Need help with a NO crank NO start issue

[Dee]

I own a 2001 Chevy Cavalier, it is the CNG model with the 2.2 liter engine. I turn the ignition and the lights on the dash light up as they should, but there is no crank. I tend to be over zealous and replace stuff I think it is without testing it. I did test the battery and the battery is good. I replaced the starter, ignition switch, the ignition, starter relay, and all of the fuses having to do with the ignition. I checked the wires from the starter to the battery and they are good. There is a ground connecting the fuse box to the starter and that ground is good. With a test light I tested the power to the starter. The cable connecting the battery to the starter is getting power. The smaller wire connecting the ignition to the starter is not getting power although it should be. Having replaced the ignition switch and ignition what could my problem be? That wire appears to be in good condition. Has anyone encountered this? Any help would be greatly appreciated because I am stumped and frustrated. Thanks in advance

Topic

[Erin]

Well, first it is not good to throw money at a car for parts that might not be bad. I am sure you don’t feel like hearing THAT lecture so anyways –

First, has the chip fallen out of the ignition key? The car will still get power but no start. Security lights? I know W-body cars (90’s grand prix, bonneville…) were notorious for having security problems related to the ignition switch but not sure of cavaliers.

Is there a chance the neutral safety switch is messing up? I do not know how that works in a stick but assuming auto here is a way to check –
Try to start the car in each gear (park, reverse, neutral, Drive, 2, 1)
If you want you can even hold the key to start WHILE switching gears.

For the thick wire from the battery to the starter – is there a chance the insulation is worn anywhere and shorted out? Just to give a quick scenario –
I used to have a 95 taurus that had been wrecked at some point. They replaced the battery tray with a chunk of plywood just sitting there on that wire. It eventually tore the insulation and burnt some huge fuse in the engine compartment.

[Dwayne]

HI…
this may help
http://easyautodiagnostics.com/gm/2.2L/icm-and-crank-sensor-tests-1

[Dee]

Thanks for replying. I have done the check to see if it was the Neutral safety switch. It doesn’t start in any of the gears so I guess its not that. I actually ran new wiring for the starter just in case there was a break and that didn’t fix the problem. I might be taking this in to the shop and let them deal with it, I just don’t like admitting that I couldn’t figure it out haha. If you have any other ideas I would appreciate your input.

[Dee]

Lovetowrench I appreciate your reply but does that apply to a No crank no start or what? I can’t tell from that link. I did see that. My car does not crank so I assume that this would not be the problem. If it does apply to a no crank then let me know and I’ll give that a shot!

[Erin]

Just keep us posted on what was going on.
No shame in having to admit you could not figure it out. You gave an honest effort.

ONE thing – Did you keep the receipts for the stuff you changed out? Say a shop determines that the knooter switch is bad, changes it out, and the car starts. You could probably get at least some of your $$$ back.

[Dee]

I did keep receipts and just got back from returning half of the stuff. The only thing I’m into it is for the fuses and wiring that I replaced.

[Author]

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