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2020 Acadia Denali Cranks But Won't Start - No Check Engine Light

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Melissa G. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:39 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 GMC Acadia Denali

Hello everyone,

I'm having a frustrating issue with my 2020 GMC Acadia Denali. This morning, I went to start it, and it just cranks and cranks but won't fire up. There's no check engine light on, which makes it even more confusing.

I've tried it a few times, and it sounds like it's trying to catch, but just can't quite get there. The battery seems fine, as it's cranking strongly. All the dash lights come on as usual.

Has anyone experienced this with their Acadia or another GMC model? What should I be looking at first? Could it be a fuel pump, or something electrical even without a code?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:39 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A 'crank but no start' condition on your 2020 GMC Acadia Denali, especially without a check engine light, typically points to an issue with one of the three main components required for combustion: fuel, air, or spark. Since it's cranking strongly, we can likely rule out a completely dead battery.

  1. Check for Fuel Delivery:

    • Listen for Fuel Pump: Turn the ignition to the 'ON' position (don't crank) and listen carefully for a faint whirring sound from the rear of the vehicle. This is the fuel pump priming. If you don't hear it, the pump might be faulty, or there's an electrical issue to the pump.
    • Fuel Pressure: If you have access to a fuel pressure gauge, connect it to the Schrader valve on the fuel rail (if present) and check for adequate fuel pressure while cranking.
    • Fuel Level: Ensure there's enough fuel in the tank. A faulty fuel gauge could be misleading.

  2. Verify Spark:

    • Ignition System: While harder to check without specialized tools, a lack of spark from the ignition coils or spark plugs would prevent starting. This could be due to a faulty crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor, even without a CEL initially.
    • Security System: Ensure the security light on the dash isn't flashing or staying on, indicating an immobilizer issue preventing spark or fuel.

  3. Check for Air Intake Issues:

    • Air Filter/Intake Obstruction: While less common for a sudden no-start, a severely clogged air filter or an obstruction in the intake could prevent enough air from reaching the engine. Visually inspect the air filter.

  4. Basic Electrical Checks:

    • Fuses: Check the fuel pump fuse and any other relevant engine management fuses in both the under-hood and interior fuse boxes. A blown fuse can easily cause a no-start.
    • Relays: Swap the fuel pump relay with a known good, similar relay (e.g., horn relay) to see if that resolves the issue.

When to See a Shop:

  • If you've performed these basic checks and the vehicle still won't start.
  • If you suspect a fuel pump failure, as this is a more involved repair.
  • If you can't confirm spark or fuel pressure, a professional can use diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact component failure, such as a faulty sensor (crankshaft, camshaft), ignition module, or the fuel pump itself.
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