'05 Yukon 5.3,..Starter problem or WHAT??

[mountie]

The new relay is not installed... I just have it in a box, so if the starter fails, then I will put the new one in and..... cross my fingers...

 

[Fless]

But you see what @OR VietVet is saying, it may not be the relay itself even if it starts after the swap. When swapping the relay you could be flexing the fusebox which could have an intermittent wire.

 

[mountie]

one step at a time, I suppose...... I can't get my hands on the wires connected to the starter, so I'll wait to get it up on a lift ... Next week. ( My mechanic is full-up right now )
Until then.. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

 

[S33k3r]

Is it possible your alternator is dead?

 

[mountie]

Is it possible your alternator is dead?

Nope.
Nothing shows any low voltage. Gauge at just over 14 when running. Battery check shows good.
Yesterday, when it wouldn't start, the only thing I knew was no reaction to the starter. Nothing dimmed when I turned the key.....
No evidence of a low battery.... ( We all know what that is like)

But I appreciate all the suggestions !!

 

[swathdiver]

Do the 800s show failure records? They are a brief recording of what was going on when the trouble code set.

 

[mountie]

Do the 800s show failure records? They are a brief recording of what was going on when the trouble code set.

Uh, I don't know how to do that.....
I did buy an OBDII code reader ( Ancel ), but I haven't opened the package.....

I have no trouble code 'set'.... ( I'm a dummy with this stuff, but I should learn.

 

[OR VietVet]

It could be the starter, the relay and it could be the ignition switch or maybe even a tight dirty connection at the battery or....etc.

When you tried the key and it acted dead, did you immediately turn off and try again and it started or you let sit and it then started?

I reread the initial problem steps. Very easily could be the signs of an ignition switch problem. Neutral switch?

 

[rockola1971]

Do the 800s show failure records? They are a brief recording of what was going on when the trouble code set.

There are no codes for a bad starter, starter wiring or starter realy in OBD II protocol just like there isnt a trouble code for the fuel pump and its relay and wiring. GM would be making it too easy for us if they had that.

 

[Doubeleive]

throw a hammer on the floor in the back and next time it wont start reach under and give it a couple taps with the hammer and see if it starts.
if that fails to work, jumper the relay post's with the relay pulled, if that works then it's either the relay or ignition related.
sometimes the starters get a flat spot inside and wont go, hence the hammer trick.
this rules nothing else out though just something to try so your hopefully not stranded somewhere.