Starter issue
40

Asked by RB64 Mar 06, 2016 at 08:02 PM about the 1987 Chevrolet Astro

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have an 87 Chevy Astro 4.3 v6
and I can't get it to crank.  
Replaced a bad starter about 3
months ago and then over a 2-day
period, there would be times it
wouldnt do anything when I turned
the key.  I was sure it was just bad
connections.  I would loosen, twist
and re-tighten battery connectors
and It would usually start right
away.  Well, it got worse and then
finally just wouldnt do anything.  
What Ive done so far is 1) checked
all connections so they are tight.
2) checked all the fuses (the first
time I checked, the ignition fuse
was blown.) I replaced it, but that
did nothing.  The battery is very
good, connections tight and I have
good ground.  
I should add that the solenoid only
engqged a few times before it
stopped.  I figured a short, but I
couldnt find anything.  So, I took
the starter out and had it tested.  
Worked fine.
I just put it back in and made sure
all connections were good and
now I can hear the solenoid
popping but the starter wont
engage.
My question(s):  Is the wire that
connects to the same post as the
battery have to do with cranking
the engine?  I ask because I really
dont know where it goes to.  I do
know i have juice to the starter.
Is there a relay Im missing?  
Would a bad ignition act like this.
I am completely dumbfounded
over this.  
I am going to run through the
fuses again to make sure I didnt
blow another, but after that, I have
no clue as to what it could be.

2 Answers
40

RB64 answered 8 years ago

Exactly where is the starter relay in the 87 astro, because that was my thought as well. I cant seem to pin down a decent diagram of it. But before I go there, I may have found the culprit. Basically starting from scratch (knowing my battery is good and the starter is good) I decided to use a voltage meter on all connections rather than just making sure they were tight. Turns out all were ok, except the wire going to the solenoid is only getting 9 volts. That wire is coming from ignition, correct?

4 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Shortcuts

Search Chevrolet Astro Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    celica_gt_pimp
    Reputation
    520
  • #2
    John Saffrahn
    Reputation
    480
  • #3
    rhtuxman
    Reputation
    390
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Astro Cargo
1 listing
Used GMC Safari
2 listings
Used Ford E-Series
3 Great Deals out of 171 listings starting at $6,900
Used Ford Transit Cargo
48 Great Deals out of 1,063 listings starting at $11,975
Used Dodge Grand Caravan
128 Great Deals out of 2,018 listings starting at $2,995
Used Ford F-150
314 Great Deals out of 13,742 listings starting at $3,800

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.