn ignition on. On models equipped with automatic transmission, connect 10-amp fused jumper between PNP switch connector C1 terminals "E" (Purple wire) and "G" (Yellow wire). On models equipped with manual transmission, connect 10-amp fused jumper between CPP switch connector terminals "A" (Purple wire) and "B" (Yellow wire). On all models, with test light still connected between theft deterrent relay connector terminals C2 (Yellow wire) and A1 (Yellow/Black wire), turn ignition switch to START position while observing test light. If test light illuminates, go to step  13 . If test light does not illuminate, go to step  10 .
  6. Turn ignition off. Disconnect theft deterrent relay. Connect a test light between ground and theft deterrent relay connector terminal C1 (Red wire). If test light illuminates, go to next step. If test light does not illuminate, go to step  17 .
  7. Connect 30-amp fused jumper between theft deterrent relay connector terminals C1 (Red wire) and A2 (Purple wire). If starter engages, go to step  12 . If starter does not engage, go to next step.
  8. If 30-amp fuse in jumper goes open, go to step  18 . If 30-amp fuse in jumper does not go open, go to step  11 .
  9. Check for open or high resistance in Yellow/Black wire between theft deterrent relay connector terminal A1 and Green Body Control Module (BCM) 16-pin connector C3 terminal B7. See WIRING DIAGRAMS  . Repair as necessary and retest operation. If Yellow/Black wire checks okay, go to step  14 .
  10. Check for open or high resistance in Yellow wire between theft deterrent relay connector terminal C2 and PNP switch (A/T) or CPP switch (M/T). See WIRING DIAGRAMS  . Repair as necessary and retest operation. If Yellow wire checks okay, go to step  15 .
  11. Check for open or high resistance in Purple wire between theft deterrent relay connector terminal A2 and starter solenoid "S" terminal. See WIRING DIAGRAMS  . Repair as necessary and retest operation. If Purple wire checks okay, go to step  16 .
  12. Check for poor connections at theft deterrent relay. Repair as necessary and retest operation. If theft deterrent relay connections check okay, go to step  19 .
  13. On models equipped with automatic transmission, check for poor connection at PNP switch. On models equipped with manual transmission, check for poor connection at CPP switch. On all models, repair as necessary and retest operation. If PNP switch (A/T) or CPP switch (M/T) connections check okay, go to step  20 .
  14. Check for poor connection at Green BCM 16-pin connector C3. Repair as necessary and retest operation. If BCM connection is okay, go to step  21 .
  15. Gain access to ignition switch electrical connector and check for poor connections. See IGNITION SWITCH under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in ANALOG INSTRUMENT PANELS - CORVETTE article. Repair as necessary and retest operation. If ignition switch connections are okay, replace ignition switch. Retest operation.
  16. Check for poor connections at starter solenoid. Repair as necessary and retest operation. If starter solenoid connections are okay, replace starter. See STARTER  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Retest operation.
  17. Locate and repair open or high resistance in Red wire between theft deterrent relay connector terminal C1 and STARTER fuse (60-amp) located in instrument panel electrical center. See WIRING DIAGRAMS  . Retest operation.
  18. Repair short to ground in Purple wire between theft deterrent relay connector terminal A2 and starter solenoid "S" terminal. See WIRING DIAGRAMS  . Retest operation.
  19. Replace theft deterrent relay. Retest operation.
  20. On models equipped with automatic transmission, replace PNP switch. On models equipped with manual transmission, replace CPP switch. Retest operation.
  21. Replace BCM. See BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in BODY CONTROL MODULES - CORVETTE article.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.