2000 Chevy wont start

TJ419

MEMBER
2000 CHEVROLET TRUCK

Hey guys! I am in a bit of a pickle with my 2000 Chevy Impala with 169000 miles. When I try to start it, it does not crank, like it could be the solenoid but my mechanic that works on my fleet of chevy impalas say that it is something else. The battery light was flashing about four or five months ago. Also, if the car sits for a while (two or three days) it may start once or twice and then it wont start after that. Could the voltage regulator cause this issue? All of the lights work normal, radio works also.

3 Replies

BACKYARDMECHANIC

MECHANIC
337 POSTS

Before trouble shooting any type of starting problem you should may sure the battery is fully charged. After charging battery make the following checks. You should read a minimum of 8 to 9 volts with the engine cranking. If not replace battery. Next make sure all battery and starter connection are tight and clean. #1 cause of starting problems are dirty or loose connections. If you still have a problem have the start bench tested to make sure it is good. As far as the voltage regulator causing this is unlikely because you say it only happens sometimes. If the alternator wasn't charging the battery the car would not start after the battery goes dead. If you like while you have the voltage meter out check the output of the alternator. Should read between aproximately 13.5 to 15.5 with the car running. Hope this helps
Backyardmechanic

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Monday, November 20th, 2006 AT 2:13 PM

TJ419

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The connections have been checked and checked again, and the battery is charged and has been load tested. I also failed to mention that it doesn't crank. And now it wont start at all. Chevy thought it may have something to do with the security program, so they ran their program and it didn't fix the problem. When the issue was intermittent it didn't crank, and when it did crank it would start and run fine. The headlights dimmed at idle enough to easily recognize, but now the car just wont start.

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Monday, November 27th, 2006 AT 6:00 AM

BACKYARDMECHANIC

MECHANIC
337 POSTS

Sounds like the starter is bad. Before replacing it make sure you have voltage going to the solenoid when the key is turned to the start postion. If voltage is present, then this elimates the starting circuit from being bad which means the starter is.
Good luck BYM :)

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Monday, November 27th, 2006 AT 11:34 AM