97 Tahoe 5.7 V8 won't start but battery is good

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1997TahoeFix

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1997 Tahoe 5.7 V8 won't start. Battery is brand new, with proper voltage, battery terminals tightened securely, no corrosion.

When I put the key in the ignition, all dash lights come on. When turning the ignition, there is no crank. other lights on the dash display such as the parking brake indicator light up when ignition is turned but there is only a click.

PXL_20201031_161355239.jpg

Replaced starter fuse from the fuse box in the engine bay. No change.

I have a multimeter and basic tools but no Jack to get underneath and access the starter. What simple diagnostic steps would you take?

PXL_20201031_161925583.jpg

?
 

wjburken

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1997 Tahoe 5.7 V8 won't start. Battery is brand new, with proper voltage, battery terminals tightened securely, no corrosion.

When I put the key in the ignition, all dash lights come on. When turning the ignition, there is no crank. other lights on the dash display such as the parking brake indicator light up when ignition is turned but there is only a click.

View attachment 261346

Replaced starter fuse from the fuse box in the engine bay. No change.

I have a multimeter and basic tools but no Jack to get underneath and access the starter. What simple diagnostic steps would you take?

View attachment 261347

?
See if you can slide under and check for voltage at the starter when you turn the key.

I would check all, and I mean all, power and ground connections. Not just those at the battery. Connections at the starter, firewall, etc.
 

OR VietVet

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Unless you are as big as me you should be able to shiny under there to check starter connections, like @wjburken said. Try crossing the terminals, at back of solenoid, with a small screwdriver to see if the starter will spin. It does sound like you have a failed starter but could be just loose connections. Any recent work in that area? Plus, I would check all grounds and refer to this:

https://www.fixmyoldride.com/Chevro...e7e5cd24ed24635&at_ab=per-2&at_pos=3&at_tot=4
 

exp500

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Could also try jumpering Starter Solenoid with a remote starter switch or even a screwdriver if you can reach the terminals. Just to see if starter works/solenoid bad. Voltage checks everywhere to eliminate Items one by one. Such as fuseable links/ignition switch. Voltage drop tests for cables. She's old, gonna need something!
 

OR VietVet

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Also, even though the battery cables may be tight and clean at the battery, over time corrosion builds under the insulation close to the cable end at battery and that creates too much resistance to current flow and not giving enough power to activate the solenoid to work.
 
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1997TahoeFix

1997TahoeFix

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Thanks so much for the advice, guys. It was the starter. It was difficult to access on a four-wheel drive vehicle because there's that huge skid plate in the way but ultimately the starter was bad and I replaced it with an AC Delco one.

Now I have a new problem. Maybe I should create another thread rather than replying to this one but I have to pump the gas pedal in order to start my car now. When I turn the key, everything engages, the starter works, but it won't come on unless I pump the gas pedal. Then inevitably there is a little bit of burning smell and smoke because it's burning the excess gas produced from starting it this way.

Any idea what that could be? Amateur mechanic here, I probably sound silly but I'm thinking it's the fuel injection process that begins when you first start a vehicle. Like whatever injects gas to initially start the engine isn't working so I have to manually pump the gas pedal to get it to start. Once it starts, it's fine.
 

Doubeleive

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fuel pump, you can get a cheapo fuel pressure gauge from harbor freight or auto parts store ($20-30), connect the fuel pressure gauge and then turn the key to run, then check and see what the fuel pressure shows. not sure what it should read on the obs but on the nbs+ you should have 50-65lbs (pre-start)
 

exp500

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Try this- turn key to run not start for 2 seconds, turn off /run 2 seconds/ start. Primes the fuel rail if your pump leaks back to tank. Let us know results.
No need to pump accelerator, either full throttle or idle. Full throttle shuts off fuel pump if flooded.
 

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