Intermittent starting issue
I've got a '96, Chevy, Silverado,
4×4, full size, 4 door, long bed
with a 454 vortec and
automatic transmission. It has
developed an intermittent
starting issue. It will be fine, I
shut it off then try to restart it
and nothing. I can hear the fuel
pump hum. And lights, radio
etc all work but no crank no
start nothing. If I let it sit for
between 45 minutes (shortest)
and 5 weeks (longest) it will
eventually start again. This has
happened in all different
seasons and weather. The
battery is new and contacts are
clean and tight. After it
happened in October I had a
remote starter button hard
wired to the solenoid. And
didn't even have to use it for
months. Then 2 days ago it
happened again and even with
the button it will not crank or
anything. I've tried tricks listed
here like moving gear shifter,
tapping on the starter etc. So
since the button bypasses the
ignition switch and relays it has
to be the starter, Right?? Or is
there something I'm missing?
Money is tight so I can't afford
to just guess and throw parts
at the truck right now. Any help
is appreciated.
The engine isn't trying to sieze? Can you tell if load on the starter system when problem ongoing? You use digital multimeter across battery posts when problem is ongoing, have helper turn key to crank, note the reading, generally it shouldn't drop more than a couple of volts from battery voltage reading with key off. Some of the national brand autostores will test the starter for you, hopefully under load. Take it off and take it to them for testing.
So today I went out to check voltage as suggested and of course, it started right up. But as I said before with the button in place its GOT to be the starter/solenoid (I think). So unless anyone has a better idea I'm going to get those replaced. Side Note; I can't believe that a decent NEW starter and solenoid with good warranty costs around $180 for that truck. Its been quite a while since I did any work on vehicles and prices have went WAY up on parts!