H3 Need help... another won't start thread....

[ffmf2101]

Sorry for starting a new one but I don't know if it could be a new problem. Not been around in a while but it's good to be back. Few weeks ago had problems with the 06 h3 3.5 not wanting to start. Seemed like it only happened when the weather was cold out. All lights and accessories would come on and work but no cranking of any kind and no start (only when it was cold roughly 30degrees). I have already changed the battery terminals years back and checked them again. Put on a new ignition electronic switch (black one in the steering column) and a new battery last week. All fuses and relays are good. After new parts hummer is fine even when cold until this morning. 18 degrees outside and no crank no start no nothing. Battery is strong on the tester and all accessories working.

Please help before I get pissed off and sell the only vehicle I have ever loved!

Starter?
Other electronics?
Any ideas?



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[awalsh]

The other day after I installed my winch, I couldn't get my truck to start. Same symptoms. I've had this problem in the past with a full charged battery and no cranking, ended up just needing to really bite down on the terminals and crank em down hard. Total pain when it happens but I'm not sure why yours won't with new terminals!


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[GreatDaneHummer]

I wouldn't sell the truck just because of that. If you don't get any good ideas then drop it off at your local repair shop and spend the $80 for them to tell you what is wrong and then do the work yourself.

 

[Paranormal]

Before you go crazy. When the truck does not start, take off or try to take off the terminals and then re install. Like awalsh said, it may just be that. When you turn the key and the truck does not start, do the interior lights get dimmed?

 

[08H3]

I have never had it happen on the H3, but in cold situations with other older GM cars, the solenoid would freeze causing the same issue. I have no idea how the H3 starter is even designed. I'm sure it's more advanced than the common GM starter of yesteryear, but the symptoms are the same.

 

[ffmf2101]

Thanks for the help guys... I have taken off and reinstalled the cables a few times before coming to work and yes the lights did dim while trying.


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[awalsh]

Did you try jumping it? If not jump it and let everything warm up for a while, as 08H3 said the solenoid might be frozen.


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[f5moab]

No solenoid, direct feed into the starter from the battery and relay.
Might be worth a swap of relay 77 with another identical relay in the junction block. Not sure if there is one, but it would be worth a try. Just make sure to match up the part numbers. If a swap starts the vehicle, replace a relay, if not....try relay 78 the run/crank relay.
And check the starter maxifuse 85.

But really hard to diagnose a few thousand miles away, and it was 18 below here today.:giggle:
Auto


Manual

 

[ffmf2101]

I did put a jump box on it with no luck but being limited on time this morning I did not get to hook jumper cables on the truck. Had to break out and warm up the ol 2500hd lol


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[ffmf2101]

Never heard of the frozen solenoid issue but I guess that could be possible


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[ffmf2101]

I did try to do the relay swap, I think it's 77 and 52 (can't remember without looking at my little black hummer book) without any luck this morning but I will try the others tonight. Again guys thank you for the help!!!!


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[4speedfunk]

I was working on a customer's H3 while back. I found a massive nest under the fuse block. Sticks, fur, piss, you name it. Not sure if it was causing issues but, it damn sure wasn't helping.

 

[Kyle]

my guess would be the starter is bad, have you tried getting under and hitting the starter with a hammer

 

[ffmf2101]

No I didn't get under it this morning but if it's a direct feed I don't know that it would help


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[Paranormal]

On your first post you said that this problem has happened a few times, but only when it's cold. How did you get the truck to start again, jump or did it just start without a jump?

 

[ffmf2101]

Started after ambient air warmed up above roughly 30-35. No jump no box nothing


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[awalsh]

Wow, I really do hate cold weather sometimes [emoji23] happy it started! Now be prepared it may happen again so don't stop your search


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[JPaul]

You could try heating up the starter motor with a hair dryer or heatgun next time, might be something wonky in it that when it is below freezing it locks up the motor, maybe even just condensation inside it that is freezing it up. You've done everything else to find the problem, and I agree with Kurt that it's likely to be the starter itself.

 

[ffmf2101]

No that was the previous time, I'm still at work and is still 20 degrees out lol and for f5moab and his 18 below.... not for this guy....... lol


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[f5moab]

Hey, were having a heat wave, it's 3 now.
Have you been doing any offroading or possibly running through some deep water? Wondering if the starter could have some residual water in it that is freezing it up.
The hair dryer someone noted might be worth a try.
Could also get under there and double check the starter connections to make sure they are clean, dry and tight. (Good idea to disconnect the batt neg cable ust in case you touch ground while checking the B+ connection on the starter.

Under normal conditions, a starter goes, it goes; regardless of weather conditions. But moisture inside could be the problem.

 

[Paranormal]

Trying to help because I hate to break down when it is frigid. I personally have not had any issues with passlock but have read a bunch of threads about it. Maybe look into this. Wish you luck.

 

[f5moab]

Need to clairfy, I believe I was incorrect, there IS A solenoid but it is attached directly to the starter; not like the olden days and I believe it is replaced with the starter motor. As someone mentioned, you might want to smash it lightly with a hammer when it happens again. It might be freezing up.

 

[ffmf2101]

Ok I will try to get under it tonight. I do know that the starter looks to be in a tight spot so I'd say the hammer swings will be very lightly... I was in a little water doing a rescue back in the summer but that was like August and it wasn't very deep at all.


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[Bruces]

Well that's the problem...no good deed goes un punished. Kidding. Put a jumper on main power to starter. My bets on selanoid.

 

[4speedfunk]

Your Hummer is merely telling you to move to a warmer climate!


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