Few things are as annoying as turning the key on your truck and being surprised it won’t start. There are many issues that can cause a Chevy Silverado to not start properly, making diagnosing the problem even more frustrating. Read more and learn all about the starting problems in a Chevrolet Silverado.
Depending on how the failure occurs, you can check for several basic issues before making the decision to call a mechanic for help.
Starting Problems in a Chevrolet Silverado
When your Chevrolet Silverado won’t crank, won’t start, cranks but won’t start then you could be having starting problems that you can fix yourself. Here are some causes that generate starting problems in a Chevy Silverado.
1- The engine does not start
No cranking (engine not turning) is usually the result of the starting system does not get the necessary electrical energy to activate the starter. When you turn the key and get no output from the engine, this is commonly due to poor battery connections or a dead battery.
Less common problems are a break in the wiring for the starting circuit, a bad starter, or a bad starter solenoid. However, before you suspect electrical or mechanical failure, make sure the parking lever is in the park position and that the electrical connections are clean and secure.
2- It cranks but won’t start
If the engine cranks but does not start, this usually means that the engine does not produce spark at the plugs or that the fuel does not reach the engine. Common causes of no spark are a weak battery, indicated by a slow-spinning starter, a faulty ignition coil, or a flooded ignition system.
Less common problems are bad spark plugs, broken or disconnected coil wires, or broken wires in the ignition system. A fuel supply problem is usually caused by a clogged fuel filter, a lack of fuel in the tank, or a faulty fuel pump.
3- The starter turns without turning the engine
A starter that turns without turning the engine is due to the starter gear not engaging the engine flywheel. This usually indicates that the starter pinion is sticking and not allowing its gear to move into position with the flywheel.
Less common are broken starter gears or broken gear teeth on the flywheel, causing the starter to be unable to contact the flywheel.
4- Engine difficult to start when cold
An engine that is hard to start when cold is caused by something wrong with the engine either by producing a weak spark or by not supplying enough fuel to the cylinders. A weak battery will produce a weak spark at the plugs and will crank the engine slowly..
A worn distributor cap, old or broken spark plug wires, or a worn distributor rotor can cause a weak spark on the spark plugs, causing the engine to over-rev before seizing up.
A clogged fuel filter, dirty fuel injectors, or a weak fuel pump can cause too little fuel to get to the cylinder, resulting in poor fuel ignition and the need to step on the accelerator for easy starting.
5- Engine takes time to start when it is hot
An engine that is difficult to start when hot may be caused by a Clogged air filter restricting airflow to intake. This causes a rich condition on hot starts, often noticeable by flooding, or by the smell of gasoline after repeated cranking attempts.
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6- Other causes
Among other causes that could generate this type of inconvenience are:
