Start motor

Tiny
JEFFREH
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 GMC SIERRA
  • 193,000 MILES
2003 gmc sierra, starter failure, wire from solenoid to starter burnt off. Replaced starter but engine won, t crank. Battery and connection good. Start relay clicks at fuse box. Tried different relay. Checked ign3 and crank fuses. Any other ideas?Ignition switch?Neutral start switch?Pcm?If ignition switch held in start position and I remove start relay and reinstall, engine cranks and starts.
Thursday, October 4th, 2012 AT 12:31 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
I would test the battery voltage when cranking the engine over. If it drops below 12 volts it has a bad cell.
Otherwise I am including the wiring diagram so syou can check gorunds, espeically battery cables for a clean metal to metal corrosion free fit.
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Thursday, October 4th, 2012 AT 12:38 AM
Tiny
FREEDOM2001
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 GMC SIERRA
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
I am trying to remove the starter however there does not seem to be enough clearance. Does the dip stick tube need to be removed prior to removal?
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Friday, January 3rd, 2020 AT 5:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
No, it should be able to make it out with out removing the dip stick
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Friday, January 3rd, 2020 AT 5:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FREEDOM2001
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Any thoughts as to what the hang up could be (vehicle is facing downward on a slope) or any tricks of the trade that would assist in this pesky removal?
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Friday, January 3rd, 2020 AT 5:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

need to remove the trans cover and bolt (see pic)


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/1639_gmc1_1.jpg



then remove front axle mounting bracket nut (see pic)


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/1639_gmc2_1.jpg



Slide bolt back until it is flush with the bushing. This should give necessary clearance
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Friday, January 3rd, 2020 AT 5:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ALYOSHA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • GMC SIERRA
1991 GMC Sierra. V-8 w/ AC, approx 181,500 miles.

I have had a recurring starter problem. I have replaced the starter twice, the starter cable, and the battery.

When the truck has been driven very far, it seems to not want to start. It does not crank, and the battery has a full charge.

I am familiar with a recurring problem with these trucks due to poor placement of the solenoid and it's tendency to fail from either heat or oil contamination but there does not seem to be excessive leakage from the tappet cover.

For while we tried just spritzing some water on the starter/solenoid and that seemed to fix the problem as it cooled, but when the last starter was replaced the problem seemed to be fixed but is now back.

I am also familiar with a neutral safety switch causing a similar problem, but does a GMC pickup even have one? Any help you can give that might resolve this problem would be greatly appreciated.
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Friday, January 3rd, 2020 AT 5:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
I'm sure it has some form of a nuetral saftey switch. I can't help but be suspicious of the reman starter. Some brands just plain suck. What brand are you using?
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Friday, January 3rd, 2020 AT 5:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ALYOSHA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It's whatever the house brand is at Auto Zone. I wish I had more detail than that, but you have to give the box back with the core as I'm sure your aware.

I also thought it had a safety switch for sure, but in a web search I couldn't find anything. Again, any help is appreciated, so thanks!

I may end swapping the starter a third time yet.
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Friday, January 3rd, 2020 AT 5:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
HMMmmm. Looking at the wiring diagram, I don't see a switch in this one. I can't believe that's possible given how lawsuit happy some folks are.

As far as the starter. I really don't like autozone electrical parts in particular. Starters and alternaters are questionably dependable as it is, but we have repaired many vehicles that were previously "fixed" with autozone parts. I would look at USA brand, Napa's premium line or Advance auto palladium brand. Those are the ones I have had sucess with anyways.
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Friday, January 3rd, 2020 AT 5:56 PM (Merged)

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