01 Astro Dead (Sorta)

Problem started last weekend. Van would start, but would die (wouldn't idle). Next day, the van acted completely dead -- like the battery is dead, but it isn't. All the lights are off -- no dome lights, no door chimes, etc. Turn the key and nothing but the SES light comes on -- no ignition. The van stays this way for a while and then the lights will come back on and the van will turn over, but still won't idle.

It's obviously not a fuel flow problem because I can get the van to start as long as I keep my foot on the accelerator -- so, the fuel pump's working. It doesn't seem to be electrical -- battery is good, starter works like a champ, etc.

I don't have access to a code reader, so I don't have any idea where to go from here. These darn new vehicles are so computerized anything could be causing it not to start!

Help!

Start by taking the terminals off the battery and clean them. If they look very bad, replace them. Check all the fuses. Using a test light (make sure it is grounded), check all the fuses on both test points. No light on either means there is no power going to the fuse. Light one one side but none on the other means the fuse is blown. Most (but not all, necessarily(sp?)) will have power to them with the key off. This would probably not explain the SES light, so I would say the SES light may be on because of a problem caused by the problem you described.

Okay, new twist and additional info...

The van's a 2001 with the 4.3L Vortec engine and about 66K miles. The SES light only illumintes when the ignition is in the start position.

Today, I went to ensure I had good connectivity at the PCM and battery connections. Everything is tight. Besides moving the wiring harnesses around, I did nothing. But guess what, now the van starts every time. I'm afraid to road test it just yet -- I figure Murphy will be waiting for me at the end of the drive.

At this point, I'm not sure if I've got a wiring problem or an intermittent PCM problem. More to come, I'm sure...

Sounds like a bad ignition switch. Have the switch looked at, it really sounds like thats your problem.

Had same exact problem, would start for couple days then start doing this again, checked everything, all tight etc.... Then one day I noticed some arcing under hood at night while wife was turning the key, positive side of battery was so corroded there was no contact even though bolt was so tight it almost broke!!, cleaned all the crap off and put some dielectric silicone on the bolt, no problems last 6 mos.. Sounds like you have same problem!!