No crank, no start issue after replacing the camshaft and crankshaft sensors

WITIT2020

MEMBER
2004 BUICK RANIER
4.2L
4WD
AUTOMATIC
210,000 MILES

I replaced my camshaft and crankshaft sensors earlier today. When I finished, I hooked the negative battery cable back up and went to start it to do the relearn procedure. Well, it won't start, it doesn't crank or click either. I do hear a soft whirring noise when the key is in the on position (before I try to start it). Also, the interior lights, power windows and door locks will not work either. But yet the headlights and instrument panel lights along with the radio and the heat turn on just fine. So, I'm not sure what's happening. I feel like if it was the battery wouldn't none of it work. I don't know, just trying to figure this out ASAP as it is my only means of transportation. Thank you so much for your time and help.

7 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,002 POSTS

The first thing to check would be that you didn't bump a ground or power feed while changing the sensors. Next will be to grab a test light and test the fuses to see if one failed when reconnected. You don't have a security light on do you? If not grab a test light and check the fuses. Then check the starting relay for corrosion or failure. Jump the starter side and see if the starter turns.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

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Friday, April 8th, 2022 AT 3:36 AM

WITIT2020

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4 POSTS

Sorry it rained and hailed all day yesterday and this morning I couldn't get out there until now. But okay, so, I went out there and I wanted to see if the security light was on, I really don't think it was. I thought it was just the check engine light, but I wanted to make sure. Well, I turn the key over and now absolutely nothing at all and it won't let me turn the key back and now the key is stuck in the ignition. I have no clue what is going on. So, I haven't even tried anything else you said to do because now the keys stuck and there's no power at all.

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Saturday, April 9th, 2022 AT 3:54 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,002 POSTS

Okay, no power at all, check that the battery has a charge in it with a meter. If you see voltage at the battery, go to the fuse box and check at the cables, there. GM has a history of battery cables failing at the terminal ends inside the rubber shell. So, say you find 12.4 volts at the battery terminals but when you ground to the engine and touch the tab on the fuse box where the positive cable connects you find nothing you have a bad cable and moving it around likely caused it to fail.

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Saturday, April 9th, 2022 AT 9:56 PM

WITIT2020

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4 POSTS

Okay, I'm going to go check that out now but that would make it, so the key won't go back in the off position and be stuck in there? But I'm going to go check it out now and then I'll post back. Thank you for all of your help. I'm really hoping that's all it is.

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Sunday, April 10th, 2022 AT 10:56 AM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,002 POSTS

For the key to turn fully back there is a solenoid that prevents the key from being removed if it's in gear. Once you have power back you will be able to cycle it and it should work again.