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2017 Cruze Won't Start - No Crank, No Click

0

Kevin B. · rep 0 · May 22, 2:31 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Chevrolet Cruze LT

Hi all,

My 2017 Chevrolet Cruze LT, 1.4L turbo, suddenly won't start. When I turn the key, I get absolutely nothing – no crank, no click, just silence. All the dashboard lights come on, the radio works, and the headlights are bright, so I don't think it's the battery.

I tried jumping it just in case, but that didn't help either. I checked the battery terminals, and they seem clean and tight. I'm stumped. Could it be the starter, or something electrical like a relay or fuse? It was running perfectly fine yesterday.

Any ideas on what to check next? I'm hoping it's something simple I can fix myself.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 2:31 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

It's frustrating when a car suddenly refuses to start, especially with no warning. The fact that you have dashboard lights, radio, and bright headlights but no crank or click strongly suggests an issue within the starting circuit, rather than a completely dead battery. Even if the battery has enough power for accessories, it might not have enough cranking amps, but your jump-start attempt rules that out for now.

Here's what to investigate:

  1. Starter Motor: This is a primary suspect. The starter motor itself could have failed internally. If it's completely silent, it's not even attempting to engage.
  2. Starter Solenoid: Often integrated with the starter, the solenoid is an electromagnetic switch that engages the starter motor and pushes the starter gear into the flywheel. If it's faulty, the starter won't activate.
  3. Starter Relay: There's a relay in the fuse box that sends power to the starter solenoid. You can often swap this relay with another identical one (e.g., from the horn or a non-critical circuit) to see if the problem resolves. Check your owner's manual for the relay location.
  4. Fuses: While less common for a complete no-crank, a blown fuse in the starting circuit could be the culprit. Check the main starter fuse in the under-hood fuse box.
  5. Neutral Safety Switch/Clutch Pedal Position Sensor: For automatic transmissions, the neutral safety switch prevents starting unless the car is in Park or Neutral. For manual transmissions, the clutch pedal position sensor does the same. If these sensors are faulty, the car won't receive the signal to start. Try wiggling the shifter or pressing the clutch pedal firmly and repeatedly.
  6. Wiring: A loose or corroded wire connection to the starter or solenoid can prevent power from reaching it.

When to see a shop:

  • If you've checked the fuses and tried swapping the starter relay without success.
  • If you suspect the starter motor or solenoid is bad, as replacement can be involved.
  • If you're uncomfortable testing electrical circuits or tracing wiring. A shop can quickly diagnose the exact point of failure in the starting circuit using a multimeter and wiring diagrams.
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