GMC Sierra Won’t Start No Click (How To Fix)
So your beloved GMC Sierra truck was working well and then suddenly you turn on the key in the ignition and it won’t start? You try turning the key severally but get no response. Not clicking sound. No response—nothing! If this is your current situation, we’ve prepared this guide to help you out.
GMC Sierra won’t start no click is mainly caused by a dead battery or failing alternator. Other likely causes include a failed starter, bad ignition switch, bad ignition relay, malfunctioning starter solenoid, an issue with the antitheft security system, or a bad key fob.
This article takes you through more in-depth details about the various potential causes behind your GMC Sierra no-start troubles. We’ll also provide you with troubleshooting tips for each of these potential causes to help you resolve the issue.
Why Gmc Sierra Won’t Start And Makes No Click Sound
There are many possible reasons why your truck may fail to start and produce no click sound. In this section, we’re going to discuss all the potential causes and how to diagnose each of them.
Dead battery
A weak or dead battery is the most common cause of your GMC Sierra’s refusal to start and no click. A dead battery can’t supply the power needed to start the engine, so your truck won’t be able to start.
Your battery may have become dead due to old age which has caused its cells to weekend. It may also have drained if you left the lights on. Or you may have a faulty charging system that won’t charge it properly.
Solution: You’ll need to confirm whether a bad battery is indeed the culprit behind your problem.
Check whether your headlights or vehicle interior lights are dim or flickering whenever you try starting your car.
If yes, you likely have a battery-related issue. In this case, you can try jumpstarting it to see if your car will start.
However, using a multimeter to test the battery voltage is the ultimate best way to tell if your battery is bad.
If the multimeter reads anything around 12.6, your battery is healthy. However, anything below 12V should be a cause for concern.
Failed starter
If you have confirmed that the battery isn’t good but your truck still won’t come on, another culprit to check is the starter motor.
If this component is faulty, it won’t be able to engage your car flywheel to turn your engine over. It also won’t be able to produce any clicking sounds when you turn the key in the ignition.
Solution: Test the starter motor to see if it’s functioning correctly. You can use a circuit tester to test your starter. Simply connect it to starter control circuit and then try starting your car.
If the light illuminates but the engine fails to turn over, your starter might be faulty and you’ll need to replace it with a new one.
Bad ignition switch
Issues with the ignition switch can also lead to GMS Sierra not starting and causing no clicking sound.
The ignition switch enables electrical power to reach various vehicle components, including the starter motor.
If it fails or malfunctions, therefore, it will prevent your engine from starting.
Solution: You can test your ignition switch with a test light. Connect the light to the proper ground and then probe your ignition switch wires.
If the switch is good, the switch should turn on for the 2 wires in the 1st key position, 3 wires in the second potion, and one wire in the last.
If the switch is faulty, have a mechanic replace it with a new one.
Damaged ignition relay
If your GMC Sierra relay is damaged, it could also make your truck fail to start. This component control electric power flow to your starter and ignition system.
If damaged, it won’t be able to send power to the ignition system or the starter, causing starting issues.
Solution: The fix for a bad ignition relay is pretty simple. You just need to locate this relay in the fuse box of your car and replace it with a new one
Malfunctioning starter solenoid
If your starter solenoid is malfunctioning, it will also make your engine not start and produce no response when turning the key.
A damaged solenoid is unable to facilitate an electric current transition to the starter motor, thus making it impossible for your car to start.
Solution: If your starter solenoid is faulty, it will need to be replaced with a new one.
The replacement process involves disconnecting your battery and then removing the starter motor for easy access to the solenoid.
You can then replace the solenoid and reinstall the starter. If you’re not confident doing this on your car, have a mechanic do it for you.
Anti-theft security system issues
Sometimes you might be surprised that your car’s refusal to start has something to do with the antitheft security system in your truck.
If your truck has this system installed, you should consider checking it as well.
If this system is damaged or faulty, it will make the electrical current not reach the motor, and this will keep your car from starting.
Solution: Check the dash for the security light. If it’s flashing, that’s a confirmation that the security feature is activated.
Issues related to the anti-theft security system are best left to the professionals due to their complexity.
However, you may try performing a simple reset on your system to see if it resolves. Simply turn the key to the ON position for approx. 10 minutes until the warning light goes away. Then, turn it off and try to start your car again.
Check the video below on how to reset your GMC Sierra antitheft deterrent system
Video:
Faulty key fob
If your truck has keyless ignition, then a bad key fob could be another reason your engine won’t start and won’t give any response. The key fob battery may be dead, making it unable to send a signal to the ignition system.
Solution: if your car isn’t responding to keyless ignition, try changing the key fob battery to see if it helps. Alternatively, try using your backup key fob to see if it responds. If it still does not work, then the key fob itself may be faulty.
If you’ve been experiencing difficulties with your GMC Sierra not starting, there could be a range of related issues at play. While the Sierra has its unique set of problems, car enthusiasts might also find our guide on why Hyundai’s remote start isn’t working insightful. Additionally, for those who’ve faced issues with another popular model, our comprehensive coverage on GMC Acadia not starting can be a useful resource.FAQs:
If your starter isn’t clicking at all, you could be having a faulty starter solenoid, malfunctioning ignition switch, or wiring problem. Have a professional diagnose your to find out the underlying issue and fix it.
If your truck won’t start but has power, you may want to consider the most likely causes such as faulty starter motor, ignition switch malfunction, starter problems, failing starter solenoid, fuel delivery system problems, or engine issues.
Conclusion
Your GMC failing to start and having no clicking sound can be a frustrating and worrying experience at the same time. This article has just discussed all the likely culprits behind this issue, including a dead battery, failing starter motor, malfunctioning ignition switch, bad ignition switch relay, faulty starter solenoid, anti-theft system issues, or a bad key fob.
We have provided helpful tips on how to diagnose each of these issues, so you should be able to find out the underlying issue making your truck fail to start. You should start with the battery check, as it’s the most common culprit in this no-start situation. If you’re not confident doing the diagnosis on your own, get a qualified mechanic to do it for you.
