2001 Chevy Astro Starting problems

WATEVERETT

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET ASTRO
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

My van will not start sometimes and other times it just dies while I'm driving. The last time I had to get it jumped off, it had trouble trying to jump then when I turned the ignition off the thing tried to start by itself. I had the alternator and the battery checked and they were fine except the battery had to be charged some. What could the problem be?

Saturday, December 26th, 2009 AT 9:41 AM

3 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Hi, did you have the charging system checked on the vehicle? If the starter won't crank, check the circuits at the starter relay, underhood fuse box.

Also, with no crank situation, watch the lites, dash--headlites-- something, see if there is any reaction from the lites, with key in start position? If no reaction, maybe open starter circuit.

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Saturday, December 26th, 2009 AT 11:55 AM

WATEVERETT

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for your advice. The lights do react when I try to start it. They dim down.

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Saturday, December 26th, 2009 AT 12:15 PM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

With everything turned off, at the least, I'd use a digital multimeter across the battery posts, turn the key to crank, see how far the reading drops. I'm asking, how far does the reading drop? I'd have to check battery and charging system, myself. I'd check the charging system on the vehicle, engine running. The alternator may check out out fine, if you take it off and take it to the store. If there is a problem with the wiring to or from the alternator, the store test won't show it.

I'd have to check the actual voltage reading at the starter solenoid, when trying to start. It could be a problem with the starter? I can't tell without the voltage tests.

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Saturday, December 26th, 2009 AT 1:40 PM