GMC Won’t Start? Here’s Quick Solutions to the Most Common Causes

Introduction

GMC won’t start? Relax. As a qualified mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen it all and can help you swiftly get your stalled GMC going again.

My name is Robby, and in this article, I’ll use my experience to reveal the frequent offenders for GMC no-start problems – faulty alternator, broken voltage regulator, etc. I’ll share repair insights to repair your GMC in no time, what products, parts or tools can help in different situations, and when to bring in a professional mechanic.

My practical recommendations will help you lower repair garage charges and be driving again ASAP and safely. I’ll give care pointers to prevent future no start issues also.

Understanding Why a GMC Won’t Start

Before we get stuck into the causes and repair options it’s important to initially have an understanding of the issue. When you hop into your car and realize “my GMC wont start”, this could be because of different issues being wrong with your car. Possibly the engine is not cranking at all, possibly it is cranking partially but then not starting, or perhaps it’s making a clicking sound when you try to start the engine, however ultimately nothing happens. Each of these situations can indicate different problems with your car.

Common Reasons Why Your GMC Won’t Start

There are many reasons that a GMC won’t start up. These issues usually include a dead or weak vehicle battery, a broken alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system failures, as well as electrical or circuitry problems. Every one of these problems can show up as a multitude of symptoms and require different solutions to troubleshoot and fix, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.

Symptoms of a GMC That Won’t Start

Having the ability to identify and diagnose these symptoms, will assist you in finding the underlying cause of the issue. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise however your vehicle still can’t start, it can mean that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system.

Analysis of The Reasons Why Your GMC Won’t Start

The first step to discovering a practical solution to the problem is getting to grips with the root cause of that issue, so let’s look into the most common reasons your GMC wont start. A lot of this information is transferrable to other car makes also, so it doesnt make if it a GMC or a Isuzu won’t start, with this handy guide you always be prepared!

GMC Battery Issues Can Cause Starting Troubles

In the majority of cases, the most common reason why your GMC wont start is, in many cases the result of your battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you need to either charge the battery or replace it. The car’s battery stores the power needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your GMC. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery problem in a GMC, are things like the car being sluggish to crank the engine, dim headlights, or a lit-up battery warning light on your cars dash. A portable jump starter allows you to jump start your car if the battery is dead without needing another vehicle, and a battery charger can help recharge a dead battery and diagnose battery issues.

Alternator Issues Can Cause GMC Starting problems

The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A broken alternator can easily stop your GMC from starting as it will not have the ability to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will drain all the way down until it’s totally dead and you only realize it when you get in your GMC and it wont start. Signs that your cars alternator is faulty include a lit up battery or alternator caution light on the dash, dim headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while its running.

GMC Starter Motor Failures

The starter motor deals with turning the engine over (cranking) when you start up your GMC. If the starter motor is faulty in some way then the engine may not crank, and your GMC won’t start. You can find out if your starter motor has an issue or not usually by listening for a clicking noise when you turn your key or a grinding noise throughout the startup, or your vehicle starts up but only intermittently, then the starter motor may very well be the problem.

GMC Fuel System Complications

Now we’re not talking about when you merely run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having issues. Your GMC uses a combustion engine, and therefore to start and run, it requires a combination of both fuel and air. If your GMC problems are the result of a faulty fuel system, this can be a clogged fuel filter or a damaged fuel pump relay, which could suggest the engine might not be receiving the fuel it requires to get the car going.

GMC Electrical System or Wiring Problems

Modern GMC’s rely heavily on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially go wrong. Even in an older model, you can have regular problems such as blown fuses, spark plug issues, a broken ignition switch, or a faulty sensor and more. These can be some of the numerous electrical examples of how failing electrical components can be the reason your car wont start up. Indications of a wiring or electrical issue can vary greatly but can typically include the engine not cranking, or your GMC can start however only intermittently or various warning lights are lit up on the car’s dash. To appropriately identify and fix these kinds of problems, you will require the abilities of a knowledgeable car mechanic in your area or online.

Solutions & Repair Tips For When Your GMC Can’t Start

As soon as you have found out what the reason for your GMC failing to start is. The next logical step is naturally to try and repair it. Here are some pointers for the typical problems we’ve covered so far.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a GMC

If you suspect it’s possibl a battery issue is the culprit as to why your GMC has trouble starting up, then the first thing you need to do is check around the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and firmly connected. If you happen to find that the terminals are corroded you can attempt cleaning them with a mix of baking soda and water.

Once you have checked the battery terminals, you can check to see if the battery is just out of charge, or worse, it’s old and weak, or dead and needs to be replaced. For this, you can charge the battery in a few different ways:

• With the help of another vehicle and jumper cables to jump-start your GMC’s battery.
• Use a car battery charger that you can plug into a socket to charge it up.
• Use a portable car battery charger you can take with you on the go, so you are never left stranded when on the move.

If the battery charges up and works fine, great, problem solved! However, you will need to replace the battery if it’s weak or old. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the car, it will likely die again in the near future. You can use a multimeter or OB2 scanner as a way to test the life of the battery to find out if it’s worth saving or if it needs replacing. You can get a replacement car battery for your exact GMC model by visiting Amazon here, and selecting “enter a new vehicle” to filter the results for your GMC, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.

If charging your GMC’s car battery does not resolve your issues, and problems like frequent draining and needing frequent charges persist even after replacing the battery, there is likely a more complex underlying issue causing excessive battery drain. In that case, you will need a professional mechanic to inspect and diagnose the root cause.

How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a GMC

If the alternator is what you think is the reason, you can test it. If you can get the car started temporarily (you may need to jump start the car for that), but when it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while its running, disconnect the positive terminal of your car’s battery . If you discover your GMC dies pretty quickly, then it’s likely due to an issue with the alternator. However, be warned this test can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing, and might damage the delicate electronic components in your car, so its best to chat with a reliable mechanic locally or online, prior to ever trying this.

How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a GMC

If you suspect the starter motor is the cause of your GMC refusing to start up, listen for a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition. In these cases, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.

How to Solve Fuel System Issues in a GMC

If you suspect the issue to be because of a fuel system problem, try and listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting the car. You should hear a humming noise for a couple of seconds. It may be there is an issue with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this noise. If you discover your GMC is hard to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it could possibly be a result of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a reliable car mechanic in order to effectively fix.

How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Problems in a GMC

If you suspect it’s a wiring or electrical system problem, first inspect the fuses associated with the ignition system, and replace any that have actually blown. If your GMC starts after this, then it was a successful, cheap and simple repair! If the car does not start, even intermittently, it might be a problem with the ignition switch itself. If various warning lights are noticeable on your dashboard, it might be a damaged sensor. These issues can be very complicated and a professional car mechanic is likely needed to identify and fix it.

How To Prevent GMC No Starting Issues

As my father always said “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to make sure you hopefully avoid any GMC starting difficulties again!

Routine Maintenance of Your GMC:

Regular upkeep of your GMC is crucial to avoiding future troubles. This includes things like routine oil changes, checking the battery, cleaning up the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as advised/required, and of course having your GMC inspected by a reliable car mechanic routinely. You can consult a mechanic locally or online if you find yourself unsure or confused about the regular upkeep tasks needed for your particular automobile.

Drive Your GMC Frequently:

If you happen to leave your GMC in your garage for extended periods of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery can waste out of charge as it’s not getting any charge from the engine being in use. Try your best to drive your vehicle regularly to keep the battery charged. If you remember you have not driven your car in a while, take it for a spin to ensure there is still charge in the battery. Worth noting: letting the battery totally drain, is also damaging for the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.

Take Notice Of Warning Signs:

If you observe anything weird like uncommon sounds, a difference in driving and performance, or alert lights are now visible on your GMC’s dashboard, do not disregard them and get on with your day. These can be early warnings of a problem and are best being addressed ASAP so that they don’t end up being larger problems down the line. Talk to a car mechanic in your area or online about these warning symbols and find out if they need to be addressed.

When to Ask a GMC Mechanic Online

Instead of Googling searches like “how to fix car that won’t start” all day long looking for solutions, there is an easier way. If you want to save time, want an expert GMC mechanic on hand to guide and to advise you, or you have tried to fix it for yourself, but despite your best efforts your GMC will not start, then talking with a GMC mechanic online can be a fantastic choice.

Advantages of Online Mechanic Solutions

Ask a mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, offer a number of advantages. You can get expert GMC mechanic suggestions 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is especially helpful if your car will not start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you save money as online mechanic consultations are much cheaper than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get the answer quickly, which is great if you’re in a hurry, require a 2nd opinion, or you just prefer having a professional GMC mechanic on hand.

How Services Like Mechanic Answer Can Assist You

Mechanic Answer connects you with licensed specialist mechanics who can supply instantaneous aid, guidance and suggestions. You’re able to describe the issues you are having with your car, ask a GMC mechanic unlimited questions, and even upload pictures and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk to them via online chat or by call, whichever you choose. The GMC mechanic online will help you identify the problem, advise you on the best course of action for your specific circumstance and even assist you through easy maintenance and repairs step by step.

Conclusion

To wrap up when your GMC wont start, it will likely be a major bummer and a massive hassle. However, having an understanding of what may be causing the issues, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are needed in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a huge help. Remember that routine upkeep is key to preventing all kinds of vehicle issues.

Even if this guide was beneficial but your GMC vehicle isn’t running smoothly yet, remember to use our live chat car help free service instantly on our site.”

GMC Won’t Start Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do if my GMC doesn’t start?

To start with, don’t panic. Attempt to identify any signs that might suggest a problem, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The reason for the problem is likely one of the typical causes talked about in this guide. If you can’t find the problem yourself, you will need the aid of a GMC mechanic locally or online.

How to tell if my GMC wont start because of the battery?

Signs of a battery problem in a GMC include the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on dash. You can also check the battery terminals to see if they are clean, not corroded, and firmly connected. It may be best to just swap it out for a new one if the battery is weak or old.

How can I prevent my GMC not starting issues?

In order to ensure this annoyance never ever takes place once again, regular maintenance is crucial. This consists of things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning it’s terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended / required, and getting your GMC checked by a mechanic routinely. It’s also a great idea to drive the vehicle routinely so the battery stays charged.

Can I ask a mechanic online if my GMC fails to start?

Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can provide immediate expert GMC mechanic assistance and suggestions, without you having to leave your home. This is specifically beneficial if your car can’t start and is stuck in the driveway.

How can services like Mechanic Answer help if my GMC fails to start?

We link you with accredited professional GMC mechanics who can provide advice on your specific scenario. You can inform them about your vehicle problems, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can appropriately demonstrate the issue and describe it fully. The mechanic will have the ability to help, troubleshoot, identify the issue, suggest the best course of action and guide you along the way.