98 Sonoma 2.2 won't start

Railroadman

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I went out this morning and turned the key and nothing. The lights come on all dash lights work but not a click or a sound. Radio plays everything seems normal but no start. Were do i start looking??
Thanks Railroadman
 
could this possibly be associated with some sort of security feature? There is a Light that says security that comes on when i turn on the ignition. Need some help though because i am dead in the water. May have to have it towed to GMC dealer.

Thanks Railroadman
 
Well i looked around and found a relay in the outside fuse/relay box marked stater relay. I replaced it but still nothing. I got someone to turn the key while is listened and could hear the relay click. I could feel the relay click. Still no start. where should i check next? Does the voltage go to the starter from the relay? If so should i check the wires on the starter next. A mechanic i talked with said he thought it might be in the security system and nothing he could do with it. Take it to the dealer, don't won''t to if can get around them. Need ADVICE!!
Thanks Railroadman
 
try tapping the starter lightly with a hammer while someone cranks its a quick way to diag the starter. if it starts then you know starter you can also check for power at the starter. also if you have a multi meter check battery volts make sure you have at least 12v or else you will have 2 problems
 
could this possibly be associated with some sort of security feature? There is a Light that says security that comes on when i turn on the ignition. Need some help though because i am dead in the water. May have to have it towed to GMC dealer.

Thanks Railroadman

For the 1999 sonoma
1. Attempt to start the sonoma, let it stall, but DO NOT turn the key off! Leave it in RUN.
2. Wait 10 minutes or until the Theft Sys light glows steady instead of blinking.
3. Do not turn the key off, but start it immediately.
4. This should reset your Passlock system.

Good luck and keep us posted;)
 
Well i just came in from trying to find my problem. I think i may have narrowed it down. I checked with my test light and had power to the starter. I got my wife to turn the key and had the test light on the little wire and the light came on when she turned the key over to start position. So that narrows it down to the starter right? Well i got the hammer out and tapped it while key turned to the start position and it CRANKED! I turned the truck around and backed it in to allow a little more room. I got out paper work and i had that starter rebuilt last july and has a one year warranty. If it will crank Friday morning to the starter shop we go. Will post outcome. Wonder what is going on inside the starter for it to stop working like that and a tap of a hammer make it start again (who knows how many times that will work)?
Thanks for all Advice
Railroadman
 
it works with electromagnets. the windings alwasy brake down since they are the weakest link tapping it will jump it and its a guesing game as to how long it will last a few times im sure. you might also have a dead spot in the starter and you will find it starts fine the next day.
 
Update on Won't Start

I tapped the starter one more time and took it to the starter and alternator shop friday. They took off the starter and repaired the loose connection inside the solenoid and replaced the bushings. That solved my won't start problems. I have another post about a rattling noise underhood that i also got solved while i was there. I will post on it. Thanks for all advice that you gave. Will be posting more problems i'm sure.
Railroadman
 


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