GMC Yukon Starter Problems (Why It Won’t Start)

The GMC is an excellent choice for you’re looking at large, three-row, luxury SUVs. If, however, your Yukon won’t start or has trouble starting, it’s no longer the SUV of your dreams. It’s important to know that lemon laws are in place to protect consumers like you in situations like this. Seek the legal guidance of an experienced lemon law attorney. 

Common GMC Yukon Starter Problems

According to RepairPal, common Yukon starter problems include all the following:

• A dead battery, which is the problem 38 percent of the time
• An alternator problem, which is the issue 27 percent of the time
• A failed starter, which is the problem 20 percent of the time 
• Another issue, which covers the remaining 15 percent of problems and can be difficult to pin down

Why Won’t My GMC Yukon Start?

While a problem with your vehicle is always serious, if it won’t start, it takes things to a different level. If your push button isn’t doing the trick, but the battery is fully loaded, and your SUV recognizes your key fob, you’ll need to do some investigating. If you hear a dash click and your dash comes to life, but there’s no crank noise, and your Yukon doesn’t start, the issue may be the starter. 

If, on the other hand, your Yukon has a delayed start, the culprit may be a clogged or malfunctioning fuel pump that interrupts the smooth delivery of fuel to the SUV’s engine, which can lead to a grinding crank sound prior to ignition.

How Do You Start a GMC Yukon? 

The start process for your GMC Yukon is fairly straightforward, including the following basic steps:

• Have the fob on you when you enter your Yukon.
• Press the brake pedal.
• Press the Power button. 
• Look for the green indicator on the button to illuminate. At this point, your Yukon should start, and you’ll be ready to go.  

If you experience a glitch anywhere along the way, consulting with your dealer is advised. 

What Are Common Problems with the Starter in a Yukon?

The Yukon’s starting system is complex. The ignition switch transmits a signal to the body control module, which – in turn – transmits a signal to the engine control module. From here, the starter relay is activated by the engine control module. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong. Prime possibilities are that one of the modules or the ignition switch failed. 

Because the body control module also controls the security system, there can be overlap with security issues that can skew your findings. If it’s the security system that’s affected, the engine should still turn over. If your Yukon isn’t giving you any turnover sound, it’s very likely an issue with the starter system itself. 

How State Lemon Laws Apply

If you purchased your Yukon new and you’re experiencing starter problems, lemon laws may apply. Generally, the dealer is allowed a reasonable number of attempts to repair the problem, and if they aren’t successful, the car owner is eligible for a new vehicle that’s comparable or a refund via state lemon laws. While a reasonable number of attempts is somewhat relative, most states consider a minimum of three a reasonable number. 

New York’s Lemon Laws

In New York, a Yukon owner who experiences a problem with their SUV that can’t seem to be fixed can turn to lemon laws when one of the following applies:

• They purchased the Yukon no more than 24 months prior, or they put no more than 18,000 miles on it – whichever came first.
• The Yukon spent a total of at least 30 days in the shop for a specific problem, such as an issue with the starter, or for different problems during that first 24 months or 18,000 miles, whichever came first.

Pennsylvania’s Lemon Laws

In Pennsylvania, Yukon owners who have issues with their SUVs that aren’t adequately repaired within a reasonable number of attempts can turn to the state’s lemon laws when one of the following applies. 

• They purchased the Yukon no more than 12 months prior, or they put no more than 12,000 miles on the SUV – whichever came first. 
• The Yukon spent at least a total of 30 days in the shop for the same problem, such as trouble with the starter, or for different problems during those 12 months or 12,000 miles – whichever came first. 

New Jersey’s Lemon Laws

A Yukon owner in New Jersey has a bit more leeway when it comes to a chronic problem that isn’t adequately repaired within a reasonable number of attempts, and lemon laws apply under the following circumstances:

• They purchased the Yukon no more than 24 months prior, or they put no more than 24,000 miles on it – whichever came first.
• The Yukon spent at least 20 days in the shop for either one problem, such as an issue with its starter, or for any number of problems within those 24 months or 24,000 miles – whichever came first. 

It’s important to note that lemon laws include a fee-shifting provision that ensures claimants aren’t required to cover the cost of legal representation. If the claim is successful, the manufacturer covers the legal fees, and if it isn’t, most reputable lemon law attorneys work on contingency, which means they’re only paid when claims prevail. 

If Your Yukon Is Used or Is Outside Lemon Law Requirements

If you bought your Yukon used, or it is already outside the new car lemon law requirements, both New York and New Jersey have used car lemon laws on the books that are based on vehicle warranties. While Pennsylvania doesn’t have a used car lemon law, there are state and federal laws that govern unfair trade practices, as well as warranty provisions like the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act that may apply. 

Used car lemon laws and warranty acts include provisions that are similar to new car lemon laws. Also, they typically have a fee-shifting provision, so you won’t have to worry about the legal complexities or the legal cost. 

Seek the Legal Guidance of an Experienced Lemon Law Attorney 

The lemon law attorneys at Robison Lemon Law Group – proudly serving New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey – understand the frustration of making a major purchase like a vehicle, only to run into serious problems. We’re committed to zealously advocating for the compensation to which you’re entitled. To learn more about what we can do to help you, please don’t wait to contact or call us at 844-386-0831 to schedule your free, no-obligation evaluation today.