My starter does not work when I turn the key?

WILLING1995

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU
3.1L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
190,000 MILES

The car doesn't even try to crank so I know it is not the VAT problem. Brand new battery, ignition cylinder, and ignition switch. All the accessories work fine. Car has run fine before this and is serviced properly. What else should I look at? I am stumped.

5 Replies

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

Did you check the IGN SW BAT 1(40A) fuse in the Underhood Fuse Block in the left hand side of the engine compartment? I have included diagrams in the diagrams below for you as well as a link down below for you to go to:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Please go through the guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out please.

If okay it sounds like the battery is weak or the starter has gone out but to be sure lets check out these guides, they can help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Check out the diagrams (Below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

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Saturday, April 13th, 2019 AT 4:33 PM

WILLING1995

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I had not checked that yet, but I have spent today verifying all fuses and relays in all three fuse boxes are good. What else could it be?

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Sunday, April 14th, 2019 AT 12:10 PM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello again,

Okay don't worry. We will get this, no problem. Let's start at the basics. This is just going to be a simple process of elimination, and in the end we will be precisely at the problem, so have heart, but also a little patience too okay. Here we go. There are three things that an engine needs to start, Fuel, spark (delivered at the proper time), and compression. An engine has no choice but to start when these three things are present. So let's start with spark. Please go to this link:.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Please go through the guide and get back to us with what you find out please. We will continue on from there.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Sunday, April 14th, 2019 AT 5:52 PM

WILLING1995

MEMBER
3 POSTS

My car does not have coils, just distributor, plug wires and plugs, anything I need to check other than condition of the plugs and verify that the wires are sparking?

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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 6:14 AM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello again,

If your spark plugs are producing a nice blue spark, then they should be okay. Here's how to test with your vehicle's ignition system, it is very similar to my vehicle's. First unplug the fuel pump relay from the Engine Compartment Fuse Block Relay #18. This will prevent the car from starting. It is also nice to have an extra spark plug you can replace the one you are testing to keep from blowing compression out of the hole, but not necessary. Okay, starting with number #1 spark plug, remove and run a wire from around where the socket fits onto the spark plug to the negative battery terminal of your battery. Attach it to the spark plug with a hose clamp. Set it on a board or non conductive surface. Have an assistant crank the engine. You want to see a nice blue arc from the spark plug. Repeat for all cylinders and get in contact with us with what you are able to be find out, please.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros