Truck will not start

Tiny
CLAMBERT91
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
  • 5.3L
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 88,000 MILES
My truck just all of a sudden wouldn't start on Saturday. My husband tapped the starter with a hammer and it started right away but once turned off it wouldn't start again. On Monday we replaced the starter and the truck still wont start. When the key is turned the headlights and radio come on but it wont run. What else could the problem be?
Monday, September 6th, 2021 AT 10:52 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

If the engine is cranking over and not starting I would suggest performing a fuel pressure test. You might have a weak or failing fuel pump that is not providing proper fuel pressure. Here is a tutorial showing how to perform a fuel pressure test on an in-tank electric fuel pump:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

After performing this pressure test get back to us with the results and we'll go from there. If you don't have access to a fuel pressure tester most auto parts stores have a tool loaner program and can rent you one,. The fuel pressure specification on your Avalanche is 50-60 PSI with key on-engine off. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 AT 3:29 AM
Tiny
CLAMBERT91
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I don't have access to a fuel pressure tester and none of the auto part stores in my area will loan one. What else could I try? Could it possibly be the battery isn't charging the starter enough to make it run?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 AT 6:17 AM
Tiny
CLAMBERT91
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
When I turn the key over the headlights and radio come on and I can hear 1 audible click coming from under the hood but it just won't start. What does that mean?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 AT 6:20 AM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

Just to clarify. Is the starter motor cranking over but the engine not starting? Or, do you turn the key and starter do nothing or just a click sound? Let us know and we'll go from there. Thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 AT 6:11 PM
Tiny
CLAMBERT91
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
My husband and uncle fixed the issue, the new starter wasn't getting enough power from the battery. All it took was sticking a wrench to the 2 copper bolts and it started right up and has been doing fine ever since.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 AT 10:14 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

Well, hopefully unsticking the starter solenoid has solved the problem. Let us know if you have any further questions on this issue if it arises again. Thanks again for using 2CarPros and we hope you will use our site again in the future when needed.

Danny-
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 AT 10:36 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
In­struc­tional re­pair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have iden­ti­fied the top prob­lems that are eas­ily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the re­pair garage or call­ing a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE