The Cadillac Escalada is undoubtedly a luxurious vehicle, but it may raise some concerns if it doesn't start and just clicks. So what could be wrong with your Cadillac Escalade if this is happening? We have listed the possible culprits to this problem below.
If your Cadillac Escalade won't start but just clicks, then it could be due to the following:
- Corroded Battery Terminals
- Loose Battery Cables
- Dead Battery
- Bad Starter Motor
- Faulty Starter Solenoid
- Faulty Starter Relay
- Bad Alternator
- Faulty Engine Computer
- Bad Fuse in Fuse Box
- Broken Starter Power Cable
- Faulty Immobilizer System
It can be frustrating when you don't know what is wrong with your vehicle. In this article, we will discuss the warning signs of each problem. In addition, we will take a look at other frequently asked questions, so read on!
Cadillac Escalade Won't Start Just Clicks - What Could Be Wrong?
When your Cadillac Escalade won't start and only clicks, then it can put a wrench in your day. It can make you late for work, school, or an important meeting. It is dangerous to be stranded somewhere with your kids waiting for the tow truck.
Some of these problems are easy to fix yourself, while a professional mechanic can do some. To determine what might be wrong with your Cadillac Escalade, let's take a look at the following reasons as to why this is happening below:
Corroded Battery Terminals
Corroded battery terminals are a classic sign of neglect. If the battery cables are not in good condition, they can lead to your vehicle not starting or turning on. The corrosion will make it difficult for the electrons to pass through.
Loose Battery Cables
Loose wires in any electrical system in your car can cause problems, just like corroded terminals. Eventually, the wires could become completely disconnected from the battery.
It is vital to make sure your car's wiring is in excellent condition. At least once a year, inspect the battery cables, and the terminal ends to ensure they are tight and not corroded. If your Cadillac Escalade doesn't start or clicks when you try to turn on the ignition, then chances are it may be loose cables!
Dead Battery
If you have a dead battery and your Cadillac Escalade won't start, you might be in the market for a new one. The average lifespan of an automotive battery is about four years. However, corrosion and constant exposure to heat can shorten this period significantly.
If it has been a while since your last battery replacement, chances are you may have a dead battery again soon. First, check the battery terminals to see if they are corroded. If the cables are in good condition, you may have a bad battery.
Jumpstart the battery using a donor vehicle or a jumper box. If your vehicle is still not starting, there may be another underlying issue with the electrical system, causing your battery to die.
Bad Starter Motor
The starter motor in your Cadillac Escalade can burn out after a long time and cause it not to start up and only click when you turn on the ignition.
The amount of times the starter motor is used will determine its lifespan. If it has been a long time since you have driven your car, chances are the starter motor might be going bad.
In this situation, you can try to give your Cadillac Escalade's starter motor a boost with another vehicle or jumper box to see if it works properly. If it still does not work, it is time to replace the starter motor.
Faulty Starter Solenoid
The starter solenoid is another part of your vehicle's electrical system that can cause the problem of the engine clicking instead of turning over.
When you turn on the ignition, the starter solenoid signals to let your Cadillac Escalade know to start up. If this piece malfunctions, your car will only click when you turn on the ignition.
Faulty Starter Relay
Several relays in your vehicle make complicated electrical functions more simple.
The starter relay is one of these relays, and it allows the signal to be sent from the solenoid to the starter motor. So if you find that your Cadillac Escalade only clicks when turning on the ignition, then chances are it may have a faulty starter relay.
Bad Alternator
Another cause of your Escalade only clicking when you try to start it is a bad or faulty alternator. The alternator in your vehicle supplies the battery and starter motor with current and keeps it charged up. If this part is bad, your battery will lose its charge and not turn over the engine.
Faulty Engine Computer
A faulty engine computer can cause issues such as not starting or starting up and then shutting off once you start driving.
The engine computer regulates the movement of your vehicle and sends out signals to different parts involved in driving, such as the starter motor, throttle, brake system, etc. If this piece malfunctions, it can cause your Escalade's engine not to start up or only turn over once in a while.
If this happens, you can get your engine computer checked by a professional auto mechanic to see if the issue is with the part itself or an electrical problem with one of its connections.
Bad Fuse in Fuse Box
Bad fuses in your Cadillac Escalade's fuse box can cause the starter motor not to work at all.
If a fuse is blown, it will need to be replaced with a new one for everything else in your electrical system to function correctly. For example, if you find that the vehicle only clicks when you turn on the ignition and it is accompanied by the fuel pump not turning on, then chances are there is a blown fuse somewhere.
Broken Starter Power Cable
A broken power cable can be another reason why your Escalade only clicks when you try to turn it on. If this piece is damaged, then the current sent by the starter solenoid cannot reach the starter motor.
When you start up your car, and it doesn't work, check if the starter motor might have a broken power cable. Replacing this broken cable can solve your problem and get your car to start again without issues.
Faulty Immobilizer System
An immobilizer system is what keeps your car from being stolen by sending a signal to the starter motor so it cannot turn over. If this part breaks, your Cadillac Escalade will only click when you turn on the ignition and not start.
How Do You Reset the Security System on a Cadillac Escalade?
The security system or immobilizer system is an anti-theft system that can sometimes become faulty. If they become faulty, this is another reason your starter clicks, but the vehicle won't start.
To reset the system, follow these steps:
- First, lock the Cadillac Escalade with the key fob
- Now, unlock the driver's door using the physical key.
- Next, put the key into the ignition, turn it to the "ON" position, and then to the "OFF" position. Repeat this step one more time.
- The dash should light up, stating that the security system has been reset.
How Do You Start an Escalade With a Key?
If your key fob has died, you will need to start the vehicle manually. To do this, you will need to put the key fob in the key fob slot located in the center console.
Next, press the brake and push the start button. Once the vehicle starts, you will need to take the key fob to the dealer or an automotive store to get a new key fob battery.
How Do You Jumpstart a 2020 Cadillac Escalade?
The 2020 Cadillac Escalade has a large engine that requires more than one battery cable for it to start. If one of the cables is not working, you will need to use another vehicle's battery to jumpstart your Escalade.
- Ensure both vehicles have their parking brakes on and both are turned off. Make sure all accessories and lights are turned off as well. You will need to monitor both vehicles' batteries throughout this process closely.
- The Cadillac Escalade needs to be parked directly next to another running vehicle with a charged battery for its engine to start up properly.
- First, connect the negative cable from the donor vehicle's battery into the negative terminal on the Escalade.
- Next, connect one end of the positive cable from the donor vehicle's battery to the positive terminal on the Escalade.
- Finally, connect one more cable between both batteries by connecting the positive cable on the donor vehicle to your Escalade's negative terminal and connecting it to your Escalade's positive terminal.
- Once you have correctly connected both batteries, start up your vehicle by pushing the start button and letting it idle for about five minutes.
- Then, start up the Escalade and let it idle for another 5-10 minutes with both vehicles connected. You will need to monitor your batteries throughout this process.
Final Thoughts
The Cadillac is a popular luxury vehicle, and for a good reason. However, like any vehicle, it will run into problems from time to time. If your Escalade only clicks and won't start, then start by checking the battery terminals, cables, and battery voltage. If the battery is fine, then it could be due to the starter or another problem that needs to be diagnosed by a certified mechanic.
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