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2003 has intermittent cranking issue


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twooakslab
New User

Aug 11, 2012, 6:48 AM

Post #1 of 6 (2007 views)
2003 has intermittent cranking issue Sign In

Frown Help... I have a 2003 Astro Van that has over 232,000 miles on it. It will intermittenly crank. We have replaced everything that we can think of and am at witts end. My husband is ready to set it on fire. I can go out and try and crank the van and it will not turn over. I can continue to crank and then after a few cranks it will start. It will then crank for months on end and then stop. Engine does not turn over when trying to crank. When it cranks it runs fine. I can let the van sit at work and come out and it will not start. Once again I have to keep trying and then it will crank. I have just replaced the battery, alternator. Any and all help would be appreciated. I do not want to get rid of this van I love it. Thanks for any help.


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Aug 11, 2012, 7:33 AM

Post #2 of 6 (1986 views)
Re: 2003 has intermittent cranking issue Sign In

The alternator really hasn't anything to do with cranking the engine. It just charges the battery.

Does this have any aftermarket equipment like an alarm system or remote start system?

If the battery is good and your connections to the battery are clean and tight, you are going to have to do some checks at the starter motor when it is acting up. You can use a volt meter or 12 volt test lamp to be sure your getting power at the starter solenoid small wire with the ignition in the start position. Make sure your test lamp or volt meter's ground lead is connected to the battery negative throughout the whole test.

If you have 12 volts at the small wire, your going to need to check for battery voltage at the battery cable stud on the starter motor while attempting to crank the engine. If you see battery voltage there while holding the key, that means you have an open in the starter motor/soleniod or a bad ground from the engine block to the battery. If you suspect a bad ground, take a pair of jumper cables and connect one lead to the starter housing and the other lead to the battery negative. If it works fine, you have a bad ground connection on the negative battery cable.

If you have power and good ground, more than likely you have a starter motor that is the fault. Another trick is to tap on the starter motor housing when it doesn't want to start while someone is holding the ignition in the start position. If it cranks by tapping the starter motor, motor is the problem.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 11, 2012, 7:43 AM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Aug 11, 2012, 7:37 AM

Post #3 of 6 (1982 views)
Re: 2003 has intermittent cranking issue Sign In

When this fails to crank does it make any sound at all?

Two of the things if that is silent that might be the trouble are it doesn't recognize being in Park or clutch disengaged if a standard shift (dunno if they made one) or trigger wire at starter may have a lousy connection.

You've replaced the battery and hope cable ends were inspected and cleaned carefully. Side post terminals can a do corrode greatly unseen inside the rubber/plastic covers,

T



twooakslab
New User

Aug 21, 2012, 4:04 PM

Post #4 of 6 (1906 views)
Re: 2003 has intermittent cranking issue Sign In

Cool Thanks so much for the information, the old girl is up and cranking well again. I have saved her from the firing squad one more time, and the husband is thankful that he does not have to work on her again anytime soon. You guys/gals are great I thank you so much..


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Aug 21, 2012, 5:19 PM

Post #5 of 6 (1898 views)
Re: 2003 has intermittent cranking issue Sign In

Glad to see you got it figured out. What was the fix?





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


twooakslab
New User

Aug 21, 2012, 5:31 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1892 views)
Re: 2003 has intermittent cranking issue Sign In

Cool Replaced the starter and she has been starting ever since. Will let you know if this does not fix it. It is the first time in years that I actually hear the starter turning over when it starts. Thanks again






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