SureTrack Real Fix: Cranky Caddy

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Real Fixes from the SureTrack® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair records and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost in our ProDemand product.

Technicians love a mystery, or maybe not, when it involves wiring issues in a customer’s vehicle. SureTrack community member Freyson had a Cadillac DTS in their shop where the starter burned out because it wouldn’t stop cranking. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member Dmckemie12 and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2008 Cadillac DTS 4.6L

Title
Starter cranks with key in run, repaired wiring.

Complaint
Customer states that starter kept cranking after engine started.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
Vehicle towed in. Starter was burned up and after replacing it confirmed that it would continue cranking after key was in run position. Vehicle also has new ignition switch but same problem. Starter even cranks with starter relay pulled out. Has codes P0480, P0481, P0649 and P0690. The only way it wont crank is with ignition relay pulled. What should I check next? Need to fix the starter before addressing the codes.

Best Answer from Community Member Dmckemie12
Either the underhood fuse block is bad or the purple wire to the starter is shorted to an ignition voltage. You can take the purple wire loose under the fuse block and turn the key, if it cranks the wire is shorted. If it doesn’t, the fuse block is bad.

Cause
Found that wiring in front of motor mount was routed incorrectly and wires in harness rubbed together causing short that made starter keep running and also caused the codes in other systems.

Correction
Repaired wiring and rerouted harness to prevent stress and future issues. Starter operates as it should and cleared codes did not return.

SureTrack® adds to the power of ProDemand® with an exclusive combination of real-world knowledge and powerful diagnostic tools, all wrapped in an interactive community of professional technicians. Designed to help automotive shops increase accuracy and efficiency from diagnosis to completed repair, the industry’s most comprehensive repair information resource is just a few clicks away.

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About the Author

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.