Intermittent no crank/no start condition on 2017 Yukon XL Denali requiring 50+ key presses to start, with no reliable diagnosis procedure.

Existing diagnostic tools (GDS2) cannot capture the intermittent failure state because the vehicle starts when connected, preventing data collection during the failing condition. No solution for reliable replication or remote monitoring.

Severity

4High

Willingness to Pay

explicit

Added

May 9, 2026

Workarounds Described

Presses key over 50 times to eventually start
Probes connectors and fuse boxes mechanically to find loose connections
Attaches laptop running GDS2 and hopes car fails while connected

Implied Software Gaps

Mobile app that triggers recording when no-crank occurs and stores vehicle data without requiring laptop connection
Automated analysis of circuit patterns to pinpoint intermittent open or high resistance

App Concept

Intermittent Fault Recorder Pro

A continuous data logging device that plugs into the OBD-II port and monitors key circuits (starter enable, BCM outputs, anti-theft, voltage) while the vehicle is driven normally. When a no-crank event occurs, it locks the preceding 30 seconds of data and alerts the user via phone. No need to have a laptop connected. Cloud dashboard to review waveforms and correlate with ambient conditions.

Key Features

Continuous 24/7 logging of starter enable circuit, BCM status, and anti-theft state
Automatic event capture on no-crank condition with pre-trigger buffer
Wireless data sync to cloud dashboard with timeline viewer
Vehicle profile setup with VIN-based wiring reference
Smartphone app with real-time notifications and event tagging
Exportable logs for sharing with mechanics

Target Users: DIY car owners and independent mechanics working on intermittent electrical faults in modern vehicles with CAN bus systems, especially GM trucks/SUVs

Revenue Model: $199 one-time hardware unit, plus $9.99/mo cloud subscription for storage and advanced analytics, or $499 lifetime plan

Existing Solutions Mentioned

GDS2 diagnostic tool

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