2002 Envoy Random no crank

[littleblazer]

Hey guys, I don't know if I discussed this or not but I have had a recurring issue with the envoy... sort of. Randomly it decides to run into a no crank situation. I am talking several minutes of key cycling, the dash zeros out like it would while cranking and all the accessories come on like normal it just doesn't crank. Last night it took 15 minutes before it actually started on my father.

Before I make you all start and throwing out suggestions for testing I would like to first throw out what I have done so far:

-Replaced relay in fuse box, it did crap out and I picked up one locally. Maybe its the issue again but it did it immediately after again.

-Theorized test on ignition switch, I had my father attempt to remote start it. Since the remote start bypasses the ignition switch I was thinking it could eliminate that, but then I thought about it and maybe this isn't the case. It wouldn't start but the starter module could be heard cycling and trying to start.

-There are no lights and the security light isn't on.

My assumptions:

-The ignition switch is bad (likely but it doesn't exhibit other symptoms of this like weird behaviors)

-Starter itself failing (being almost 15 years old with 130k wouldn't suprise me really, I am impressed my starter is still good actually as well as the sierra)

-Security system issue with the bypass module or something to that effect. (the first time this happened was around the same time I installed the remote start could be a coincidence.)

Less likely:

-Neutral safety switch on transmission?

 

[Mooseman]

When you do get into the no start situation, you have to check if the relay is getting the signal from the PCM. If it does, then likely it's the starter starting to die. If not, I'd assume the ignition switch. Check for @MAY03LT 's video for the checks to do.

 

[littleblazer]

Hey guys, just an update. It started happening more often. It seemed like tapping on the fuse box would make it work. Wiggling the wires to the megafuse seemed to help too. So we cleaned those up and now my dad said it's happening almost every time he shuts it off. I had him ground a test light and hold it on the ignition wire at the starter. Even under no crank the test light lights when you remote start it or turn the key. That would lead me to believe that it is the starter correct?

 

[Sparky]

Exactly. You're getting power, just nothing happening. Sounds exactly like what mine was doing when the starter went the way of the dodo.

 

[littleblazer]

Any brand recommendations? I bought a starter from a company on amazon for the boat and it was inexpensive compared to the rest. Build quality was better than name brand aftermarket replacement that was in there. They list the one for the envoy at 55 and it has good reviews.

 

[Sparky]

I just got one from the local Advance Auto when mine died. Remy I think it was. Had a lifetime warranty, but never had to touch it again after I put it in.

 

[shovenose]

From how few warranty exchanges I've had to do with the Ultima starters at O'Reilly I'd go that route. Whether you go with rebuilt or new they have a lifetime warranty and you don't have to deal with an online company for a warranty replacement. We also test starters for free (though obviously under no load the test is not 100% accurate).

 

[therealsethallen]

I'm gonna disagree with @shovenose with the Ultima Starters. They're crap. I've installed six duds since my O'Riley store opened in June. Every single time I turned around and bought the remans from Advance with luck every time.

 

[littleblazer]

I don't have an O'Reillys anywhere near here...

 

[therealsethallen]

Be thankful. They're rubbish. Poorly trained, poor attitudes and uncompetitive prices. They sold a "NEW" Torque converter to my buddy that had been horribly spray painted mess. Avoid them.

Anyways, I'd actually probably peruse Rock Auto first, this is what they've got for a 2002 Voy.

 

[littleblazer]

Be thankful. They're rubbish. Poorly trained, poor attitudes and uncompetitive prices. They sold a "NEW" Torque converter to my buddy that had been horribly spray painted mess. Avoid them.

Anyways, I'd actually probably peruse Rock Auto first, this is what they've got for a 2002 Voy.

We'll that sounds like every chain store I've ever walked into.

Anyway I ordered one off amazon for about 50 last night. I had some credit from a prior purchase and it'll be here Thursday. like I said it is from the same seller as the one I put in my boat. That's seen way more abuse and cranking time then that starter has probably seen in its whole life so I'm not worried. I'll probably try to rebuild the old one as a spare anyway if it is serviceable.

 

[therealsethallen]

My advance knows me by name, they're all really quite nice.

$50 is a decent deal, starters on the 4.2 aren't super difficult either.