2002 GMC Yukon Starter on 2002 GMC Yukon

2002 GMC YUKON
140,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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SCOGDELL
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For the past couple of months, I have had an intermittent problem. The Yukon would not start. Battery seemed good, but I would try to jump it and after a few minutes it would start...but not right away which makes me think it wasn't the battery. And it would occur when the battery shouldn't be dead...such as after I fill up gas. Anyways, I replaced the battery with a brand new one and I still had the same intermittent problem. The other day, it wouldn't start at all. Same symptoms.

All electrical turns on inside the car. The starter relay clicks, but it does nothing. If I hold the key in the start position for a few seconds, I hear a crack in the speakers. I've tried a new battery and to jump start it, but absolutely nothing. No cranking.

I'm assuming it is the starter but don't know how to get to the wires on the solenoid to check voltage without removing the starter. The solenoid is on top of the starter and I can't get to it from underneath and don't see it from the top. I tried to remove the starter, removed the 2 bolts and the plastic cover, but couldn't get it to move enough to get it to drop from the transmission. I gave up and put everything back.

I also see a 2-pin connector just hanging about 8" off of the positive battery block (red plastic box) but can't see anywhere that it might go. I've tried looking at other Yukons but haven't found someone with the same year as mine.

Would a starter problem start with intermittent problems? Can you please provide specific guidance on where the wires on the solenoid are to check the voltage? Any other ideas?
Feb 5, 2009 at 9:18 AM
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RACEFAN966
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Ok I don't think you were seeing the starter bolts. I will include a pick of the starter yours may have one short and one long bolt as it shows here or you may have 2 long bolts. First disconnect the possitive side of the battery and then remove the two starter bolts move the starter back and down and then disconnect the wires from the back of the starter solenoid and its out. Now I know it will be a bit tight but that is all there is that needs to be done. Then I would take it to your local parts store and have them test it.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/249564_161279_1.jpg

Feb 5, 2009 at 10:20 AM
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SCOGDELL
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Thank you. It was definitely the starter bolts (2 long ones). And the starter was loose, just very tight and I couldn't seem to get it out. Am trying again tomorrow.

Also, I will post a picture of the hanging connector tomorrow. It has a potential of being the problem as well.

Can starter problems begin with intermitten problems or do they go all at once? If not, then it may not be the starter.

Thanks.
Steve
Feb 5, 2009 at 10:28 AM
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RACEFAN966
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Yes it can as in the starter solenoid is a copper disc that when the power is applied makes contact between the connection that are on the back and when there is a bad spot on that disc and you turn the key to send power to the starter and you land on that bad spot it will just click so if you try to start is a few times it may move past that and start. Get back to me and we go from there.
Feb 5, 2009 at 10:39 AM
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SCOGDELL
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Hi,


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/312976_Yukon_Loose_Connector_002_1.jpg


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/312976_Yukon_Loose_Connector_003_2.jpg

The 1st picture shows a closeup of the connector hanging from the battery block. The 2nd picture shows a view of the plug from underneath. And the 3rd shows the plug from the top. This photo also has the red battery terminal that it comes from. In this pic, you can see the plug at the bottom (I tied it to a yellow caution strap). Because of the way it looks, and the closeness to the belts/pulleys, I think it has to go somewhere. I just can't find ANYWHERE. Could this be the problem? I am taking the starter off in the morning....but hopefully can get an idea of what this plug would go before I have to take it off. Thank you very much. Thanks.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/312976_Yukon_Loose_Connector_004_1.jpg

Feb 5, 2009 at 5:29 PM
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RACEFAN966
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ok is there a sensor on the power steering pressure hose close to this connector?
Feb 6, 2009 at 10:21 AM