Engine does not crank (bad block ground) - Cadillac

Some other good starting system testing videos:
• How to test a starter ...
• How to troubleshoot a ...
• Engine does not crank ...
• No Crank Troubleshooti...
For more information on this topic, I have written a “field manual” called Engine Performance Diagnostics which is available at www.scannerdanner.com as an eBook or paper book.
Want even more diagnostic training? Whether you are a DIY trying to fix your own car, someone looking to become an auto technician, or a current auto technician that wants to get more into diagnostics, subscribe to ScannerDanner Premium www.scannerdanner.com/join-sc... There is a 14 day free trial.
On ScannerDanner Premium I will bring you right into my classroom at Rosedale Technical College. You will find page for page lectures taken right from my book as well as exclusive classroom type case studies. What is so special about these classroom case studies? I pull live problem vehicles directly into my classroom and we troubleshoot them in real time, using and applying the theory and testing procedures we learn during the classroom lectures. There is no better on-line training of how to troubleshoot automotive electrical and electronics systems anywhere!
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. ScannerDanner LLC assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. ScannerDanner LLC recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ScannerDanner LLC.

[@rifl3xgambinov111]

7 years later and your helping me out. Really appreciate It thanks for the tips.

[@crystalrodriguez-criswell9492]

Myself as well... almost 8 months later

[@bradarmstrong2901]

You, dear Sir, are a Godsend!! Your video saved me potentially hundreds of hours of banging my head against a wall trying to chase down the crazy symptoms I was having with my caddy (exactly the same symptoms You were describing). Thank You soooo much for sharing Your wisdom and hard work!! I would have NEVER thought to look at the (completely obscured by other things) block grounding cable. Mine was completely severed right at the crimped eyelet that mounts to the block. Thank You again for Your incredibly helpful video!!!!

[@smijas]

The little bonus-takes at the end shows that it's hard work and that you set high standards for your content! And it shows your human side! Nice going Paul!

[@GammaCruxis]

Eek! Northstar! Take it away! Kill it with fire! Learn something new everytime from you Paul. Thank you!

[@craigoldfield115]

Thanks for the time and effort you put into these videos Paul. Even after a good number of years in the trade I still learn something new or how to diagnose something faster. You're a great tutor with an ability to explain things in an easy to understand manner. Thankyou!

[@martinguitarhd28]

Thats just crazy how that bad ground took everything with it.Good to keep this in mind when trouble shooting for sure.This is why these video's are so good and informative you'd be a fool to not watch and learn from a true pro.

[@ScannerDanner]

+martinguitarhd28 thanks bro

[@amineberrahma3675]

i have learned more in 4 month i follow scanner danner than before.

[@jamesbarratt593]

After watching a ridiculous amount of this dudes video's, I was trying to test my speinter starter motor for a no crank under the advise that it was that from a garage doing its yearly test, and i noticed the earth strap was black. Sobturning my attention to it, I moved it about and then went to try again and the thing cranked. Mr Scannerdanner you rock. Im an avid fan. Keep the vids coming, i'm hooked.

[@randalldalton5475]

The out takes at the end were a nice touch.

[@DevinReed-be4fm]

Happy to have found your video!! I thought I was going mad when I started tracking down what I believed was a bad starter issue/harness issue. 2 starters later, lights and everything going haywire, I finally decided to take a step back and check on the symptoms of a bad ground. I gotta say this was a very detailed video and I like how there was a step by step process fully explained on how to diagnose it. Thank you for the video and I'll be back for more soon!👍

[@ScannerDanner]

awesome! Glad this helped you!

[@villamarinajc4836]

Hi, Paul. I've got about 30 years as a diagnostic tech. I hate to seem like a tool salesman, but, Power Probe 3 is a huge time saver. it is a dvom with really long leads. Direct battery hookup can tell you what the battery voltage is and voltage drop on both power and ground sides. I quickly diagnose all makes for a no crank problem. You check 3 things at the starter. Voltage at the + terminal, voltage at the crank signal wire and voltage at the case ground. All while cranking. Loading the circuit is key as you stated. I'm not trying to brag but your Cadillac would have been diagnosed within 2 minutes or so. I learned this the hard way though the years. Now I teach this to all new techs. The Power Probe 3 is a great tool. Yes you can do it with a dvom and test light and long jumper wires. But the Power Probe 3 is all those in one. I tried and quickly returned the Power Probe Hook. Don't waste your time and money on that one. The Power Probe 3 will quickly pay for itself if you make money fixing cars and learn to use the tool. I love your videos and your teaching methods. You're doing great work for future and current techs including myself. Big thanks from Marina Del Rey, California.

[@SteveRobReviews]

Nice- average person may never get one of these but showing this will save a ton of frustration that can be employed to every vehicle. 👍

[@denleep913]

I have a 2007 buick lucerne with the 4.6l Cadillac Northstar motor , first thing your video was a huge help thank you. No crank No start had it narrowed down to the fuse/relay box bc someone could push down on the relays while i cranked it over and it would fire up thought I needed new fuse box until I came across this video, ground wire bad . THANKS AGAIN.

[@FILMINGLOL]

My exact problem I'm witnessing right now today exact same symptoms and voltage readings, fuel pump running continuously, no scanner communication...I did all same test you did, I was suspecting bad ground all ready but the 2 volts at fuse box was making me look elsewhere and totally threw me off and started thinking bad positive lead wire, I thought maybe anti-theft was causing all this also, trying different keys and such, I even started thinking my volt meter leads were shorting out because of the crazy random numbers I were getting, but like you said a bad ground makes sense if you really think about it, this definitely was a head scratcher, thanks for video I'm going straight to that ground wire when I get back to vehicle, this video was right on time!

[@MediumHalf]

Can't get enough of your diagnosis vids, great job.

[@derekboyce7604]

Wonderful video!!! Thank you! I have had many electrical problems with my Cadillac and have had quite a hard time tracking down worth while info on how to fix it. This video saved me a lot of time, and aggravation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart as well as my pocket!!!

[@KP-sg9fm]

My caddy starter was clicking and I read a post on CadillacForums condeming the engine to ground cable, so thank you SO MUCH for making this video to confirm my suspicions. I loved your colabs with ETCG as well. Keep up the gread vids and god bless!

[@Meinstein]

Kudos for exposing your human side, teacher. Watched this video in its entirety because I just inherited my mother's car identical to yours including dead battery. It made me smile to remember the first time I learned to jerry-rig an extra ground wire. It was in the '60s .. when I was 18.. and I found it myself. If I had videos like yours then.. then the space-time continuum would have been altered, of course!

[@uvaisputhiyara7867]

Sir .Your are the best teacher in the world .I never see before like your class anyone class.❤

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you so much! And welcome!

[@chancegeorge5583]

Lmao, love the bloopers. Keep on doing what you're doing man, I know it's probably not easy to pay for, maintain, and make the time to do all of this! Especially with a class, course materials, a kid, a wife, and who knows what else going on. Just want you to know that some of us really, really appreciate your work!

[@ScannerDanner]

+Chance George thanks so much my friend

[@vosaemify]

pretty sure he just helped me too

[@scotm3599]

You sir are an exceptional mechanic. Glad you are in a position to pass that knowledge onto your students

[@jeffreyfelder7981]

I'm going through this now... about to go outside and work on a DTS... driving me crazy... Thank you so much... you may have saved my day..🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@petecurran3995]

Remembering years ago I forgot to attach ground cable, the starter farted a while then the throttle cable started smoking like a good 'un. Lesson learned. Great vid, Paul! 👌🏼

[@stevenreynolds7756]

Thank you so much for the great video. Everyone was telling me it was the battery and starter and I was thinking it was a ground but could not find it. At the end of this video you showed where the ground from the body was . After tracing this wire I found that it was broken. Thanks to this video all I needed to do was replace the main ground wire from the body to the engine. Thank so much!!!!

[@crpth1]

Little more than 4 decades ago my, now long deceased, father in law. Introduced me to the joys of "sparky" in automotive. Clean and reliable contacts was probably the first and most important thing he ever teach me! Never fail on me once. First thing check contacts... clean or replace as needed. From flipper cars to clients cars, it as saved countless hours and head aches. ;-)

[@8953147]

Excellent video on Ground testing! Interesting that you mentioned being cautious of having a ring on your finger when doing maintenance. During my Naval aircraft maint. training, they showed us a video of this guy's finger that had its skin perfectly, in its entirety, removed from the bone, when he slipped from a ladder and caught his ring finger on the engine! Glad you stressed Safety while wearing jewelry.

[@davidweum]

Admiral Nimitz lost his ring finger showing the engine of a WW1 submarine to tourists. I witnessed a steamadore lose half his finger fixing something on our ship. We found it and it was reattached.

[@gixxercorona]

Great vid, out takes at the end Are brilliant 👍🏻😂 goes to show we’re all human and don’t get it right first time , mr danner your teaching and explaining is nothing short of excellence, keep up the good work

[@allisonwandaland8700]

Amazing, ive had two mechanics walk away, but this is exactly what im dealing with, thank you!

[@Bmottman]

Really Nice find, I have a friend who i think would benefit from you find. He's got a ford with the same situation he called me for help i told him to check the connections 1st. don't jump around stick to the basics , i'm gonna send him this link and hopefully he'll understand NOW! what i'm trying to tell him . Thanks for your professionalism. Keep on wrenching ;)

[@HugoCamacho-on8he]

The best in the biz hands down.

[@2YLITE22]

Hands down the best automotive repair channel on KZbin. Thanks for sharing your knowledge ScannerDanner!

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you so much!

[@2YLITE22]

@@ScannerDanner BTW, the voltage drop test is what led me to replacing the wire between batt neg and the block. Once replaced, the car started up quick (no more slow crank)! Thanks again!

[@ScannerDanner]

@@2YLITE22 that's awesome man, nice job on your part!

[@JahanZeb1976]

It is really helping video. Many times I encountered to something same situation when ground was going bad from battery to chassis or on the block and crazy things were happening. You added nice shots in the end!

[@majetoJESUS]

This totally helped me!!!! It looks exactly like the problem my car is having.. I'll go and follow the same steps I saw in anonther video of yours. THANKS ALOT!!!

[@deepsquat600]

WOW Paul..that reminds me of my rarely used truck ( 1974) I unhook the battery because of parasitic draw..one day when trying to find it ..I did the ground to block test just like you did on the Cadillac ( not knowing what I was doing ..just brain storming) ..and the same thing occurred ,,and I was stumped ..but on some level though I could have weak ground...which is why I was watching this one ..SCORE

[@BIGTGarage]

Hands down the best he can never fail me

[@johnhnetkovsky8917]

I am a CMAT/L1 ASE tech, 30 yrs in GM dealerships.As shop foreman I have seen this exact same failure confuse younger guys.I have taught them to do loaded voltage drop test while cranking or start position to isolate faulty cable.Batt pos to stud,Batt neg to block.Almost always broken grd cable from engine to body on Caddy 4.6 and Aurora 4.0.Good video highlighting this concern.P.S.class 2 data on this vehicle is 0-7 volts.

[@casualmanmann]

Awesome video man. Thanks for having a day job and not trying to be a KZbinr. I love that you're to the point and have lots of experience.

[@Mario241]

Amazing video!!! These are things that we do not see every day and having a reminder of how things work will save some of our hairs :) Love the starting struggle at the end lol

[@joopterwijn]

I'm happy to share that my First thought, a strait away was a bad ground :-) so thank you Scanner Danner I'm starting te really learn things :-) And the retakes at the end shows how much work you have to put into these videos, really thank you for that (and it funny :-p ) Thanks from a Dutch fan!

[@kmg501]

Haha at the out-takes. :p It's good to show those because it makes people appreciate the time and energy it takes to put together video productions. Thanks!

[@johnswilley6764]

Excellent lesson. And from a Fire/Medic, yes, lose the rings, chains, and secure long hair to mitigate the injury hazards. Thank you for the info Sir.

[@kendogz161]

Awesome, this is a voltage drop test in a since. Love the channel.

[@bradzee9947]

You, my friend, are AWESOME!!!!

[@richmhwd]

Great display of checking the basics .

[@csoul6699]

Been having this issue for a few weeks checked ecm, checked key, this is so specific to the issues I'm having down to the headlights and fuel pump not turning off. Thanks so much

[@CHRISFREE84]

did you fix it

[@csoul6699]

Yea the ground was ripped out of the body side of the connection. Ran a new connection and was back in business

[@CHRISFREE84]

@@csoul6699 I think I'm having the same problem because when I shake my car or close my hood everything connect again but as soon as I go try to crank it up it'll act like it want to crank but then it'll disconnect again I can slam my door hard and everything will connect so I think it's the ground wire

[@csoul6699]

Can't hurt to check, you should be able to see them with just a flashlight and removing the plastic cover. It's probably hanging on by just a few wires.

[@Robert-yq8lv]

Great video! Helped me out a lot. Thank you.

[@mostlymoparih5682]

Came here after viewing the no crank on a Dodge 2.0 and I wish I came here first. At the end of the video where you said just touching the ground and the starter went nuts clicking that's what happened to my car which is why I replaced the battery (no I didn't check the voltage bad assumption on my part but the car started with the new battery (ground was being made) Then my son got stuck with the car. Turns out the ground wire on the bolt to the starter was loose. Thanks for the video and the reminder that you need to start with the basics. TFS

[@ScannerDanner]

+MostlymoparIH cool man, glad you got it fixed. Thanks for watching!

[@mostlymoparih5682]

:> )

[@brian3880]

are these caddies subject to starter solenoid problems?

[@chasekeys303]

@ScannerDanner I'm going to try this. Thanks My Brother!

[@watlinsd]

Haha the Cadillac strikes again! I was a mechanic at a Cadillac dealer for about 5 years and saw that bad ground all the time. Maybe if they could make a front engine mount out of something besides nerf material, it would be such a problem.

[@jeffreycox1153]

Thank you Mr Danner you really help me with this customer's car oh my God you just don't know how much you help me thank you thank you thank you love your show.

[@salvatorecapone9709]

I'm big fan of yours. Your videos really helps a lot.

[@rad4627]

The magic and mystery of electrical systems in autos you are king messiah awesome.Enjoy your videos and I’m glad you found your niche in life

[@larryholter911]

loved it! I love that you are so honest. Even when things do not go perfectly... you take time to explain why. I respect "realism"! Hahahaha even the out takes! Just great!

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you Larry!

[@RNMcustom]

I like the bloopers at the end. I would also thank you for the info. you put out in your videos. Take it easy.

[@OscarRodriguez-yv9vn]

Appreciated. Your the best video i seen. I am good with electrical, but couldn't figure b4 you..

[@Foxbrendon]

Absolutely LOVE these vids. Really appreciate the time and effort you put in to make them. Just a wee thanks from N/W Scotland. Keep up the excellent work!

[@ScannerDannerPremium]

That mean so much to me Brendon!

[@Makenziegrwmvidoes]

Yup my wife fixed our 2006 oddesy (confounded 2 mechanics already, whom replaced the alternator other the starter).. good that she refuses defeat...hours of videos on schematics, and circuits and every beatification panels and plastic removed from the car ,she stumbled on your video last.. heard a scream, "omg thats why I got a spark on the block when I was trying to use a screwdriver on solenoid and starter" as she was running outside (yes I may have stated my concern for her frying the whole system)..she found the ground wire in, idk, a minute maybe...eternally grateful, she saw your video before she took the van "down to the studs, so to speak, if I have to" .and she would've I tell you

[@Makenziegrwmvidoes]

His wife here lol..your ability to explain is second to none..so many videos always assume a mechanic is listen, so certain terminology and abbreviations are often used in their explanations...ty for always fully explaining where how and why you did something or started a certain place

[@ScannerDanner]

This is so awesome! Your wife is too! Super proud of her

[@ScannerDanner]

Oh man, I just commented to your husband too. I'm super impressed with what you did. Mad respect, seriously. You have no idea

[@FahimMotoGP]

one smart block...your instructions are very straight forward and usage of workds

[@benjaminnwoye]

You are awesome! I think determination and patience are key. Thanks for all the information you share.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks for watching!

[@steveguest8028]

Superb Paul just shows how easily we can be mislead

[@nathanielmayes3]

Thank you the block ground was broken just where you said it was

[@ScannerDanner]

Heck yeah, awesome

[@bgregg55]

a perfect job for a power probe. it's such a common issue you'd think all car makers would implement redundant block grounds. love the outtakes.

[@monangamoki7572]

How do you come across these scenarios man?? These are awesome. ....you have too much knowledge dude. Much love

[@averagejoe4180]

Wow, I have a 2004 Cadillac DeVille and I'm experiencing the same issue with no crank and I have a broken motor mount so that actually would make perfect sense So thank you for leading me in the direction you did brilliant man thank you.

[@neverstoplearning382]

just take some time to relax and come back with more great videos. thanks a lot .

[@dennisbergman8415]

Thanks! Happy thanksgiving.

[@nathanielmayes3]

Like the other comments keep doing a good job my car been sitting for 6 months

[@TheLooking68]

Thank you it saved me so much money

[@mickeytnova]

Thanks so much for sharing and showing us not to be a parts changer. I wish there was a dude down here in San Diego that took the time to show us a thing or two. I'm sub'ing to your online course. Thanks

[@chrisbartman5125]

Excellent example of "ground-to-ground" volt drop, in a less than expected location. Likely becoming a more frequent occasion as it seems more vehicles are coming with "remote mounted" batteries (Acadia, Camaro...) Nice job...

[@TheLooking68]

Thank you just got 2002 deville watch your video before I got it and that is exactly what was wrong with it even my check engine light went off big LIKE THANK YOU

[@ScannerDanner]

sweet! so glad this helped you, have a great day

[@larryhurst8958]

old age is hell, lol. I had one came from guy that did mobile jobs, good mechanic but weak electrically. He pulled intake twice with new starters. Came to me with fuel pump running all the time, and communication problems. bad ground. I would like the engineering explanation of why the fuel pump is powered up with key off. Glad there were no leaking injectors. Very weird electrical issues with bad engine ground. great video.

[@ScannerDanner]

Larry Hurst In short, the PCM was all screwed up (among many other modules) with incorrect voltage levels through the entire board. It is not a stretch for a particular transistor to be energized when it shouldn't be. Either from a misinterpreted RPM signal that really didn't exist (input side problem) or just simply the output driver itself turning on from a messed up voltage level at the base circuit.

[@jonialderete8040]

I love the passion you have and are so brilliant And the best teacher ive ever came across .. my cadillac wont start no crank new battery and new starter goung to check the ground . Thank you

[@ScannerDanner]

Wow, thank you!

[@dmorley100]

@0:44 “U codes in all of the modules that we could communicate with.” 😂😂😂 that pretty much describes every Cadillac out there whether it starts and runs or not.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Nice diagnosis!

[@SAMSAM-zr3hs]

Well done, you are a genius.

[@dogfood2525]

Outstanding video!

[@marshonburns]

U are the shit...literally I drove myself crazy and spent idk how much money on the same car,with the same problem...now if I could only find a easy way to replace that dam wire.....thanks so freaking much...you're awesome

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks! If I remember correctly, I relocated that wire for the same reason you are describing

[@Kilen4sure]

@@ScannerDanner please tell me an alternative block location for replacing this ground! My fingers hurt and I'm all out of no no words!

[@Robert-yq8lv]

I think you just saved me a butt load of money.

[@TheLooking68]

Cool just got me one and did the same thing first thing I will look at thanks

[@alexbrophy6885]

Haha nice editing piece at the end that's cool, good video man much appreciated.

[@spelunkerd]

A test light glowing when connecting frame and engine is such an impressive demonstration, I'll never forget it again. It's a rabbit out of a hat. I don't have many tricks when working up seemingly complicated problems but bad grounds are a fast way to look like a genius, ha ha.

[@swav100]

Blooper reel...That's awesome!

[@josedrios7879]

Greattttt this video helped me super!!!! I appreciate the knowledge!!!

[@superdon1chw]

thanks you what I needed I told my nephew that it was not the starter but now he putting it back together after test showed starter was good .I was surprise how easy starter came out not really a big job ...............

[@blackericdenice]

My niece bought a 99 Deville. I told her not to buy it but she thought because I like her. I would fix all her problems. Now a trans shop want $3000 to rebuild the unit. I knew it was a bad idea for GM to put a 32 valve V8 n a FWD car. Great video.

[@davidvoltz8947]

Thanks! I now have hope. Heading out test that side of my engine.

[@johnjohannemann1220]

Good job as always, thank you

[@ciscovenom2452]

you are an awesome teacher actually fix my Cadillac cuz what you just showed keep doing the good work I hope you get a billion likes

[@ScannerDanner]

thank you!

[@MissChelseaLynn]

Mrs. Scanner Danner, I think I am in love with you! Thank you for this info!!

[@ScannerDanner]

Mrs. ? 😂

[@MissChelseaLynn]

@@ScannerDanner the last time you gave me some information I told you I loved you and would you marry me I was joking. So this time I told you your wife is now the person that I'm in love with because of the fact that she allows you to do this. I just didn't want any more confusion to happen lol

[@PhattyMo]

This is something I always try to point out. *Check The Grounds!* The ground side of a circuit is often overlooked. Especially in newer cars,the computer(s) can go ape-shit-crazy without a clean power/ground feed.

[@markherron7586]

Excellent video!!

[@salserr5022]

Awesome video, like always 👌

[@mohawkacho]

thanks for this helped me out a lot.

[@lalorojas7824]

i think this is going to help me! thank you so much

[@estephanielopez3828]

I love the end haha :-D nice video men!!! GOD BLESS YOU... I'm gonna check this ground tomorrow cause I don't know what else to do on this car. ;) I'm having that problem.

[@CHRISFREE84]

did you fix it

[@joeandgod1]

As an auto electrical mechanic(which I learned literally everything from you),the first thing I do,is hookup a 20 foot red and black corded jumper wires to the battery and use them as my power and ground source.

[@rupyhanda1436]

Great teacher,God bless you

[@andrewniu4379]

Thank you! best video!

[@webslinger724]

love the outtakes at the end