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Chevrolet Silverado 2007-2013: Why Won't My Truck Start?

An engine that won't start could be caused by many things, but there are some more common than others. Read more to find out.

By Jerry Perez - June 30, 2015

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado GMT900 (2007-2013).

You rely on your Chevy Silverado to drive from point A to point B when you need it to, but that involves the engine actually starting. So what can you do if you've reached for the ignition but nothing happened? Few things can be more nerve-wrecking than having to figure out why your engine won't start while you are stranded in some parking lot, which is why this article has compiled a guide with the most common reasons why the Silverado engine sometimes refuses to start. Although some of theses steps are simple, make sure you visit your dealer or professional repair shop if you aren't sure of what you are doing.

Materials Needed

  • Voltmeter (optional)
  • General cleaning brush

Step 1 – Check your battery

It could be dead.

More reasons than not, the root of the problem when an engine fails to start is the battery. The battery provides the initial jolt of power to start up the engine, as well as all the required systems that the engine and vehicle needs to operate. So if you've owned your battery for more than three years or 50,000 miles, it definitely needs replacing because even jumping it with electricity won't be enough to make it reliable day in and day out.

  • Check for corrosion around the negative and positive terminals. If there is, use a brush to clean it off.
  • Read the manufacturer label on the side of the battery to double check purchase date.
  • Make sure both cables are firmly attached to their respective terminals. If they are loose, tighten them.
Figure 1. Make sure the battery is in good and clean condition.

Step 2 – Check the alternator

It could be failing.

The alternator plays a big role in making sure the battery and the entire ignition system works properly. The alternator's job is to recharge the battery once the car is being driven. But if the alternator is old or is failing, then it won't recharge the battery, which means the next time you attempt to start your truck, it won't. You can attempt to use a voltmeter to check the "hot" and "cold" voltages created by the alternator, write down those values, then turn the truck off and wait a couple of hours to check the voltage again. If it dropped, then the alternator is bad. Or, you can remove it and take it to a parts store so they can check it for you. Most of the time and at most stores this is done at no cost.

Figure 2. Chevy Silverado alternator.

Step 3 – Check the neutral safety switch

It could be stuck.

The neutral safety switch is an actual switch located in the shifter assembly that prevents the driver to start their Silverado in any gear position other than PARK. This is done for safety and to minimize the chance of catastrophic damage to the transmission. It has been reported in multiple cases that this switch could become faulty in the Chevy Silverado, and it won't let the engine crank over even while it is on PARK. It is recommended to have this looked at by a dealer technician or professional mechanic.

Figure 3. Neutral safety switch diagram.

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