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Chevrolet Silverado 2014-Present: Why Won't My Truck Start?

Few things are more frustrating than when the engine doesn't start, but what can you do? This article will pinpoint the reasons why you Chevy Silverado won't start.

By Jerry Perez - June 29, 2015

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 K2XX (2014-Present).

You trust your Silverado to get you there when you need it, but sometimes, mechanical parts have a different idea. Few things are more nerve-wrecking than when you need to get somewhere, but your engine won't start. Then you have to begin diagnosing exactly what's causing the engine to not start. That's why this article has compiled the common reasons why your Chevy Silverado could be failing to start. Although diagnosing some of these may be simple, you should seek professional advice if these don't yield any results.

Materials Needed

  • Wire brush/toothbrush
  • Degreaser/general purpose cleaner
  • Voltmeter/Multimeter

Step 1 – Check the battery

It could be dead.

Most times, the reason why the engine wont crank over is because the battery can't provide it with enough power to start itself and all of the necessary systems. If you've owned your battery for more than three years or 50,000 miles, then chances are you need to replace it. Follow these steps to make sure your battery and cables are okay.

  • Make sure there is no corrosion in the battery terminals. If there is, use a toothbrush to clean it.
  • Make sure the negative and positive cables are firmly attached to the terminals. If not, then tighten them.
  • Read the label on the side of the battery to determine the original purchase date. If older than three years, replace it.
Figure 1. Corrosion and loose wiring could be the cause for the engine not to start.

If the result of this doesn't fix the problem, move on to the next step.

Step 2 – Check the alternator

It could be failing.

The alternator's job is to recharge the battery once the engine has started and is running. Therefore, if the alternator is faulty and did not recharge the battery, then the battery will be drained. You can check the condition of the alternator at home with special tools, or you can always remove it and take it to your local parts store where most of them will perform free alternator checks. If you have a voltmeter, check "hot" and "cold" voltages put out by the alternator, then shut the truck off, let it sit for an hour or two, and check the voltage again. If there is a large drop, you have found the problem.

Figure 2. Chevy Silverado alternator.

If the result of that doesn't fix the problem, then move forward to the next step.

Step 3 – Check the neutral safety switch

It could be faulty.

The neutral safety switch is a physical switch located in the shifter assembly that prevents you from starting the engine in any other transmission setting other than PARK. It has been reported in multiple cases that this switch can become faulty in the Chevy Silverado, and it will not allow the engine to start even while it is on the PARK gear. It is suggested you visit your local dealer or repair shop to have this issue addressed.

Figure 3. Neutral safety switch diagram.

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