No starter

MOGGIO1

MEMBER
2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU
2.5L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
112,000 MILES

I drove the car normally to work. When I went back to go home, the car lights came on and dash lit up as normal and there was a single click noise and nothing else. I didn’t try to get it jumped due to the strength of the lighting. I attempted a few more times over the next day to start the car with no luck. Today the lights were very dim and the display said it was running on alternate battery. I tried to have it jumped with no luck. The dash showed 9.4 volts on the battery. I’m kind of stuck at this point. Any advice that doesn’t involve taking it to a shop? Budget is quite tight.

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,117 POSTS

Hi,

I'll try my best to help, but I need a bit more info.

When you turn the key to the start position, does the starter engage but the engine fail to start? Or, does nothing happen? Have you checked the basics such as if the battery terminals are clean and tight?

Here is a link that discusses the most common causes of a crank no start condition, but I need to confirm that with you. If that is what is happening, take a look through this link and see if anything helps.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Let me know.

Joe

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Friday, January 29th, 2021 AT 9:35 AM

MOGGIO1

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4 POSTS

Sounds like it engages, but does a single click, and that’s it. No attempt to turn. Terminals are tight and clean.

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Friday, January 29th, 2021 AT 9:35 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,117 POSTS

If the battery is fully charged, we have one of two issues. Since you hear the click, that tells me the starter is getting power. If that is the case, either the engine is locked up or the starter is bad.

Have you charged the battery? If you have, what I am going to suggest is to either remove the starter and have it bench tested at a parts store (they will do it for free) or take a breaker bar and socket and place it on the crankshaft pulley bolt and see if you can turn the engine.

If you decide to have the starter tested, here are the directions for removing and replacing it. The attached pics correlate with the directions. Make sure to disconnect the battery before starting this procedure.

__________________________________________________

Let me know if you have questions. Also, confirm that the click is coming from the starter motor itself.

Take care,
Joe

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Friday, January 29th, 2021 AT 9:35 AM

MOGGIO1

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4 POSTS

Starter is brand new. Swapped it this morning.

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Friday, January 29th, 2021 AT 9:35 AM

MOGGIO1

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I’m going to test the battery in the morning. I tried jumping it today, but would just do the same thing. Power up and one click.

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Friday, January 29th, 2021 AT 9:35 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,117 POSTS

2015 Malibu 2.5L
Starter Replacement

Removal Procedure
Disconnect the battery negative cable

Raise and support the vehicle
Disconnect the engine harness connector number 3 from the starter solenoid

Pic 1

Remove the battery positive caable fastener (number 2) and remove the battery positive cable terminal (number 1) from the starter motor solenoid.

Remove the mounting fasteners and remove the starter.

Pic 2

Install

Caution: Refer to the Fastener Caution
Install the starter and torque the top fastener to 16 Ft Lbs and then the bottom fasteners to the same torque.

Pic 3

Install the battery positive cable to the solenoid and tighten to 89 inch pounds.

Pic 4

Install the engine wiring harness connector to the starter solenoid.
Connect the battery negative cable

_____________________________

Sorry, I forgot to add the directions.

Joe

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