5 Causes of Silverado Turn Key Nothing Happens with Solution

The Silverado is a popular pickup truck produced by Chevrolet. Many owners have experienced the frustrating issue of turning the key in their Silverado and nothing happening. This can be caused by various factors in all Silverado generations, which can be challenging to diagnose and fix without proper knowledge.In this article, we will explore five common causes of the Silverado turn key nothing happens problem and provide solutions to address each one.

Silverado Turn Key Nothing Happens [5 Causes with Solutions]

The issue of SIlverado Turn Key Nothing Happens can lead to delays and may even prevent you from getting to work or running errands. Five common causes for this problem have simple solutions.

Battery Problem:

The main culprit behind this issue is usually a weak or dead battery. If your Silverado’s battery is old or has been drained completely, it will not be able to provide enough power to start the engine. If you have left your lights on for an extended period without starting your vehicle, it can also significantly drain the battery’s charge. If the battery weakens, it will show the U1041 code on your EBCM.

Symptoms of a Weak Battery

• Fuzzy headlights
• Clicking sound, but nothing happened when turning the key
• To start the vehicle, you need to press the gas pedal
• Slow crank
• Backfiring

How to Test Chevy Silverado’s Battery with a Power Probe?

To ensure that the battery is working correctly, follow these five steps: take off the covers for the positive and negative terminals, attach the battery’s positive terminal to the positive lead of the power probe, connect the battery’s negative terminal to the negative lead of the power probe, place the power probe tip onto the positive battery terminal, and check the voltage reading. A regular task for everyday use should be between 12.4-12.7 volts; if it is lower than 12.4 volts, recharge the battery. Conversely, the battery is excessively charged if the reading exceeds 12.9 volts.

The Solution to Silverado Battery Problem

The solution to this problem is simple: regular maintenance. Regularly checking and maintaining your truck’s battery is vital to prevent premature battery failure. This includes checking for corrosion on the terminals, ensuring proper voltage levels, and keeping the battery clean and debris-free.

Starter Problem:

The starter component sends an electrical current from the battery to the starter motor, which helps turn over the engine. If there is a problem with the solenoid, no electricity will reach the motor, and your truck won’t start. Another culprit that can cause starting problems is a dirty or corroded connection between the battery and the starter. Over time dirt and grime can build up on these connections leading to poor conductivity, which prevents electricity from flowing correctly.

Symptoms of a Bad Starter

• The engine will not turn
• The starter remains on after the engine starts.
• Intermittent starting issues
• Clicking, whirring noises
• Smell of smoke
• Battery problems also cause starter problems.

How to Test Starter Without Removing It?

To test the starter, gather a multimeter, alligator clips, clips, and a 12V battery. Follow these three steps:

• Connect the positive probe of the multimeter to the high-voltage input terminal of the starter solenoid.
• Alligator clips attach the multimeter’s negative lead to a metal exterior.
• If the starter works correctly, the multimeter will display 12 volts, decreasing as soon as you start the engine.

Solution of the Starter Problem

Replacing the starter would fix the problem.

Fuel Pump Problem:

The fuel pump delivers gasoline from the tank to the engine. If it fails, your engine won’t have any fuel to burn, failing to start. To determine whether or not this is the cause of your issue, listen carefully when you turn the key – if you hear a whirring sound coming from underneath your vehicle, then your fuel pump is likely functioning correctly.

Symptoms of a Faulty Fuel Pump

• The engine doesn’t start
• Overheating engine
• Engine runs slowly
• Reduced fuel mileage
• Abnormal speed

Solution of the Problem:

It is prudent to bring the automobile to a skilled technician for proper diagnosis, as the issue requires accurate identification. The starting problem may be quickly resolved by correcting the fuel pump’s incorrect configuration.

Faulty Alternator:

The alternator is among your car’s most critical electrical system components. It charges your battery while the engine is running and helps power various electrical components such as headlights, air conditioning, and radio. When it malfunctions or fails, it can cause many problems preventing your vehicle from starting.

Symptoms of a Faulty Alternator

• Malfunctioning accessories
• Frequent stalling or starting problem
• Dim lights
• Smells like burning rubber
• Dead battery
• Battery warning light

Solution:

The first step is to have your alternator tested by a professional mechanic or auto parts store. They can determine if it needs to be replaced or if it can be repaired.

Empty Fuel Tank:

When your fuel tank runs dry, there’s no gasoline left to ignite in the combustion chamber of your engine, which means that it won’t start. Even if you’re used to ignoring the low fuel warning light on your dashboard or relying on an inaccurate gauge, you’ll run out of gas entirely and be stranded until someone can bring you more fuel. The good news is that this problem is easy to prevent by monitoring how much gas remains in your tank and filling up before it gets too low.

Symptoms of an Empty Fuel Tank

• The vehicle stalls
• The fuel gauge sign on the dashboard shows low or empty fuel.

Solution:

Keep your tank filled before leaving.

Final Thoughts:

The five causes of Silverado turn key nothing happens can be easily fixed with simple solutions. Checking the battery connections, replacing the starter, inspecting the ignition switch and fuses, and checking for a malfunctioning security system or park/neutral switch can help get your vehicle up and running quickly. It is essential to regularly maintain your car to avoid such issues from occurring. By performing routine checks and checking for warning signs, you can save time and money in the long run. Don’t let a dead battery or faulty starter ruin your day; take action today and keep your Silverado running smoothly for years.

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