Chevrolet Apache Won’t Start: Top 14 Causes & Solutions

Sitting in your idle Chevy, turning the key, and hearing nothing but silence can be very aggravating. A Chevy that won't start leaves you stuck on the side of the road trying to figure out the problem. The good news is that a number of familiar culprits make an Apaches fail to start, and you can fix a lot of them yourself or with a mechanic's assistance.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the fourteen most common causes your Chevrolet Apache won't start and offer useful suggestions to get your car running again.

Dead Battery

The most common cause a Chevrolet doesn't crank is a dead or drained battery. Your battery supplies the initial jolt of electricity to turn over the engine and get it running.

Signs of a dead battery:

• Silence upon turning the key – no engine cranking
• Electronics not powering on
• Hard time starting in cold weather

How to Fix It: Keep jumper cables on hand in case of a dead battery situation. Jump starting your Chevrolet Apache using a good battery or portable charger can deliver enough charge to get it cranked.

You can also try cleaning corroded battery terminals if they prevent a good connection. If problems continue, have your battery tested – it may need replacing if old.

Bad Alternator

If your battery tests fine but your Chevrolet Apache still won't turn over, the issue may be a faulty alternator. This vital part charges your battery when running and powers the electrical system.

Clues of a bad alternator:

• Battery warning light coming on
• Lights fading
• Hard time starting, especially after short trips

The Fix: Get your alternator checked immediately by a mechanic. A bad alternator can quickly drain your battery. This will need to be replaced by an experienced mechanic.

Bad or Fouled Spark Plugs

Spark plugs ignite the fuel/air mixture in the cylinders to run your car. When they are fouled or worn out, your Apache may not start due to no spark.

Clues of bad spark plugs:

• Poor fuel economy
• Rough idle
• Engine misfiring

The Fix: Spark plugs need periodic replacement as they wear out. Most last 30k+ miles. Have your plugs inspected and change any bad ones. Using quality gas prevents buildup.

Ignition Problems

Problems with parts like the switch, lock cylinder, fob, or wiring can prevent your Chevrolet from starting.

Symptoms of ignition trouble:

• No noise upon turning key
• Instrument panel malfunctioning
• Key won't turn

The Fix: For fob issues, try the battery. For other problems, have the system inspected and repaired professionally. If you need a new Chevy key fob you can get one online here.

Starter Failure

The starter motor engages when you turn the key to start the engine. If it's worn out, your Chevrolet Apache may not turn over.

Symptoms of a bad starter:

• No noise upon turning key
• Clicking but no cranking
• Unusual grinding or whining

The Fix: Have your starter inspected and repaired if faulty. This requires the help of a professional mechanic to diagnose and repair.

Transmission Not in Park/Neutral

If your transmission isn't in Park or Neutral, your Chevrolet's safety features will prevent it from cranking.

The Fix: Shift into Park/Neutral and try once more. If it only starts in one gear, you may have a faulty neutral safety switch needing repair. This will need to be repaired by a local mechanic near you.

Clogged Fuel Filter

A clogged fuel filter can constrain fuel delivery to the engine, preventing your Chevrolet Apache from turning over.

Signs of a clogged filter:

• Difficulty starting
• Engine sputtering
• Decreased fuel economy

The Fix: Replace the filter per your schedule or if thought clogged. Use quality gas and replace regularly. You can have a local mechanic repair this for you, or repair it yourself, maybe with the help and guidance of an online mechanic.

Bad or Failing Fuel Pump

The fuel pump draws gas from the tank to the engine. If it fails, your Chevy won't start due to no fuel.

Signs of a bad pump:

• No sound upon turning key
• Hard time starting
• Stalling after starting

The Fix: Have your pump tested. If faulty, a mechanic near you will need to replace it.

Compression Issues

Proper compression is needed to combust the air/fuel mixture. Low compression from leaks can cause a no start.

Signs of compression issues:

• Hard time starting
• Rough idle
• Lack of power

The Fix: Testing can confirm low compression. For diagnostics and carrying out this repair, a local mechanic is usually needed and will have to replace the worn engine components.

Broken Timing Belt

The timing belt synchronizes the camshaft and crankshaft. If it snaps, the valves and pistons aren't synchronized properly and your Chevy Apache won't start.

Signs of a bad timing belt:

• No start
• Unusual clicking sound

The Fix: Have your belt checked and replaced immediately if broken. This requires a local professional mechanic to replace the timing belt of your Chevy Apache.

Loose or Detached Battery Cable

A detached battery cable can disrupt electricity flow in your Chevy. This common problem can prevent starting.

Signs of a bad cable:

• Corroded terminals
• Power loss from wiggling cables
• Frayed wiring

The Fix: Scrub corroded terminals and tighten loose connections. Damaged cables need replacement. You can get expert Chevy mechanic advice and guidance online or with a local mechanic.

Bad Relays

Relays control power to components like the starter, fuel pump, and computer. Failure can prevent your Chevy Apache from starting or running right.

Diagnosing relay problems:

• Swap relays to test
• Have relays checked by a mechanic

The Fix: Faulty relays must be replaced, often after a larger diagnostic. You will likely need a local mechanic to diagnose if the faulty relay is preventing your Chevy from starting.

Empty Gas Tank

Running your tank completely empty can cause a no-start due to lack of fuel. This seems obvious however it often happens because of an inaccurate or broken fuel gauge.

The Fix: Keep your tank at least 1/4 full to avoid unexpected emptying. If issues persist, have your fuel sender unit checked by a professional mechanic.

Engine Flooding

Sometimes an engine can flood with too much fuel, preventing starting due to wet spark plugs. This is most common in older carbureted engines.

The Fix: Press the gas pedal fully and crank briefly to clear the system so the plugs can spark. If problems continue, have the carburetor adjusted by a professional local mechanic.

Top 3 Ways To Get a Mechanics Help

With so many potential issues for a no start situation, it can be challenging to identify the exact problem yourself. In some cases, getting help from an experienced mechanic can be time-saving and give you peace of mind.

These are the 3 ways to get a mechanic's help in starting your Chevy again.

1. Local Auto Repair Garage Near You

This is the regular way to get it repaired, however, it can be very wasteful in time and money, transporting your vehicle to them, plus expensive garage fees as they often have expensive overhead costs etc, that they have to pass on to the customer.

2. A Mobile Mechanic Near You

Having a qualified mobile mechanic come to your Chevy and repair it on-site can be a great time and money saver. The best mobile mechanics we can recommend in the USA are RepairSmith and YourMechanic. We have recommended them thousands of times, and they both have great prices, services and coverage across most of the USA.

In the UK the best mobile mechanic we can recommend is Fixter, they will come pick up your car, take it get repaired, and deliver it back to you. You can get an instant free quote on their official websites by clicking the name. We have tested, vetted, and can heartedly recommend each of these services to get your Chevy Apache|Chevrolet Apache starting again ASAP.

3. Chat with a Chevy Mechanic Online

This is a great option for most DIYers or car aficionados. It's many times  a straightforward repair you can do yourself, like replacing or powering up the battery. In these instances, if you understand what to do step by step, you can do it yourself, you do not have to pay a mechanic in person. Well, it's your fortunate day, an online mechanic can provide all the assistance, guidance, and advice you require, instantly by online chat. You can then carry out the simple repair on your own.

The top online mechanic we propose is JustAnswer, and through our link, you can get a free trial of their assistance for just $5, request unlimited questions for a week, get the help you need, and you don't have to keep going with the assistance after that. We adore JustAnswer for this reason, professional auto mechanic assistance for just $5 is an unmatchable price.

The qualified mechanics at JustAnswer's Ask a Mechanic service are ready 24/7 to provide remote diagnostics and advice. The advantages of querying a mechanic online are:

• Convenience: Get help from home without having to schedule an appointment or wait at a shop.
• Fast answers; Mechanics reply quickly with possible causes and solutions based on your description.
• Cost savings: Pay per question rather than full diagnostic fees – great for basic troubleshooting.
• Documentation: All conversations are saved in writing, providing helpful reference.
• Expert assistance; Seasoned licensed mechanics have the knowledge to solve Chevy Apache|Chevrolet Apache no starting issues with ease.

You will get matched with the best auto mechanic for your particular case, it doesn't matter if it's an Apache or your Chevrolet Astra won't start, the expert Chevy mechanic you are paired with, will be the best for the job.

So next time you find yourself searching online for something like “my Chevrolet won't start“, consider our ask Chrevrolet questions service.  In just minutes, you can get expert Chevrolet knowledge to help get your beloved Apache started again.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)