Chevy S10 Not Starting: Causes + How to Fix

If your Chevy S10 doesn’t start, you’ve found the right article.  Many different issues can cause the problem.  We cover all the likely ones in an order that makes sense when diagnosing the issue at home.

This article is written with the assumption that you are looking for a way to get your Chevy S10 started now, and is meant to provide you with practical advice to help aid in the diagnosis.

Chevy S10 Not Starting

First, is your S10 cranking over at all (the engine spins when you turn the key?  Or is the starter not engaging (you may hear a clicking sound)?

Table of Contents


Engine Not Cranking

Here are the most common reasons why the Chevy S10 won’t start when the engine is not cranking.

1.  Battery Cables

Chevy S10 won't start battery corrosion
If you have a battery post that looks like this, it may be keeping your S10 from starting.

Start by taking a look at the battery posts.  If they are loose or corroded, it acts as a barrier that can keep the starter from getting the voltage it needs to crank the engine.

If there appears to be green or white on them or the terminals, cleaning them may be what your S10 needs to get back on the road.

Here’s a good article from Napa on properly cleaning a battery terminal.

2.  Low Battery Voltage

As your truck’s battery ages, its cranking amperage decreases, leaving it with a diminished capacity for starting the engine.  Your S10 needs 12+ volts to start its engine.  

You can take your battery to the local parts store or even Walmart and have it tested to see if it still holds a charge.  

Alternatively, you can test the battery yourself with a voltage meter.  If the battery is in the vehicle and it’s under 12 volts, it’s likely bad unless your truck has been sitting for a while or something is drawing current.

If the battery is dead, it either isn’t storing enough voltage or it isn’t charging enough.

A bad alternator can cause your battery to drain to the point it can’t turn your S10 over. Suspect the alternator if the battery light stays on after charging your truck’s battery or jumping it.

3.  Starter Motor

The next thing to look at when your S10 isn’t starting would be the starter itself.  When the starter isn’t functioning, it is impossible to start your truck. 

A bad starter can make a clicking noise, no noise, or it can grind.  

When a starter goes bad, they will usually not give you much warning at first. Try repeatedly turning the key. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and it’ll “catch”.  

Or, you can beat the starter with a hammer. It really can get that one last start out of it.


Engine Cranking, No Start

Here are the common issues that can cause your S10 to crank but not start.  Your truck’s engine needs air, fuel, and a spark to run.

It is highly likely that if the engine is cranking but not starting that it has thrown an OBDII code. Use an OBDII scanner to check and see if the engine has thrown any trouble codes.  

The codes will likely be related to the potential issues listed below.  When applicable, we’ve listed the common trouble code(s) associated with the cause.

1.  Low Fuel Pressure

Typical Fuel Pump

If your S10 isn’t getting enough fuel, or any fuel at all, it may have a bad fuel filter or a bad fuel pump.  Without the proper amount of fuel entering the combustion chamber, the S10 will crank but not start.

2.  Ignition Issues

No Start Causes Chevy S10

One of the most significant issues that will cause a vehicle to crank but not start are ignition issues.  When there is no spark, the engine will not start.  You’ll probably have a misfire-related code such as P0300, P0301, etc…

Many things, including bad spark plugs, bad coil packs, bad plug wires, computer issues, and more, can cause ignition issues. It’s likely your S10 had a rough idle before

3.  Engine Timing

If the engine’s ability to fire the spark plug at the right time is called “timing”.  If the spark plugs are firing at the wrong time, or something has happened to cause the camshaft to no longer be in sync with the crankshaft, your S10 won’t start.

There will usually be OBDII codes associated with timing-related problems, but not always.  P0013 is a common camshaft position-related code.  The crankshaft sensor can go bad as well.  When these sensors go bad, it can be impossible for your S10 to start.

4. Security

Most modern vehicles come with smart keys that have electronic protection built in.  This makes it more challenging for thieves to steal them.  

There are occasions where this security system will cause the S10 not to start, such as the key fob not working.  You’ll see a security warning when trying to crank the engine, though. 

5. Metering

A typical MAF Sensor

MAF or MAP sensors measure the air entering your S10’s engine.  If one of them has gone bad, it can cause the air-fuel mixture to be off enough to cause the truck not to start.

6.  Other Issues

There are a lot of issues that can cause your S10 not to start.  That’s why it is so important to check everything.  Here’s a great diagnostic chart that can walk you through diagnosing why a vehicle won’t start. 


Conclusion:  Chevy S10 Not Starting

There are many reasons that your S10 may not start.  Simple tests such as checking the battery with a voltage meter or scanning it with an OBD II scanner can really narrow down your list of potential causes.