Test A: Starter Solenoid Does Not Click

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WDSECTION Test A: Starter Solenoid Does Not Click
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 2002 GMC Yukon XL, 2002 GMC Yukon, 2002 GMC Sierra, 2002 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, and 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: The procedures within this test may refer to wiring information. When performing a test or repair on the systems wiring, see WIRING DIAGRAMS  .
  1. Did you preform the DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK (ENGINE ELECTRICAL)? If yes, proceed to next step. If no, see DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK (ENGINE ELECTRICAL)  .
  2. Turn the ignition switch to the START position. Does the engine crank? If yes, see INTERMITTENT OR POOR CONNECTIONS  . If no, proceed to next step.
  3. Turn the ignition switch to the START position. Does the starter motor relay click? If yes, go to step  7 . If no, proceed to next step.
  4. Remove the starter motor relay. Connect a test light from the supply voltage circuit of the starter motor relay coil circuit to ground. With the transmission in park, or clutch pedal depressed, turn the ignition switch to the START position. Does the test light illuminate? If yes, proceed to next step. If no, go to step  6 .
  5. Connect a test light from the supply voltage circuit of the starter motor relay coil circuit to the control circuit of the starter motor relay coil circuit. With the transmission in park, or clutch pedal depressed, turn the ignition switch to the START position. Does the test light illuminate? If yes, go to step  13 . If no, go to step  10 .
  6. Turn off ignition. Disconnect the Park Neutral Position (PNP) switch. Turn on ignition, with engine off. Connect a 10 amp fused jumper between the starter motor relay coil control circuits of the PNP switch or clutch pedal position switch. With the transmission in park, or clutch pedal depressed, turn the ignition switch to the START position. Does the test lamp illuminate? If yes, go to step  14 . If no, go to step  11 .
  7. Turn off ignition. Disconnect the starter motor relay. Connect a test lamp between the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter motor relay switch circuit and a good ground. Does the test lamp illuminate? If yes, proceed to next step. If no, go to step  17 .
  8. Connect a 30 amp fused jumper between the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter motor relay switch circuit and the supply voltage circuit of the starter solenoid. Does the engine crank? If yes, go to step  13 . If no, proceed to next step.
  9. Does the fuse in the jumper open? If yes, go to step  18 . If no, go to step  12 .
  10. Test the control circuit of the starter motor relay for an open or high resistance. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  23 . If no, go to step  19 .
  11. Test the supply voltage circuit of the starter motor relay coil circuit for an open or high resistance. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  23 . If no, go to step  15 .
  12. Test the supply voltage circuit of the starter solenoid for an open or high resistance. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  23 . If no, go to step  16 .
  13. Inspect for poor connections at the starter motor relay. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  23 . If no, go to step  19 .
  14. If equipped with an automatic transmission, inspect for poor connection at the PNP switch harness connector. If okay, perform the park/neutral position switch adjustment. If equipped with a manual transmission, inspect for poor connection at the clutch pedal position switch harness connector. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  23 . If no, go to step  20 .
  15. Inspect for poor connections at the ignition switch harness connector. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  23 . If no, go to step  21 .
  16. Inspect for poor connections at the starter solenoid. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  23 . If no, go to step  22 .
  17. Repair the open or high resistance in the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter motor relay switch circuit. When complete, go to step  23 .
  18. Repair the short to ground in the supply voltage circuit of the starter solenoid. When complete, go to step  23 .
  19. Replace the Starter Relay. When complete, go to step  23 .
  20. Replace the PNP switch. Replace the clutch pedal position switch. When complete, go to step  23 .
  21. Replace the ignition switch. When complete, go to step  23 .
  22. Replace the starter. See STARTER  . When complete, proceed to next step.
  23. Operate the system for which the symptom occurred. Did you correct the condition? If yes, system is okay. If no, go to step  2 .
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.