The following technical tips provide repair information about specific conditions on a variety of vehicles. If you have a tough or unusual service repair, the TSS Technical Assistance Hot Line can help. Call 1-800-825-5886, prompt #2, to speak with a technical expert with the latest OEM information.
Wheel Spacers
Original equipment (OEM) wheels and GM accessory wheels are designed to mount directly to the vehicle's wheel hubs without need for spacers (adapters). Some aftermarket wheels are manufactured to fit a limited number of wheel hub diameters and rely on spacers to accommodate the differences. (Fig. 15)
(Fig. 15)
In some instances, owners have installed aftermarket wheels that require the use of spacers and later switched back to the OEM wheels. If the spacer is not removed from the wheel hub, it will interfere with the proper fit of the OEM wheel. The spacer can affect wheel nut torque, causing loosening and possible wheel detachment. Other effects include wobbling, vibration and unnatural tire wear.
If a vehicle displays such characteristics, and has previously been fitted with aftermarket wheels, check for wheel hub spacers and remove them if they are present.
No, Hard or Slow Start, Backfire during Crank/Start
1999-2000 Cadillac Escalade; 1995-2000 Chevrolet and GMC S/T models; 1996-2000 Chevrolet and GMC C/K, M/L, G, P models; 1996-2000 Oldsmobile Bravada -- with the 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L or 7.4L engine (RPOs L35, LF6, L30, L31, L29)
One of the following conditions may exist: backfire or kickback during crank/start, no start, slow or hard crank/start, grinding or unusual noises during crank/start, cracked or broken engine block at the starter boss, broken starter drive housing, or broken starter ring gear on flywheel.
A condition may exist that allows the crankshaft position sensor to command up to 50 extra degrees of spark advance during engine cranking only. This in turn exposes the engine to higher than normal cylinder pressures that may result in an inoperative condition to the starter drive housing, the engine flywheel starter ring gear, or the engine block at the outside edge of the starter boss.
Check for a powertrain DTC P0338. This DTC will not illuminate the Check Engine light. If this code is stored, the crankshaft position sensor must be replaced and the other components -- engine block at the starter boss, starter drive housing, and engine flywheel starter ring gear -- inspected for damage.
Some flywheel wear is normal. Look for broken or missing teeth and/or cracks.
Refer to GM bulletin 00-06-04-014 for more information.
Starter Failure, Binding Ignition, Starter Staying Engaged
1999-2003 Ford Excursion and F-Series Super Duty
The starter may stay engaged after releasing the key from the start position or the ignition lock cylinder may be sticking/binding, which may result in starter failure.
These conditions may be due to the ignition lock cylinder binding and not fully returning from the start position to the run position, a short condition on starter relay circuit 113 or 1093, a sticking starter relay, or an internal short in the power distribution junction box.
If one of these conditions occurs, inspect the starter and flywheel for damage and replace as necessary. Inspect the starter circuit for shorts, including the Power Distribution Junction Box, and verify proper cylinder lock function; service as necessary.
Noise from Rear of Vehicle during Cold Start
2004-2008 Chevrolet Aveo; 2006-2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR; 2007-2008 Pontiac G5; 2006-2007 Saturn ION
Shortly after cold starting the engine, three to five brief knock noises may be heard from the rear of the vehicle. The sound is similar to someone tapping on the rear window. The may be the result of the EVAP vent valve going through a normal diagnostic cleaning cycle.
If this condition is experienced and the noise is isolated to the EVAP vent valve, inspect the vent valve pipe to ensure that it is routed properly and not grounding out. If the pipe is routed properly, this noise should be considered a normal characteristic.
No Crank, Starter Terminal Fatigue
1997-2007 Ford Crown Victoria, 1997-2004, Ford F-150 Heritage, 1997-2006 Ford Expedition, 1998-2006 E-Series, 1999-2006 Ford F-Series Super Duty, 2002-2007 Ford Explorer, 2004-2006 Ford F-150, 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac; 1998-2006 Lincoln Navigator, 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator; 1997-2007 Mercury Grand Marquis, 2002-2007 Mercury Mountaineer
Some vehicles may exhibit a no crank condition due to an open circuit in the starter relay to starter motor circuit at the starter motor connection.
Follow the appropriate Service Information to correct the condition. A starter terminal pigtail kit is available to eliminate the need to replace the entire harness for the terminal connection. The terminal kit only services the starter relay to starter motor circuit. It does not service the starter motor battery power circuit.
Alternator Bolt Tightening
2001-2004 Honda Civic
Conditions such as an engine crank/no start, MIL on, immobilizer blinking, no communication with the ECM/PCM may be caused by loose alternator bolts. If these bolts are loose for any reason, the alternator can overcharge and damage the ECM/PCM.
Beginning in 2001, the Civic has a different style alternator bracket that makes the bolt tightening sequence and bolt torque critical. Improper tightening will cause noise.
Refer to the appropriate Service Information for the proper bolt tightening sequence and bolt torque specifications. A belt tension gauge special tool also is required.
After tightening the alternator bolts, restart the engine. If it won't start, check the ECM/PCM connector for battery voltage and ground. If there is battery voltage and ground at the connector, replace the ECM/PCM.
Intermittent Vehicle No Crank/Dead Battery
2004 Buick Rainier; 2000-2004 Cadillac Escalade, 2002-2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT, 2003-2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV; 1998-2004 Chevrolet Blazer and S-10 Pickup, 1999-2004 Chevrolet Silverado, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, 2002-2004 Chevrolet Avalanche, 2002-2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer and TrailBlazer EXT, 2003-2004 Chevrolet Express; 1998-2004 GMC Jimmy and Sonoma, 1999-2004 GMC Sierra, 2000-2004 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, 2002-2004 GMC Envoy and Envoy XL, 2003-2004 GMC Savana, 2004 GMC Envoy XUV; 1998-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada; 2003-2004 HUMMER H2
When diagnosing an intermittent vehicle no crank or dead battery condition, remove and reinstall the ignition switch following the appropriate procedure in the Service Information. The ignition switch may have been misindexed in the steering column during a previous replacement.
If the ignition switch is mixindexed in one direction, the ignition switch circuits will not be completely open when the ignition switch is in the Off position with the key removed. This may result in the lights remaining on and will drain the battery.
If the ignition switch is mixindexed in the opposite direction, the ignition circuits will open correctly, but the ignition switch may not close the crank circuit properly when the ignition key is turned to the crank position. This will result in a no crank condition.
Refer to GM bulletin 04-06-03-002 for more information.
Starter Motor Continues to Run or Crank
1995 Buick Riveria; 1995 Cadillac Eldorado, Eldorado Touring Coupe, Seville; 1995 Chevrolet Camaro; 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora; 1995 Pontiac Firebird -- with 3800, 4.0L, 4.6L, 5.7L engines (RPOs L47, L36, LT1, LD8, L67, L37); 1994-95 Chevrolet and GMC Truck C/K, G, P models -- with 5.7L, 7.4L engines (RPOs L05, L19)
The starter motor may continue to run or crank after the vehicle is started or turned off. The starter motor solenoid will not disengage because of a ground to the #6 circuit. With the #6 circuit ground to a resistive ground, current is fed back through the windings to the ground, holding in the plunger and causing the starter to continue to run.
Disconnect the #6 circuit lead at the starter "S" terminal. With the ignition Off or in Run, use an Ohm meter to check for any electrical path between the ring terminal on the #6 circuit lead and ground.
If found, eliminate the grounding condition. Reroute any wires as necessary.
Discharged Battery, Slow Starting
1997-1998 Buick Skylark; 1997-1998 Chevrolet Cavalier and Malibu; 1997-1998 Oldsmobile Achieva and Cutlass; 1997-1998 Pontiac Grand Am and Sunfire -- with 2.2L, 2.4L, 3.1L engines (RPOs LN2, LD9, L82)
The battery may be weak or discharged, the starting motor may turn slowly, the generator may not be charging.
Check for a loose generator output and battery positive cable terminal at the starting motor. This may cause a high resistance in the battery positive circuit from the generator to the battery. Also inspect the condition of the starting motor B+ stud, wire, ring terminals and nut.
If these conditions are found, the generator and battery should not be damaged and will not require replacement.
Low Voltage Display
1998-2000 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks, including Saturn; 2003-2008 HUMMER H2, H3; 2005-2008 Saab 9-7X
Any vehicle may have a low voltage display, lights that dim at stop lights, slow cranking, no start, low generator output at idle or dim lights at idle when electrical loads are heavy at idle or under slow driving or infrequent usage conditions. These characteristics may be more noticeable with customer added electrical accessories or with a discharged battery.
These are normal operating characteristics of a vehicle electrical system unless a proven fault has been diagnosed.
Non-usage of the vehicle for extended periods of time and extended periods of engine idling with high electrical loads are two factors that may affect generator and battery performance. For complete diagnosis of the battery and/or generator, refer to the appropriate Service Information.
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