Buick Enclave Won't Start - How to Diagnose Electrical Problems

[@HaywardStephens]

I came to this video when I had issues electrically. Unfortunately the issue was something else but this time it is exactly what my issue is. I learned that "grounded out" is the term in my situation. This is great Intel and explained very well.

[@nichoasscott6399]

Great and informative video, struggled to find a video for a while then yours popped up, saved my day.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Glad I could help!

[@327JohnnySS]

So basically a failure in the alternator made this vehicle not start due from amperage draw. You have a great supportive wife. Keep it up with the great videos.👍

[@Lunch-b0x]

A common problem in these Buick Enclaves, is the fusible link (200Amp fuse) in the alternator/starter harness burns up.

[@rustedhorsepower5132]

That's a pretty rare R-body alternator failure. As long as I worked for GM, I never saw one like that. But to be honest I believe I only found 1 traverse alternator failure. Good job Alex!

[@toreanoedits5718]

@rustedhorsepower5132 I'm dealing with 2 of them right now just fixed the alternator before coming to this video might need 2 jumper boxes to get it going mines doing the same his was and had to jump and put a battery cable on another one of these to get it going lol

[@rustedhorsepower5132]

@@toreanoedits5718 it could be that the R bodies are now older, i quit messing with them as much in early 2021.

[@monikaalvarez3174]

Ive been binge watching DIY videos for the last 48hrs. Literally!! 3 days ago I purchase a used 2008 enclave (private party) and 24hrs later engine light turned on and car died 20 min later. Leaving me and my stranded on a red light. Car sounds like it wants to start but it wont. I hope this video helps.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Hey there do you own a scanner

[@monikaalvarez3174]

No, unfortunately I don’t. 😞

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

@@monikaalvarez3174 I recommend this one amzn.to/3C2RMz4. Let me know when you get your codes pulled I should be able to lead you in the right direction

[@dbishop0113]

What was the issue having the same now

[@westsideponchojj2603]

MR Alex, SIR ! Thank-you for pressing through, even with you not feeling well, to provide the answer to our 2011 Chevrolet Traversity ( Traverse + Adversity = Traversity ) exact flow of finding our "Dead-Short" the Alternator !! ( ...and praise God for our wives to encourage us to our potential ! )

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

LOL at the word Traversity! I gotta use that term one day! 😂🤣

[@illwill915]

I’m having these exact issues and I’ve had no luck with jumping it, I’m hoping the alternator is the problem. I’m so glad I found this video, hopefully I can solve my issue now.

[@JimmyKSimmonsOfficial]

Really appreciate this video - have a 2014 Enclave not starting and this should help me

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

My pleasure I hope you figure it out

[@JimmyKSimmonsOfficial]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor well it was a killswitch stub! It somehow became slightly loose causing it to do what it was designed to do! Keep the car from starting/being stolen! I guess I should have checked to "make sure the computer is plugged in" before assuming HAHA!

[@schwarzermond6033]

⁠hey there! What and were was this kill switch stub?

[@moneymadejones9554]

Great video. My 2011 buick enclave been in 2 different shops for the past 3 months, now the shop I have it in now think it's an electrical problem because I have interlock device in it and the people who installed the device cut to many wires. But enjoyed your video bro gave me a little hope.

[@sandythomas2837]

My late FIL told my late husband he wouldn't get far without a good wife beside him. I needed him too. Especially with auto issues. Maybe I'll know where to go after your very helpful video. You guys keep helping and motivating each other.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks you so much! Your FIL was right! Reach out if you have any questions. I can respond directly on instagram 😊

[@terrancespencer5514]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😢😂😂😂😂😂

[@sandythomas2837]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor turned out to be no compression 3rd cylinder when I finally had it towed to a shop. I couldn't afford new engine. My friend bought it and towed it to his house to see if he can get it running. I found a good deal on a 2014 Kia Sorento thru another friend. New engine. I never thought of buying a Kia. It just happened. So far, so good.

[@dallastx4443]

I need ur help! 2013 buick enclave It starts the majority of the time than there's times it won't start all you would hear is one click upon turning the key if I would wait a bit usually turns back on. Now when I drive it I noticed the battery gauge starts to drop and that's usually when it won't start when I turn it off. To the point now that it won't start at all it just get that one click and the check engine light is on. Please any help u can offer would be greatly appreciated

[@MrMechanicandy]

Lucky you my alternator was moving unhook and the jump box would not do anything , so I know I need a alternator to replace the Amazon one neighbor put on last year but now I have a no crank didn’t even hear relay clicking .

[@kevinpayne7946]

My son is having a problem with his 2008 enclave. I suspected a grounding issue. Following your video and am getting continuity from both wires. Both wires having ground issues? Thanks for the video. Great video. Subscribed.

[@nikolschump3495]

This is a great video helps me understand a lot thanks

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Glad to hear it!

[@AlwaysDiagnoseVehicleFirst]

Good morning Alex! Right now im on Test 4 Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the Fuel Injector harness connector. Disconnect the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) harness connector. Measure the resistance of the fuel injector driver circuit between the fuel injector harness connector and the PCM harness connector. Is the resistance below 5.0 ohms? If yes, go to Test 5. If no repair the open in the fuel injector driver circuit. Test 5 Turn the ignition off Disconnect the fuel injector harness connector. Disconnect the PCM harness connector. Measure the resistance between ground and the fuel injector driver circuit in the fuel injector harness connector. Is the resistance below 100 k/ohms? If yes, repair the short to ground in the fuel injector driver circuit. If no, go to next step. Are you able to show me how to do Test 4 and Test 5 please?

[@marcjolin8335]

These buick Enclaves are beautiful estetically but man they have problems....I had the motherboard completely replaced because after 2 weeks after purchse (2012) the dash lights would go wonky and it left me stranded on the side of the road 3 times. 3x too many. Costs were substantial. It worked through this past summer no issues then the other day, it did it again. Now appartently its the alternator!!! This vehicle is costing me way more than what its worth unfortunately. Next time I'll do my research.

[@ntjimenez80]

I have a 2008 Buick enclave and I just replaced the alternator and battery. They are both brand new. The car started and I drove it to get an oil change because It has been sitting in my driveway for a few months. However, now it don’t turn over. There is power and everything but it won’t start. Came across your video and I am going to try to follow the steps. Perhaps is it the starter now? Hopefully it can help. Anyhow, I subscribed. I’m glad I came across your videos

[@stephaniechambers2427]

Thank you for making this video

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

My pleasure thanks for watching

[@DJRedthWardNola]

Hey there Alex hopefully you read your comments lol I have a 2008 Chevy Uplander 3.9 engine 300,000 miles problem I'm having my I've replaced cpm sensor but it's not reading the cpm on the scanner replaced the the ecm still the same thing not sure what to do anymore

[@robertorosas4092]

My 2010 enclave started to show stabilitrak off and service break system with the red break light on the dash. Now my car won’t turn on. I read that it might be my alternator. Opinion?

[@stanwalls6434]

Thank you sir, I’ll try this and let you know. Car acts let it lost its mind all of a sudden. Lots of flashing and clicking going on

[@stanwalls6434]

Do you have a vid for replacing the alternator on this vehicle?

[@stanwalls6434]

I think you should have replaced the oil fill cap while missing around?

[@lawrenceriley2484]

Great information on how to find a short. But I have a question. When I check for fuses by just touching the the in the location no should at all, but if I press down then I get the bepping sound, and it's on a number of the 15 amps fuse. Could I have a connection problem are a bad fuse box. Car want start.

[@segbachan5123]

Very well done,thank God for the missus keep ya in check 🤭 big up 💥

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks for watching buddy,yes she is a blessing

[@rlchick5774]

Thank you I have replaced 2 batterie. I can't find my sytem chevker but would this tell you what is wrong? Once you change the alternator the car u are working on will you still have a grounding issue and how do u fix this as I think I have both issues. What did you have your multi meter set on?

[@Leonarco333]

Yeah, man. Electrical is like a puzzle. When you push a button power is supposed to go somewhere and if it doesn’t, finding out where it does go is the big problem. Either it’s supposed to go through that switch and it doesn’t or it’s not supposed to and it does. Always remember, guys, unhook the battery and test with a meter. Electrons want to take the easiest path to ground and if you touch something hot, that path will be you. Meters don’t have enough power to hurt you, but if you don’t disconnect your battery, you’re gonna have a bad day.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Great explanation

[@Beast_is_a_dumbass220]

It’s DC volts tho; it won’t hurt you. Even if you get whacked with secondary ignition voltage, you won’t get hurt. You’ll know you’re alive tho and might involuntarily fling a wrench😂

[@someguy-xi2xq]

First time viewer here and im subscribed! I have that 08 enclave. Great car to drive but im scared i cant fix it when it breaks. Too many systems, bells and whistles. Great Video btw.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks for the sub! Just stay up on your maintenance! You will be just fine!

[@someguy-xi2xq]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor That the best advise you can give Alex. Im saying this for others not you alex im sure you know. The factory maintenance schedule that appears on the dashboard of this vehicle when to change oil is about double what it should be. This engine is poorly ventilated and prone to sludge. Which causes timing chain stretching on this engine. Maintenace on this particular engine is critical. Change the oil at 3k. 5k max. And use pure synthetic oil. 10k oil changes will kill this engine. And dont try drilling out the PVC valve which seems to be popular.....it will mess with the computer. .

[@scott-np3yl]

Hi Alex, Thank so much for this, helped me find my problem. Just have one question....Positive pole at fuse box where the Battery cable and Alternator/Starter cable hook up, is a "Dead-Short" with the wires off of it. What would be causing this?

[@Coolcalbbws1]

That's funny a friend of mine had that same buick going to get a oil change drove to the shop then they called him said the truck wouldn't start they couldn't find out why

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Did they figure it out

[@wchillhowell]

Ok, was able to release shifter by going under hood. Now I need to see why my car has NO electrical power at all-hope it's just the alternator being grounded!!!

[@toccaradorceya]

I have the same vehicle you’re working on in this video! my 2008 enclave truck was running fine, then one day I had left the Back Trunk Lift open for quite awhile and the truck Died, it wouldn’t start, so then we jumped the truck, with cable, and after that it hasn’t run right since! And not my truck has been sitting down for over two weeks! We can not get it to start it won’t do anything! Lights and everything come on, radio comes on! But Truck will not start! I showed this video to my Man, and he thinks it could be the starter, and his neighbor said it could be the Alternator! We had battery tested and the battery is brand new! I need some help

[@mosbyteresa732]

I have 2010 buick enclave that won’t start and I been hearing so many different things why my car won’t start till I don’t no what to do

[@DL-by8el]

Can you tell me where to hook up the jumper cable and do I hook up it up. To neg or pos? Go back to the basics. Red is pos or neg? Red to the post right and hook black to the metal part on the body right? I don't get why I would unhook the battery in the back if I am trying to start the car. I also have your probe unit but could you tell more like what you set it on. My battery is also in the back seat. Do I have to unhook it? So what do I set my reader on when touching the alternator? So I am confused on what all was hooked up when you started the car. Was the battery hooked up or not to the car?

[@thegreatgiginthesky387]

Liked and subscribed. Thanks for your help…🤙🏽❤️

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks for the sub!

[@AlexisMachado-s4z]

Hey Alex good morning I'm in Houston Texas my daughter 2009 is not cranking at all can you guide me to the problem thank you

[@mbruney6593]

My 2011 CXL "electrical system service" warning came on. I drove 5 miles home and battery voltage dropped 1 volt. I charged the battery over night and the next day i tried driving it to a repair shop and it completely died...everything dead within ½ mile from leaving. Not even dome lights after I recharge the battery. Any suggestions?

[@Pkelly-eg5be]

same issue with my car.. replaced alternator was fine for a couple days then did it again… any idea of what it could be?

[@cristojesusvienepronto.]

Thanks 🙏 Alex...

[@isaacescobar4603]

Had the same problem . The lights and everything turns on but when i try to turn the engine on theres no sound no crank , nothing ... i replaced the starter brand new , got a new crank relay and car still wont turn on . Still has no crank no start ... any suggestions on what it would might be ?

[@MrMakdadaezeh]

Hello alex, i have buick enclave 2008, few days ago my enclave stop in the middel of the traffic light first time ever and since i bought the enclave 3 years ago never had problem. Now the enclave wont start 😢. And also, when i try to jump it it make the same spark at the negative side. And some time it crank but bad crank not normal. Any suggestions for me?

[@wchillhowell]

I have a 2011 Buick Enclave. Was at convenient store. It would not start then went completely dead!! I mean NO electrical power at ALL!! Had it towed to my home. With no electrical power it is stuck in Park. Battery is charged? Could it be my alternator grounded whole system? Even while dead with no electrical power I smelled rubber and a noise was still coming from under hood? Other problem I need to roll it about 6 ft down hill to get other car from garage past it, but it is stuck in Park. Any ideas how to release shifter so as to put in neutral? Thank you.

[@olajuwondotson4333]

💯 great video

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks

[@JJJere]

That alternator is from the junk yard. It's got the stripe on it.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I didn’t even pay attention to that thanks for the observation

[@MA-nu7ki]

Thank you for this video.

[@imogenebuchanan9975]

Hi Alex my 2009 Buick enclave fuse keep blowing the wipers soon as we put in fuse also back hatch won't open had 3 catalytic converters put on and it won't pass or fail emissions keeps rejecting could it be my relay switch?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Something like that I will have to look at in person.sounds like you have either an electrical wiring problem along with maybe a bad windshield wiper motor

[@rosendomorales2278]

This is what I needed to know thank you very much Man n you have A very blessed day today and B coo n valentine's to yup you and your family peace out

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Glad I could help. Thanks for watching.

[@slowpain5649]

I called locksmith and they said they can't program it cuz theres a short from the ECM to the key ignition how do you find a short

[@latashamorgan1301]

Hey Alex great video I have a Buick it's not starting as well I just had a camshaft sensor put on but it still won't start its turning but won't start what do u think it could be?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Hey there and thanks for watching. That can be a number of things, do you have a scanner if so let’s start by pulling the code’s

[@latashamorgan1301]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor yes and it says P0343, P0368, P0420, and P0430 so I had the camshaft position sensor put on and it still won't start

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

@@latashamorgan1301 420 and 430 are dealing with the converter and won’t cause this problem most likely so we’re not going to worry about those. The other codes indicates that you have a wiring issue going to the cam sensors. Is it possible you can look me up on IG and send me some pictures of the cam sensor plug and the surrounding area. I will try to do what I can but you may have to take it to a shop that specialized in wiring diagnostic

[@tarellwashington7589]

I have an 08 Buick Enclave that won’t start or crank I just replaced the alternator and starter what do you think is the cause

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

It could be a as simple as a bad fuse or relay. Starter Relay or Ignition fuse. I would start there. These vehicles are also known for having electrical issues. But start with the simple stuff first.

[@tarellwashington7589]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor ok thanks

[@IamRayne1992]

looking at buying a 08 enclave tomorrow. the car won't turnover and no clicking when turning the key according to the seller. I am curious did this particular vehicle have a no turnover no click or start? I see that your wife asked but you didn't answer.

[@ethanbernstein645]

Hi Alex, I have a VW Golf MK7 GTI, recently sent the car in for Turbo refurbishment, although the mechanic said the job was done, I still see oil leakage. Could this be that the job wasn't actually done I'm really confused.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Hey there where exactly are you seeing oil

[@AtibuDeen]

I have 2011 buick lacrosse it won't turn over but it has power. Can u help

[@exuberantqueen1175]

I’m having the same issue..it’s a 2014 engine fuse box

[@moshe4833]

Good evening friend A question for you I have buick Lacrosse 2012 3.6 engine A few days ago, my car turned off in the middle of a drive and a message "stabili track service" was written on the screen I took the car to the garage for inspection and I was told that they connected to the car's computer and did not find any error messages. The technician told me there was nothing he could do because the car was actually fine I explained to him that there was a problem, so he said that there could be a problem with the vehicle's fuse box I asked several other mechanics and they told me it could also be a cable from the vehicle Right now I don't know what to do Do you have any idea what the options are for this problem and how to treat it? thanks

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

@@moshe4833 that would be a hard problem to figure out from here,I would need to see the vehicle personally, but it sounds like an electrical problem to me

[@nlh8162]

Thanks!

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

My pleasure brother thank you for the support

[@TariqTashtoush]

Hi I need your help please, I got a 2008 Buick Enclave with a 3.6 engine. It was driving fine, but out of nowhere, while pulling the driveway to park the car, it died on me. The vehicle had been maintained with oil changes every 5K miles. I thought it was security system as I got a new key cut but I used the original one and it cranks but no start. Then I thought it might be a fuel pump but I can hear the bump priming and I tested the fuel rail pressure, and it was 50-52. I did scan the car before I took the battery for replacement, and I can share the scan report. I checked/swapped fuses and relays under the hood, and nothing was wrong. I am asking your help and guidance to figure out why the car is not starting, please. Thank you in advance.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Hey there sorry to hear that bad news.can you send me the report to Instagram

[@TariqTashtoush]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor Thank you, I just texted you on Instagram.

[@dbishop0113]

Same problem May I ask where you able to solve & or fix the issue? At my end with this thang!

[@TariqTashtoush]

@@dbishop0113the engine jumped timing on the back cylinders due to timing chain stretching and it needed a rebuilt or replace the engine with a used one which will cost me a lot so I sold the car to the junkyard for my peace of mind.

[@karykeepse1071]

Thank you

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

You're welcome

[@slowpain5649]

I have a 2011 Buick enclave I had to change out the ECM with the brain after that the anti-theft lock won't go off and it won't recognize my key and I don't know what to do I'm lost for words

[@toreanoedits5718]

Call a locksmith ask if he can program the vin number and keys to the ecm and you'll all set or check for a ecm company that sells the computers with already programmed keys and your all set price check

[@Felony_pranks]

Hey bro what if it beeps when the power wire is on the fuse box ? Is my main power line bad or is it a fuse box problem? Or something else ? Thanks for any info

[@Felony_pranks]

Also beeps when you disconnect the power line.

[@kabionamlonda1614]

Thanks

[@autopilotjob]

Alex, please help me my car has exactly same issue ?

[@jestinab2348]

Where’s the link to the multi meter?

[@mariecamille-valcin2296]

Hello Alex, I have a 2013 Buick Enclave and it'll start but it won't hold it. My mechanic told there's nothing else to do after he ran all kinds of tests. What you think I should do because I don't want to give up on my car

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

What is the mileage on your vehicle and do it have any codes

[@mariecamille-valcin2296]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor mileage is approximately 122000 and some codes are reading faulty because the mechanic changed the junction box

[@kingdomchildleola9068]

I have a 2012Buick Enclave and it want start. What should I do?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Always start with the simple things. Check Battery, then fuses, then relays. Then I’d move on to the alternator and starter. Let me know if it works out for ya

[@wchillhowell]

Why would a car cut off and then have NO electrical power at all!!??. Just went completely dead??? Battery has charge?? Cannot jumpstart or get any electric at all?????

[@donkinsey]

Tell him Sis......

[@MosesDiaz-q8v]

Good morning my Buick enclave won't crank theft deterrent light won't turn off replaced ecm bcm theft module on ignition hook up computer to merge car with new ecm system won't let pass theft deterrent

[@brendenfernandez1982]

@@MosesDiaz-q8v I’m kind of going through the same thing with my 2015 Enclave. Did you ever find out what the issue was?

[@Newtalkcityshow]

I have a 2010 buick enclave cxl. I have replaced the alternator, starter, and battery. When I try to start it , it clicks and all lights go dark until I turn the key back. Then lights come on. Still won't start. What else can I do or check

[@LorenzO-305]

Can you put link ? Of that fuses. Tester

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Hey there and thanks for watching. I will send you a link to a good voltage meter now

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

amzn.to/399HceQ

[@paulinasandoval2114]

Where the link to buy this off Amazon?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Here the voltage meter I used in my video

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

amzn.to/3R5vgw1

[@paulinasandoval2114]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor thank you

[@autopilotjob]

Hello Alex, please can you help me how to fix the issue for my car ? i have exactly the same issue as you just fixed the problem with this Enclave 2008 . i have the same year car having same problem can you please help me please to fix this issue .

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Hey there buddy hit me up on instagram and I will assist you from there.

[@nlh8162]

77568

[@jesushernandez5752]

Yo have to press the brake to start it, rookie