Engine starting problems

Tiny
ALANJ30
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET ASTRO
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
Most of the time the engine runs good. Every now and then the security code keeps flashing and the engine will start but immediately quit. After waiting for awhile with the switch on the security light will go out and the eng will start normal. That is the first part of the problem.

Now the engine will refuse to start and the security light is not on. I was told to pound on the bottom of the fuel tank to unstick the fuel pump, which I did, and the engine started. The second time, the pounding did no good but after sitting all night the engine started normal the next day.

This is the second astro van that I had with starting problems. The first was a 1996 which had numerous problems starting. Is this an inherent problem with Astro's? What can be done to eliminate the starting problem.

Thanks, Al Banks
Monday, September 7th, 2009 AT 2:56 PM

40 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
This Tech bulliten is from Checvy to thier dealers. Probably your problem!
NO/HARD/SLOW START NOISE DURING CRANKING DTC P0338 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Reference Number(s): 00-06-04-014, Â Date of Issue: Â April, 2000 Related Ref Number(s): 00-06-04-014 ARTICLE BEGINNING NO, HARD, OR SLOW START, BACKFIRE OR "KICKBACK" DURING CRANK/START, "GRINDING" OR UNUSUAL NOISES DURING CRANK, DTC P0338 (REPLACE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR) Model(s): 1999-2000 Cadillac Escalade; 1995-2000 Chevrolet and GMC S/T Models; 1996-2000 Chevrolet and GMC C/K, M/L, G, P Models; 1996-2000 Oldsmobile Bravada with 4.3 L, 5.0 L, 5.7 L or 7.4 L Engine; VINs W, X, M, R, J - RPOs L35, LF6, L30, L31, L29) Section: 06 - Engine/Propulsion System Bulletin No: 00-06-04-014 Date: April, 2000 CONDITION Some customers may comment on one or more of the following conditions: Backfire during crank/start. "Â "Kickback" during crank/start. "Â "No" start. "Â "Slow" or "hard" start/crank. "Â "Grinding" or unusual noises during crank/start. "Â Cracked or broken engine block at the starter boss. "Â Broken starter drive housing. "Â Broken starter ring gear on flywheel. "Â Any combination of the above. "Â CAUSE A condition may exist that allows the crankshaft position sensor to command up to 50 extra degrees of spark advance during engine cranking only. This in turn exposes the engine to higher than normal cylinder pressures which may result in an inoperative condition to the starter drive housing, the engine flywheel starter ring gear, or the engine block at the outside edge of the starter boss.
CORRECTION Inspect for a stored powertrain DTC code P0338. This DTC will NOT illuminate the "Service Engine Soon" light. If this code is stored, the Crankshaft Position Sensor, P/N 10456607, MUST be replaced and the remaining components inspected for damage (engine block at the starter boss, the starter drive housing, and the engine flywheel starter ring gear). NOTE: When DTC code P0338 is set, failure to replace the Crankshaft Position Sensor could result in repeated inoperative conditions of the starter or flywheel. NOTE: Some flywheel wear is normal; broken or missing teeth and/or cracks, are not normal. PARTS INFORMATION Parts are currently available from GMSPO. WARRANTY INFORMATION For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: WARRANTY INFORMATION
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 AT 6:39 AM
Tiny
ALANJ30
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
There is no resistance to the start motor at all, it spins freely. If it were a sensor, would that allow the car to start after it sits for awhile?

Also, the service engine soon light is always on. It came on about a month ago right after I had the vehicle serviced.

This problem happened before and after the service engine soon light came on.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 AT 8:08 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
First thing to do is scan the codes, autozone does it for free, then post the codes here. Yes if the crank sensor develops a heat problem it can fail to start when hot, and start after a brief coll down period. The bulletin refer to code P0338, if that's stored in memory, definitely replace it, SCAN IT!

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 AT 8:47 AM
Tiny
NUBES1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 CHEVROLET ASTRO
  • 76,000 MILES
My 99 Astro AWD w/vortex V6 It's fine when it's dry. Replaced the cap and rotor, air filter no codes from diagnostic tester
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Without codes you would have to start with the basics. When it fails to start, something is missing and the above link explains what to look for.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FSTED6464
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
  • 1999 CHEVROLET ASTRO
I have a 1999 astro van, it died while driving. Tried to restart and itll turn but it wont fire up. Replaced the cap and rotors, plugs and wires, fuel pump replaced a year ago, I check spark it gets good spark and fuel pump is fine and pressure, but it wont fire up, have gas as well. What should I try now? Please help me because its my only ride to work
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
We ned actual pressure reading on the fuel pump. See if it starts if you squirt carb cleaner in the air filter. If it does, then I would look harder at the fuel pump.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FSTED6464
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I was trying to get my husband to do that, not sure if we have one of those tools, but he doesnt think its the pressure or pump, but I know you have to have 60-66 psi or it wont fire up
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Thats correct. Tell him bascis, basics must be checked first.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FSTED6464
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Were not getting spark now after the distibutor, does anyone know where the ICM is located on 1999 astro van?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+5
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EBARRON951
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 CHEVROLET ASTRO
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
My van will only start if I use stater fluid. After I spray a shot into the air intake hose just before the air filter it will kick over. I have replaced the battary and fuel pump it was needed. The check inginge light is on. Also, I have replaced the distributer and tuned up the van complete. The windows on the drivers and passenger side will not go up or down they act as though they have to charge up and then will only move a inch or two. The back door will not open it seems to be jammed I cannot get it loose to open it. Thanks for your time. I hope there is a answer or suggestion.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Go to your local parts place and have the computer scanned, jot the codes down and bring them back to me for further diagnosis, if I had to guess, I still say that fuel pressure regulator, or cam sensor is faulty, and a fuel filter may need changing, but it is obviously a fuel problem, as it will start with a shot of ether.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Are you getting it into the distributor? Is there any coming out of the coil?

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FSTED6464
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Yes, we replaced all of that, it getting sparks everywhere after the coil and distributor. Put fuel in throttle body, dont have tool to test pressure gauge it seems fine has plenty of spark just wont start! How can you tell if injectors are spitting out fuel?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Ok, now it has spark.

Did it start for a second when you put fuel in the intake?

You can tell by removing a plug and see if it is wet with fuel

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FSTED6464
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Were going to rent fuel pressure gauge tool to check pressure, but we just checked if plugs were wet with fuel and they are not, they are dry it wouldnt be the camshaft sensor maybe? Were running out of ideas thanks for helping
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAN944
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 CHEVROLET ASTRO
Electrical problem
1999 Chevy Astro 6 cyl All Wheel Drive Automatic

I have a 99 Chevy Astro, last week it took 3 times to get it started(motor turned but no start), then it happened again a few hours later, luckly I made it back home, next day it would'nt start, same crank but no start, I replaces the fuel filter and fuel pump, after this it started ok, but abought 1 hr later, it would not start again, so I pulled the fuel pump back out and replaced it with another new one, now im back to square one, motor turns but no pump, I shortd the pump relay and canot hear the pump, PLEASE HELP.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check ECM B 20amp fuse if okay-If relay don't energize when key is in run for 2 secs-You have a problem with the computer fuel pump relay control circuit-Relay energizes check for power on the gray wire on the fuel pump connector.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You need to check fuel pressure. I bet that is your failure.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAN944
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Wire harness from fuel pump to Connector where Ground connects on chassie near front of fuel tank had bad connection on Gray wire, reconnected and seems to be good now, thanks for you help.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 AT 3:58 PM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links