There’s nothing more frustrating than turning the key in your truck’s ignition and being met with silence or a series of clicks instead of that familiar rumble of the engine starting up. If you have a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado, you may have experienced this annoying situation. This happens due to various starter-related issues, weakening the goodwill of this reliable truck.
The starter is a crucial component of your vehicle’s electrical system, initiating the engine’s combustion process. When it fails or encounters problems, your truck won’t start, leaving you stranded and potentially a costly repair if not addressed on time.
But fear not! This blog post explores the most common starter motor problems in the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado, covering the obvious symptoms, potential causes, viable solutions, and preventive maintenance tips.
Whether you are a proud Chevy Silverado owner or just seeking one in the future, understanding these problems will better equip you to diagnose and address any starter-related issues, ensuring your truck remains a reliable companion.
Starter motor from ACDELCO
Understanding the Starter System
The starter is the catalyst that ignites the engine, setting the entire vehicle in motion. When you turn the ignition key, an electrical signal is sent to the starter solenoid, which, in turn, activates the starter motor.
This motor engages with the engine’s flexplate, initiating the rotational movement necessary for the engine to start firing and running independently. It integrates with the vehicle’s ignition and battery systems to ensure seamless operation. Understanding the starter system’s parts is crucial to better understanding its operations. Let’s take a look.
Parts of the starter system
The starter system comprises several key parts working in tandem to facilitate smooth engine ignition. These include:
Starter Motor — The starter motor is the core of the starter system. It converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, generating the torque needed to crank the engine.
Starter Relay — A starter relay controls the power flow from the battery to the starter motor. It acts as a switch, engaging the starter to crank and start the engine when the ignition key is turned.
Flexplate — Attached to the engine’s crankshaft, the flexplate provides the necessary leverage for the starter motor to engage and turn the engine.
Battery — The primary power source for the starter system, the battery supplies the electrical energy required to activate the starter motor.
Ignition Switch — The interface through which the driver commands the starter system to begin the engine-starting process.
Can a starter fail without warning?
Yes, a starter can fail suddenly without warning. While starters often give some indications of impending failure, such as grinding noises or difficulty starting the engine, in some cases, they can simply stop working without any prior symptoms. Factors such as wear and tear and electrical issues can contribute to sudden starter failure, catching vehicle owners off guard.
Signs of 2017 Chevrolet Silverado Starter Problems
Now that you have become familiar with the starter system and its functions, let’s jump at the signs of the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado starter issues. These are the signs of 2017 Chevrolet Silverado starter problems:
Failure to Start
The most obvious sign of a starter problem is failure to start the engine. When attempting to start your 2017 Chevrolet Silverado and encountering silence instead of the expected engine engagement, it may suggest a problem with the starter.
Why is my truck not starting but has power?
If your truck has battery power but is not starting, the likely reasons could be a faulty starter motor, issues with the starter fuses or relay, problems with the starter’s power supply wiring, or engine sensor failures, which are fairly common.
While rare, engine mechanical failures can also prevent the truck from starting. Thorough troubleshooting and testing of the starter system, electrical components, and engine sensors may be required to pinpoint and rectify the no-start issue.
Clicking Noise When Attempting to Start
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado starter problems can also be identified with a rapid clicking sound coming from the engine bay instead of the engine starting when you turn the ignition key. This clicking noise typically suggests that the starter solenoid is engaging but may not transmit enough power to the starter motor to turn over the engine.
Grinding Noise During Startup
If you hear a harsh grinding noise while attempting to start your 2017 Chevrolet Silverado, it could be a sign of starter problems. This grinding sound typically occurs when the starter motor’s gear teeth fail to properly engage with the engine’s flexplate, resulting in friction and grinding.
Starter motor relay from BOSCH
Causes of the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado Starter Problems
You are familiar with the symptoms of starter problems up until now. Next, we will examine the factors leading to those issues in your 2017 Chevrolet Silverado. Knowing these factors helps maintain better performance. These are the causes:
Starter Motor Failure
In most cases, the starter motor may be the culprit behind Silverado’s starting problems. The starter motor is a high-torque electric motor that turns the engine’s flexplate, initiating the combustion. Over time, the internal components of the starter motor can wear out, leading to failure.
The starter motor’s placement just below the exhaust manifold may also contribute to premature failure. Despite heat shields, it’s exposed to high temperatures, leading to defects. Symptoms like no cranking or grinding noises during startup signal a faulty starter motor.
While a new starter motor can be costly, ranging from $300 to $600 for parts and labor, it’s often the only solution if the motor has failed. Attempting to repair a failed starter motor is generally not recommended, as it’s more cost-effective to replace it entirely.
Faulty Starter Solenoid
The starter solenoid is a small but crucial component. It acts as an electrical switch, allowing the starter motor to crank and start the engine. When the solenoid fails, it makes a clicking noise when turning the key, but the engine does not crank. This issue can be caused by wear and tear over time or electrical problems within the solenoid itself.
If you suspect a faulty starter solenoid, try tapping it gently with a tool while someone else attempts to start the truck. If it cranks momentarily, it’s a clear sign that the whole starter needs replacement.
Starter motor from BBB industries
Dead Battery and Corroded Connections
A dead or weakened battery is a common cause of starter problems in the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado. A slow crank when starting the truck indicates a weak battery. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the terminals and ensuring proper charging, can extend battery life, but replacement may be needed every 3-5 years.
Even with a good battery, loose or corroded connections can hinder the starter. Corrosion buildup, noticeable as a white, blue, or green crust on the terminals, creates resistance and reduces electrical flow. Regular cleaning and secure connections are essential to prevent these issues. Maintaining both the battery and its connections is crucial for reliable starting.
Power Supply Issues
A common cause of starter problems is power supply issues. In the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado, the starter circuit relies on a network of wires, cables, relays, and fuses to deliver power from the battery to the starter motor. Loose, damaged, or corroded connections in any of these components can prevent the starter from receiving adequate electrical current.
Diagnosing these issues often involves tracing the entire starter circuit and inspecting each connection point. Ensuring all wires, cables, relays, and fuses are in good condition and securely connected is crucial for a properly functioning starter system, helping to avoid electrical problems or safety hazards.
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Diagnostic Steps
After taking note of the possible causes behind the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado starter problems, the next step is to diagnose them to pinpoint the exact issue. Diagnosing starter problems involves several steps. Let’s take a look:
Check Battery Health and Connections
Begin by inspecting the battery to ensure it’s in good condition and properly connected. Test the battery voltage with a multimeter to verify it is within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
When the engine isn’t running, and the battery is healthy, the voltage readings should bounce around 12.4 volts, give or take 0.2 volts.
Additionally, examine the battery terminals and cables for any signs of corrosion, damage, or looseness. Clean corroded terminals with a wire brush and tighten any loose connections. Faulty batteries or loose connections can disrupt the flow of electricity to the starter system, leading to starting issues.
Test Starter Solenoid
Use a remote starter switch or have a helper turn the ignition key while you listen for the distinct click of the starter solenoid engaging. If you don’t hear the solenoid activating, it could indicate a faulty solenoid. Measure the voltage to the solenoid to ensure power is getting there.
Check Starter Motor Operation
If the solenoid engages but the starter motor doesn’t run, it could indicate one of two issues: the power supply to the starter motor is loose, or the starter motor itself is defective. Firstly, check for a loose power supply to the starter motor. If connections are secure, it is surely a starter issue, depicting a faulty starter motor.
Inspect Starter Wiring
Thoroughly check the wiring harness connected to the starter motor for any signs of damage, fraying, or loose connections. Damaged wiring can restrict the flow of electricity to the starter motor, resulting in starting difficulties. Perform a continuity test to test the resistance of the wiring.
Perform Voltage Drop Test
Conduct a voltage drop test on the starter circuit to identify high-resistance connections or components. This test helps pinpoint areas of voltage loss within the starter system, such as corroded cable or faulty ground connections.
Scan for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Use a diagnostic scanner to retrieve stored DTCs related to the starter system, engine, and immobilizer. Pending trouble codes may provide insight into the underlying starter or engine issues even if the check engine light isn’t illuminated.
Solutions and Fixes
After familiarizing yourself with the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado starter problems, their signs, causes, and diagnostic steps, this section is for solutions and fixes. Here are the solutions for the 2017 Silverado starter issues.
Replace the Starter Motor Assembly
If the starter motor solenoid or internal component is malfunctioning, consider replacing the starter motor. When the starter motor malfunctions, it fails to engage or shows signs of mechanical failure, prompting replacement.
Additionally, repeated attempts to start the engine with a faulty starter can wear down the battery and increase wear on the flex plate. Select a quality starter motor that matches your Silverado’s specifications.
How long does a starter last in a Chevy Silverado?
Chevy Silverado starters typically last a vehicle’s lifetime with maintenance but may fail early due to factors like electrical issues, corrosion, wear, environmental conditions, and high temperatures.
Maintain Battery and Connections
A dead or depleted battery can hinder the starter system’s performance. If the battery is simply discharged, consider recharging it with a battery charger. However, replacement is necessary if it’s beyond recharging or shows signs of deterioration.
Additionally, loose or corroded battery connections disrupt electricity flow. Ensure terminals are securely tightened and corrosion-free. Clean terminals with a wire brush, apply a corrosion inhibitor and replace damaged cables or connectors.
Fix Power Supply Issues
Power supply issues, such as damaged or frayed wiring, can disrupt electrical flow and lead to starting problems. Thoroughly examine the wiring harness for any signs of damage or wear. Repair or replace damaged wiring, cables, fuses, or relays as needed to rectify the power supply and ensure proper functionality.
Address Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
If diagnostic trouble codes related to the starter system are present, address them accordingly. Follow the diagnostic procedures outlined in your vehicle’s service manual to identify and rectify any underlying issues contributing to the DTCs.
Maintenance Tips
Preventive maintenance is essential for maintaining the performance of the starter and the overall vehicle. Adhering to these preventive maintenance tips can reduce the likelihood of encountering starter problems in your 2017 Chevy Silverado.
Comprehensive Battery Maintenance
To ensure the longevity of your vehicle’s battery, perform routine checks on its condition and voltage. Replace the battery if it displays signs of deterioration or struggles to hold a charge.
Additionally, maintain battery health by cleaning terminals, preventing corrosion, and implementing proper maintenance practices like avoiding deep discharges. If the battery is not frequently driven, consider using a battery trickle charger to prevent battery drain and extend its lifespan.
Starter System Maintenance
Regularly inspect starter motor and solenoid connections for corrosion, looseness, or damage. Clean and tighten connections to optimize electrical conductivity. Similarly, check wiring harnesses for wear, fraying, or damage. Securely route wiring to safeguard against abrasion or exposure, maintaining its integrity for dependable operation.
Test Starter Operation
Whenever you start your truck, listen for any abnormal sounds or delays in engine cranking. If you notice these issues, promptly investigate and address the underlying cause.
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