I have a 2000 Chevrolet Express 1500 5.7L LT. Cold winter months in Michigan and the Van sat for about 2 weeks not being started. When tried to start, battery was dead so I replaced with a new one. Went to start and still won't start, won't even turn over. Can anyone help to diagnose this problem? Would it be electrical or fuses possibly? Thank you.
Put a test light on the starter solenoid: The cable from the battery should light. When you try to engage the starter the other post should light, as the solenoid is sending the current from the battery to the starter motor. If the light doesn't come on during starting the solenoid is bad. If it does come on and the solenoid "clicks" when trying to start then either the starter is bad or the engine is froze up. On my '92 (I am assuming that the 2000 is similar) I had to replace the starter for a bad solenoid, but it was only about $25 and only one bolt holds it in. I didn't have to shim it either.
