Kalos No-Start: ECU Failure or Something Simpler?

Had the exact same issue with my 2008 Chevy Aveo last year. From my experience with Chevrolet models (I've owned a couple but I'm no mechanic), these symptoms often point to simpler issues than ECU failure. Turned out my engine light and no-start condition were just due to loose battery connections causing weird electrical problems. The terminals were corroded and not making good contact. The workshop cleaned the connections, secured them properly, and ran diagnostics to be safe. Total bill was 155 for the service and testing. Before assuming ECU failure, could you check: Battery voltage when trying to start? Any clicking sounds when turning the key? How long since the battery terminals were cleaned? Any recent work done near the battery? The engine surge and starting issues on these models are usually electrical-related. Proper diagnosis can save you from unnecessary ECU replacement costs. Let me know these details and I can share more specific insights.

Had my latest service at 82,755 km and I can confirm the battery is good, tested at 12.6V. When turning the key, I hear multiple clicks but no cranking. Already cleaned the terminals thoroughly but still having the same issue. Been researching fuel injection problems too since there's a slight fuel smell when attempting to start. The engine diagnostics from my OBD reader shows multiple codes related to the fuel system, which makes me think it might be more than just electrical. Would appreciate if anyone can share their experience with fuel system troubleshooting on these models. Engine stalling was actually an intermittent issue before this complete failure.

Thanks for those additional details, especially about the fuel smell and OBD codes. When my Aveo had similar symptoms last year, I initially focused on electrical issues too, but it turned out the fuel injection system was the real culprit. The multiple clicking with no crank, combined with the fuel smell and engine fault codes, sounds exactly like what happened with mine. The fuel pump relay was failing intermittently, causing both the fuel injection issues and weird electrical symptoms. The engine surge problems I experienced before complete failure were also related to this. Here's what the diagnostic process revealed for my case: Multiple attempts needed to start the engine, Clicking sounds but no crank, Fuel system related codes, Intermittent stalling before total failure The fix involved replacing the fuel pump relay and cleaning the fuel injection system. The complete repair got everything running perfectly again. If your symptoms match these, you might want to have the fuel delivery system checked before assuming ECU failure. Have you noticed any sputtering or rough running just before it completely failed to start?

Thanks for sharing that detailed experience with the fuel pump relay. Just checked my maintenance records and noticed similar symptoms leading up to this, especially the sputtering before failure. The engine would occasionally surge and run rough for a few seconds before returning to normal. Looking back, I realize these warning signs started about three weeks before the complete failure. The check engine light would sometimes flash during those rough running episodes, but the engine diagnostics didn't seem serious enough at the time to warrant immediate attention. Based on your repair experience, I'll have the shop focus on the fuel delivery system first rather than jumping straight to ECU failure concerns. Those multiple clicking sounds with the fuel smell really do match your description. I'll get it checked out and update on whether the fuel pump relay turns out to be the culprit. This could save me from an expensive ECU replacement if it's actually just a fuel system issue. Much rather deal with a fuel pump relay than major engine software problems or a complete ECU replacement, so this gives me some hope. Will schedule the diagnostic check tomorrow.