'02 Astro -- won't start; not the battery or alternator

[Fordina]

We have an '02 Astro -- about 85K miles on it. It wouldn't start the other day and wouldn't be jumped. Since then, sometimes it starts and sometimes it doesn't.

We are thinking its either got to be the starter or something with the fuel line. How do we determine which it is?

We're guessing the starter needs to be replaced. Can anyone tell us how to do that in detail if you agree that it is likely the starter and not something with the fuel line?

[DeltaP]

Does this engine "crank",(turn over),and not start to run or does it do nothing,not even click? At this point I dont understand where the fuel line comes in.You say its not the battery or alt,why?

[Fordina]

When we turn the key, it doesn't click or crank or even make a sound, but the lights and beeps come on on the dashboard. The battery connections are good and tight and no corrosion.

My hubby is going out to try to jump it again. He tried this the other day when it was doing this and jumping it accomplished nothing. That's what led us to believe that it was not the alternator or battery...?

We're just trying to think this through a bit, and it seemed like the only thing it could be would be the starter or something with the fuel getting to where it needs to be. Thoughts?

[gmtech1]

While someone is trying to crank the engine, have someone else tap on the starter with hammer, its ok to be fairly aggressive with the tapping. If it starts, replace the starter.