Truck will not crank over new starter put on?

Tiny
CHEYBEAR1997
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
So, we had an issue with the battery draining down took to have it tested and it was bad, so we replaced it. Three days later the battery started draining down again. Had issues with downstream o2 sensor which we replaced. Was running fine. The day before yesterday we moved the truck out in the yard to wash it, and it wouldn't crank, Took the starter to be tested and it was bad. Got the new starter put on and the truck makes a click all lights come on but won't start. Battery is still being drained, and truck won't start being jumped. We checked all the fuses with a multimeter, and they are all good. The truck has had new spark plugs and wires, coil packs. Is it possible the new starter is bad or that the alternator has failed? We also have checked all the ground wires and all of them are in good condition no frays or anything and are tight.
Thursday, July 24th, 2025 AT 9:11 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yes, a defective starter is common, can I ask which brand starter it is? I would get an AC Delco replacement. As for the battery drain, I have seen the A/C compressor clutch relay stick on and drain the battery down, lets pull the relay to see if the drain stops. Here is the location of the relay, also, charge the battery back up. Also, go over this guide as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

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Thursday, July 24th, 2025 AT 9:49 AM
Tiny
CHEYBEAR1997
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Carquest prem and could it possibly be the crankshaft position sensor?
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Thursday, July 24th, 2025 AT 9:52 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yes, you may need to try more than one starter from Carquest, the crankshaft position sensor will make it not start and run, but it will not stop the engine from cranking over.
Here is a video you can go over as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YRW8fyNudY

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Thursday, July 24th, 2025 AT 10:01 AM
Tiny
CHEYBEAR1997
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you. I’m also going to use my multimeter to test the battery fuse block.
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Thursday, July 24th, 2025 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
CHEYBEAR1997
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
So turns out the starter was bad. We went and got another one and still have the same issue. All the fuses are good. It’s now making a one click near the alternator and the battery is being pulled down. Not sure if I need to test the alternator or take it to be tested.
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Thursday, July 24th, 2025 AT 4:41 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
I am wondering if the engine has had a mechanical failure, here is a video to follow to make sure the engine rotates:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN42gZN6gOE

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Friday, July 25th, 2025 AT 9:36 AM
Tiny
CHEYBEAR1997
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
We got it. Thank you so much for your help. It turns out there was a wire hidden that had come off the battery.
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Friday, July 25th, 2025 AT 9:51 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes! The ye-ol wire fell off the battery, it happens, nice work. We are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.
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Friday, July 25th, 2025 AT 12:50 PM

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