Random Starting

CMEREDITH

MEMBER
CHEVROLET ASTRO

I have a 2000 Chevy Astro that has 335,000 miles on it. It has been a great vehicle. I am however having a problem with it starting. The only time I have this problem is when we have some rain. Whether it be a storm or a mist. Sometimes a heavy dew will cause it not to start. It will crank but just not turn over. I originally had a problem with my fuel pump. It made no sound at all. I replaced it along with the fuel filter. It ran fine for a week or so then I started having this problem. I have since changed the distributor, rotor button, and distributor cap. Could this be an injector problem or something simple I am overlooking? I was also wandering about the ignition module. If it could be the module where is it located?

5 Replies

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,371 POSTS

Next time you have a heavy dew and the car wont start, I would like you to check the distributor cap and rotor on the inside, check for moisture. Post results back.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, November 28th, 2007 AT 7:18 PM

CMEREDITH

MEMBER
2 POSTS

We have had rain here for the past few days and my astro has not started since. I have checked the distributor cap and did not see any moisture. I still have my receipt from buying the cap, so I exchanged it and the rotor button and picked up plug wires. It still will not start. Do you have any other suggestions?

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, December 12th, 2007 AT 1:06 PM

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,371 POSTS

Are you getting spark when it is raining or damp in the morning? If not check to makesure the ignition coil is putting off spark.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, December 12th, 2007 AT 3:58 PM

DAVESR

MEMBER
3 POSTS

What I always did for a no start when wet problem
remove all engine covers on a DRY day
then run engine, and use a pump spray bottle with water and mist the ignition ONE part at a time
you will find the faultly part it will start to miss fire or totally stall
BUT dont spray the mist on all the parts at the same time, Only one at time
this method works all the time U make it rain
electricity will jump and short out easier with a mist than solid wet, if U turn a hose on it, it may run OK, try this method it works

Dave sr

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, December 12th, 2007 AT 6:30 PM

CHUBBER22

MEMBER
10 POSTS

Just wondering if you checked the fuel pump psi, fuel pressure testing guage hooks up to the fuel pressure regulators like a bicycle conector turn the engine over you need 55psi to open the regulator. I have change one pump on my old 89 400k+ and four on my 96 340k+ sometimes it works intermitently sometimes it dies completely two tricks I have tried one you bang under the fuel tank with a rubber malet (in the center where the pump is located) to jar the pump sometimes it workes sometime it won't at best it might get the van started but next time it could fail again. The second trick was to short a red wire that is protruding out of the wire harness by the battery (you know the little wire that you were wonder what it was for) a very quick touch on the positive post sometimes jumps the fuel pump to allow you to start (caution though too long of a touch will fry the wiring harness for the pump in side the tank, bin dare done dat). I was told by a couple of mechanics that after market pumps last about 18mths and the three I put in were almost to the day of 18mths. THe last one I put in was a GM part and it lasted the longest so far and was $30 cheaper.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Chubber22