(I posted the following on another forum.)

2009 Traverse LT AWD 200k miles

Last week after letting the car sit for less than 10 minutes it suddenly won't start. This was sudden without any warning signs. Car has been running well.

Briefly,

1. Since it had an original starter, I replaced it. Nothing. Replacing that starter was one of the most difficult car repairs I've done on that car in years. Bench test confirmed functionality of the new starter.

2. Battery fully charged, newer, 755 CCA

3. Symptoms

3.1 After turning the key to start, the starter engages and it simply whines without evidence there is spark happening. Since I took the front catalytic converter off, you can hear a faint thump, probably piston movement. I put everything back after starter install.

3.2 There is a strong smell of gas following the attempted startup sequence. From this I'm guessing there is fuel flowing but no spark to burn it.

Before pronouncing last rites, please let me know what else I should look for.

Thanks.

 

So to be clear, "whines" means the starter turns the motor over normally, but it does not ever fire?
Have you tried a code reader? May be a relatively easy fix, hope no last rites yet!!

 

I feel really stupid about this. When "testing" its always been just me inside the car turning the key and just hearing the whine and not carefully listening to other sounds. I finally had my wife get in the car and attempt starting and discovered the engine was not turning at all. Thanks for the prompt "turns the motor over normally." This is huge.

So, I'm wondering if the command wire to the solenoid is broken somewhere down the line. If so, I would appreciate any ideas on how to race it.

Right now I'm going to head out and connect a wire to the solenoid post and be prepared to touch the possitive battery post with the key in the Run position.

Thanks again

By the way, I did check the 40 amp starter fuse and CRNK relay and its all good.

 

Wonder if the whine you hear is the fuel pump priming

 

UPDATE: Confirmed engine is cranking but not attempting to start. After a few seconds of cranking, it quits cranking on its on. Before that, there is smoke coming ffrom the throttle body into the air filter.

Thoughts?