1997 GMC Sierra wont crank

Tiny
SARGE4U
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 GMC SIERRA
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
I have a 1997 Gmc Sierra k1500. On the way home from work it drove fine. I backed it into my driveway then shut it off, got out and decided to back up some more. Went to turn the key and nothing happened. I have battery power but engine will not crank. I checked fuses thinking that may be it. I found one of the 40 amp ing. Fuses blown under the hood. Changed it out but still nothing. I also changed the starter relay thinking that may be it but still no luck. Any help would be appreciated.
Thursday, July 7th, 2011 AT 1:47 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
The purple wire at the starter solenoid should be hot with the key in the crank position. If it isn't, check the circuits at the starter relay. Any starter testing, make sure the tranny is in park or neutral and the e-brake is set.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Thursday, July 7th, 2011 AT 2:45 AM
Tiny
SARGE4U
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ok, that is a little above my talents. I was hoping for something simpler.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Thursday, July 7th, 2011 AT 3:14 AM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Will the vehicle crank in neutral? You could use a testlite at the starter solenoid S terminal, purple wire, while helper turns key to crank. If there is voltage, the test lite comes on.

You can pull the starter off, some of the national brand autostores will test it for you. Also could be issue with neutral switch? Hate to see you throw parts at anything, need to test.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Thursday, July 7th, 2011 AT 2:52 PM
Tiny
SARGE4U
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Whats the easiest way in noob terms to get access to the starter. Right front fender well to the rear of the engine block? Is this the correct location? Hard for me to get to it if this is it. Can someone break down the easy method of testing. Please and thank you
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Thursday, July 7th, 2011 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I don't know how to explain it any easier? Have you worked on a vehicle before?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, July 11th, 2011 AT 6:16 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Cranking Over Content

Car Not Cranking? Try This | EASY
VIDEO
Car Not Cranking? Try This | EASY
Instructional repair video
Starter Not Working
GUIDE
Starter Not Working
This guide is designed to help you identify whether the issue with your non-working starter motor is due to an electrical problem or a fault within the starter motor itself...
VIEW MORE