Q: Starter circuit problem and will not crank. 2000 GMC Savana 2500

asked by on September 01, 2016

My van is having a starter circuit problem. While I was filling the tank at a gas station, my van would not start. I had to push it away from the pumps and it then started. When I got home and turned it off, it would not restart. I have checked the battery and failed load test and replaced, but no change. I then followed the circuit to PnP switch but no signal through in park; bypassed to verify and replaced the switch. I found a bad starter relay and replaced it. Still no change. Then, I checked the starter signal and I do now have a signal but the van still will not crank. I removed the starter. Except for worn brushes, the starter was fine but I went ahead and replaced it. It will now kick the starter, but still will not crank. I have checked all fuse block power and all is fine there. The battery has full power and it also passes a load test and a visual inspection of the wiring. There are no breaks and no corrosion. In the starting circuit, all components checked out okay. I tried a test jump at the starter to bypass any other possible problems, but the van still will not crank over. The starter engaging can be heard, but it will not crank. It did start twice, but not cranking over. I also inspected the ground from the battery to the the engine block and braided strap to frame. Except for some road dust, it seems dry and no sign of corrosion. Without my van I am losing income, so could you please tell me what you think I need to do next to fix my vehicle. Thanks.

Battery Replacement $247.05 - $377.49 Get a Quote
Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

It sounds like the main battery lead to the starter is not suppling enough power to turn the starter. The way to test this is to use a multimeter and check the power cable (red one) with meter set to 20 volt scale. The red meter lead on the battery positive post and negative lead on the big cable connection on the starter. Try to crank the engine and you should not see more than .2 volts or 2/10 of a volt on the meter. If you do, then the cable is bad.

If the test is okay, then do the same with the negative cable from the battery negative terminal to the engine ground. If either test shows more than 2/10 of a volt, then the cable is bad and needs to be replaced or have the connection cleaned. Most of the time it is the connections at the battery to the cable. This test is called a voltage drop test.

If you need help having this checked, a qualified professional, like one from YourMechanic, can come to your car’s location to diagnose the starting problem and assist you with repairs.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I use the electronic vehicle information center (EVIC)?
The electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) is an interactive display system in the middle of the instrument cluster. It gives the driver lots of valuable information. To navigate through the EVIC, use the navigational tools on the left side of...
How do I close the trunk?
Closing the trunk is very easy. Here’s how to do it easily and safely: 1. Locate the trunk inner handle, which is on the inside of the trunk, near the latch. 2. Pull the trunk down with the handle until...
oil pressure switch
The "apparent" oil pressure switch malfunction is not a cause of the stalling or misfiring. That malfunction with the switch has to be diagnosed and confirmed because sometimes there is nothing wrong with the switch itself but rather there is...
2005 jeep wrangler harmonic balenciaga replacement
Engine and transmission mounts are replaced on a mobile basis by certified mechanics dispatched by YourMechanic (https://www.yourmechanic.com). The service to request is motor/transmission mount replacement (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement). Harmonic balancers are relatively long-lived but there are a lot of variables that affect...
Check engine light comes on and engine stalls but starts right back up. Upon restart the check engine light is off with no problems.
Hi there. It seems that there could be a loose wire or loose ground to the transmission sensors. First you will need to get a scanner and scan for any codes that are pending or stored in the ECM (computer)....
P0336 Questions About Notch Relearn.
Hi there. It is highly probable that the replacement of the sensor did not resolve the error code. When the P0336 diagnostic trouble code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0336-obd-ii-trouble-code-crankshaft-position-sensor-a-circuit-range-performance-by-jamahl-walker) has been stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM), it is an indication that the...
Can s water pump make a vehicsl stall out like Iits run out of fuel and not restart
Your water pump may be causing overheating and the engine may loose power and once stopped can shut down. You should have the computer tested to see if a sensor like the crank sensor is failing from getting too hot...
Jeep starts but won't move
Hi Connor. Thanks for contacting us today. In most cases when this occurs, it's due to a shift linkage or shift solenoid failure. It's also possible that you have damage to seals or gaskets inside the transmission case. The best...

Related articles

How Can I Tell If My Car Battery Needs Replacing?
There There are few things more frightening than hearing buzzing or clicking from your car when you’re trying to start it. It could mean any number of things, but chances are that it means you have a faulty car battery....
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Alternator
Common signs include having to jump start the car frequently, dim lights when operating the vehicle, or the Battery Light coming on.
How To Jumpstart Your Car
A how-to guide to jumpstart your vehicle in the event of a dead battery. You'll need jumper cables, safety glasses, and a properly starting car.