02 TB wont start...first snow falling, need help

[RedRocketZ28]

This is not the best way to introduce myself to the site but I am new and in need of some quick help. I went out to try to start my TrailBlazer this morning and nothing. All the lights and gauges come on, the radio works, the heater works, turn the key and it doesn't do a thing. I tried starting it in nuetral, park, moving the shifter back and forth, rolling the car a little and nothing. It's like the car is not recognizing it is in park or something, I don't know. It ran fine lastnight too. All of this happening and we are suppose to get lots of snow for the first time this year. Any ideas? Thanks everyone.

[scjzman]

This is not the best way to introduce myself to the site but I am new and in need of some quick help. I went out to try to start my TrailBlazer this morning and nothing. All the lights and gauges come on, the radio works, the heater works, turn the key and it doesn't do a thing. I tried starting it in nuetral, park, moving the shifter back and forth, rolling the car a little and nothing. It's like the car is not recognizing it is in park or something, I don't know. It ran fine lastnight too. All of this happening and we are suppose to get lots of snow for the first time this year. Any ideas? Thanks everyone.

The exact same thing happened to my 2003 GMC Sierra about two months ago.:( After having it towed to the dealer, it turned out to be my starter:confused: . Thank goodness for my extended warranty coverage or it would have cost me $425.00.:eek: Good luck.

[ghoster]

Have you checked all the fuses under the hood?

[RedRocketZ28]

Have you checked all the fuses under the hood?

Not yet, I just searched the site a bit and you had mentioned that before. I am going to try to unhook the battery and let it reset, and check all the fuses. This is frustrating though. I can't drive my LT1 Z in the snow :(.

[SSG_T37]

After having it towed to the dealer, it turned out to be my starter

:iagree:

I would try taking a hammer and tapping the body of the starter lightly a couple of times (don't strike it to hard as you can crack the body of the starter) then try to start it. If it doesn't work the first time try once or twice more just too maybe rule out the starter as the problem. If it starts after you tap it then there's your problem. You may need to have someone tap the starter while you try to start the TB as sometimes it won’t start unless you do it simultaneously. $425.00 seams a bit on the high side for a starter though. But that's at the dealer so you know they'll over charge every time. I’m sure $425 was part + install but still seems way too much, especially for a GMC Sierra. You should be able to find a starter by it’s self for much cheaper at any auto parts store and you can change a starter pretty easily. You’ll have to bring them the core or they will charge you a core charge. Usually you can get away with the tap the starter method a few times before it just won’t work any more. So if you don’t want to tow it or just want to do it yourself then you have some options. Just remember that once the vehicle is started you don’t have to worry about it shutting down because the starter only does exactly what its name says. It doesn’t play a role after the vehicle it started. I haven’t look to see where they are located on the TB but if it is accessible then it would definitely be a do it yourselfer. Just my :m2:. Hope this helps you out!

[Dave]

It could also be an issue with the tranny interlock. Try moving the tranny's gear shift a little. The engine will not crank if the tranny thinks it is not in park or N.

Welcome to the site by the way!

[RedRocketZ28]

Well I got it started. My cousin came over and tried some things. Then called a mechanic buddy who said to try and engage the starter at the starter itself. We took a screwdriver and crossed the terminals on the starter. It cranked but then started to just whine like the solenoid wasnt engaging. I then tried it from in the cab and it started right up. We are getting a new starter and my cousin is putting it in so it will be fairly cheap to replace. The mechanic buddy said the solenoid could have been frozen (it was in the single digits here lastnight) and it needed an extra boost to get unstuck. I am going to drive it for a couple of days to see how it acts but I am going to carry a screwdriver and a flashlight with me, haha. Thanks for all the responses and suggestions though.

[scjzman]

Glad that worked out for you. :)