2002 Chevy Astro intermittent starting

TWOCARREG

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
191,000 MILES

Van failed to start for second time in about a month. First time van was towed to mechanic who said it started first time he tried. Yesterday wouldn't start and with ignition switch on I connected the two posts on the solenoid with a screwdriver and it started right up. Is this a dieing solenoid, or maybe the ignition switch? Can this solenoid be replaced separately, or is the starter/solenoid a one piece unit?

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 AT 1:38 AM

1 Reply

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

IF it happens again, turn the headlights on. If there is a draw the lights will dim when attempting to crank and I would then check for power to the starter solenoid to verify. I dont believe the solenoid is availble separate.

A backyard technique is to tapp on the starter while in the crank position and see if it fires up.

If the lights don't dim, then it may be the switch.

I suspect the former.

Don't buy the cheap ones. For that matter I would only use the napa supreme or the USA brand. Too many defects with others in my experience.

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Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 AT 7:43 AM