No crank no start

DEVINF31

MEMBER
2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
3.8L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
28,000 MILES

Hi there, after doing a engine swap on my Grand Prix I am faced with a no crank, no start issue. My original motor was a 2008, 3.8l series 2 and I swapped it with a 2007 3.8l series 2 out of a Buick. To be safe I swapped all sensors from old engine to new, I also used old ignition control module and coils, I put new plugs in as well all grounds are hooked up and cleaned before hooking up and I have power to the starter. When I went to start for first time, I turned key, lights turned on, when I went to start, nothing I could hear relay click once after letting off key, however I just noticed when I turn key to "on" position my information center turns on then shuts off.

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Honestly, it sounds like a bad ground. Reconfirm that the battery terminals are clean and tight, the ground to the engine is clean and tight as well as other grounds from the battery (There are a total of three) and make sure the connections at the starter are tight. I have a feeling when installing the new engine, one of the body grounds were damaged.

I attached two pictures of the starting system. I overlapped them so you could follow them. Note the three body grounds. Also, note fuses.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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Thursday, January 24th, 2019 AT 6:19 PM

DEVINF31

MEMBER
7 POSTS

I appreciate your rely. I am going over it now. I will let you know what I come up with.

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Thursday, January 24th, 2019 AT 7:47 PM

DEVINF31

MEMBER
7 POSTS

So I checked and cleaned all grounds, still no crank, no start, I tested all fuses, and found that the top section of my fuse panel under the hood is not getting any power for whatever reason, when I turn key on. Information center lights up then shuts off still, but found when I shut my headlights off the information center turns back on. I jumped the starter and my car fired right away. I still need to resolve no crank no start.

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Friday, January 25th, 2019 AT 3:03 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Okay, if the grounds are good, then there is either a weak connection in the power distribution box or there is an issue with one of the pins. I have attached the plugs which are on the back side of the box. You need to check these for one that is disconnected, corrode, or got damaged during the work. I attached the legends so you can see what each plug powers.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

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