SYS.OK|MANUAL.DB● LIVE
HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2001CAVALIER LS, 2.4 TREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 33 (STARTING SYSTEM)SYSTEM TESTSTEST A: STARTER SOLENOID DOES NOT CLICK
2001 Chevrolet Cavalier LS, 2.4 T

Test A: Starter Solenoid Does Not Click

2001 Chevrolet Cavalier LS, 2.4 TSECTION Test A: Starter Solenoid Does Not Click
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire and 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: When working with electrical components refer to wiring schematics. See WIRING DIAGRAMS  .
  1. Did you perform the DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK (ENGINE ELECTRICAL)? If yes, proceed to next step. If no, see DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK (ENGINE ELECTRICAL)  .
  2. Depress the clutch pedal or verify the transmission is in PARK or NEUTRAL position. Turn the ignition to the START position. Is the security indicator flashing? If yes, see VEHICLE THEFT DETERRENT DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM TEST under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM in ANTI-THEFT SYSTEMS. If no, proceed to next step.
  3. Depress the clutch pedal or verify the transmission is in PARK or NEUTRAL position. Turn ignition to START position. Did the engine crank? If yes, test for intermittent and poor connections. If no, proceed to next step.
  4. Depress the clutch pedal or verify the transmission is in PARK or NEUTRAL position. Turn ignition to START position. Does the starter solenoid click? If yes, see TEST B: STARTER SOLENOID CLICKS, ENGINE DOES NOT CRANK  . If no, proceed to next step.
  5. Depress the clutch pedal or verify the transmission is in PARK or NEUTRAL position. Turn ignition from the ON to START position several times. Does the CRANK relay click each time the ignition is placed in the START position? If yes, go to step  14 . If no, proceed to next step.
  6. Turn OFF ignition. Disconnect the CRANK relay. Connect a test lamp between the crank voltage circuit of the CRANK relay coil and a good ground. Depress the clutch pedal or verify the transmission is in PARK or NEUTRAL position. Turn ignition to START position. Does the test lamp illuminate? If yes, proceed to next step. If no, go to step  8 .
  7. Connect a test lamp between the crank voltage circuit of the CRANK relay coil and the ground circuit of the CRANK relay coil. Depress the clutch pedal or verify the transmission is in PARK or NEUTRAL position. Turn ignition to START position. Does the test lamp illuminate? If yes, go to step  23 . If no, go to step  26 .
  8. Does the vehicle have an automatic transmission? If yes, proceed to next step. If no, go to step  12 .
  9. Install a scan tool. Turn ON ignition, with engine OFF. Place the transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL position. With a scan tool, observe the transmission switch parameter in the PCM data list. Does the scan tool display PARK or NEUTRAL? If yes, proceed to next step. If no, go to step  21 .
  10. Turn OFF ignition. Install the CRANK relay. Disconnect the Park Neutral Position (PNP) switch. Connect a 3 amp fused jumper between the crank voltage circuits of the PNP switch. Turn ignition to START position. Does the engine crank? If yes, go to step  21 . If no, proceed to next step.
  11. Connect a test lamp between the crank voltage circuit of the PNP switch and ground. Turn ignition to START position. Does the test lamp illuminate? If yes, go to step  25 . If no, go to step  17 .
  12. Turn OFF ignition. Install the CRANK relay. Disconnect the Clutch Pedal Position (CCP) switch. Connect a 3 amp fused jumper between the crank voltage circuits of the CPP switch. Depress the clutch pedal. Turn ignition to START position. Does the engine crank? If yes, go to step  22 . If no, proceed to next step.
  13. Connect a test lamp between the crank voltage circuit of the CPP switch and ground. Turn ignition to START position. Does the test lamp illuminate? If yes, go to step  25 . If no, go to step  17 .
  14. Turn OFF ignition. Disconnect the CRANK relay. Connect a test lamp between the battery positive voltage circuit of the CRANK relay switch and a good ground. Does the test lamp illuminate? If yes, proceed to next step. If no, go to step  27 .
  15. Turn OFF ignition. Apply the parking brake and verify the transmission is in PARK or NEUTRAL position. The Engine may crank when the jumper wire is installed. Connect a 30 amp fused jumper between the battery positive voltage circuit of the CRANK relay switch circuit and the crank voltage circuit of the starter solenoid. Does the engine crank? If yes, go to step  23 . If no, proceed to next step.
  16. Does the fuse in the jumper open? If yes, go to step  18 . If no, go to step  19 .
  17. Test the crank voltage circuit of the PNP switch or CCP switch for a high resistance or an open. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  33 . If no, go to step  20 .
  18. Test the crank voltage circuit of the starter solenoid for a short to ground. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  33 . If no, go to step  24 .
  19. Test the crank voltage circuit of the starter solenoid for a high resistance or an open. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  33 . If no, go to step  24 .
  20. Inspect for poor connections at the ignition switch. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  33 . If no, go to step  28 .
  21. Inspect for poor connections at the PNP switch. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  33 . If no, go to step  29 .
  22. Inspect for poor connections at the CCP switch. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  33 . If no, go to step  30 .
  23. Inspect for poor connections at the CRANK relay. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  33 . If no, go to step  31 .
  24. Inspect for poor connections at the starter solenoid. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  33 . If no, go to step  32 .
  25. Repair the high resistance or open in the crank voltage circuit of the CRANK relay coil. When complete, go to step  33 .
  26. Repair the high resistance or open in the ground circuit of the CRANK relay coil. When complete, go to step  33 .
  27. Repair the high resistance or open in the battery positive voltage circuit of the CRANK relay switch. When complete, go to step  33 .
  28. Replace the ignition switch. See IGNITION SWITCH under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in STEERING COLUMNS article in STEERING. When complete, go to step  33 .
  29. Replace the PNP switch. See PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in SERVICING - A/T article in AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION in TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION. When complete, go to step  33 .
  30. Replace the CCP switch. See CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION SWITCH under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in CLUTCHES article in CLUTCHES MANUAL & HYDRAULIC in TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION. When complete, go to step  33 .
  31. Replace the CRANK relay. When complete, go to step  33 .
  32. Replace the starter motor. See STARTER  . When complete, go to step  33 .
  33. Operate the system for which the symptom occurred. Is the symptom still present? If yes, go to step  2 . If no, system is okay.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Shop Manual-Ready ToolsFree Quote CheckQuote Shield Pro

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.