'01 No Start - Intermittent HELP!!

Hi everyone.

I am new to this forum. I happened upon it while desperately researching this problem with my truck:

I have a 2001 Jimmy SLE (4.3L) that intermittently (of course!) won't start. Yet it is so regular that it happens daily. It seems to happen (mostly) when the car is well warmed up (starter solenoid maybe? - based on very similar trouble with a '97 Camaro). All lights come on, just no crank. This problem has been happening for the 7 years that I've owned this vehicle and no one can replicate the problem when they have it in for service due to their not duplicating the conditions in which the problem happens. Example: we'll drive it for a while, go into a store, use the factory installed remote keyless entry (which does include a kill) come back to it, use the remote for entry, and it won't start. Either you have to manipulate the switch tons (!) or just wait it out for a few or several minutes (different amount each time), then it will start.

Had the fuel pump replaced in January of this year, had the remotes opened and 'cleaned' and re-coded.

The dealer has it now due to another problem, and said that there are no codes stored.

PLEASE HELP!! Does anyone know what this is? The problem is getting worse! Since the dealer has it right now, I'd love to have them fix it finally!

Thanks so much!

If the dealer has it why not let them fix it .
That is what you are paying him for.

Is the problem no starter crank engine or engine cranks and no start?
When no start does the security light come on and go out key on or just stay on and no start or just no crank?

Is the start and remote and antitheft factory or aftermarket

Hi MT.

Thanks for your reply. I'll snip your reply (in italics) and respond and answer your questions in order:

"If the dealer has it why not let them fix it .
That is what you are paying him for."

No doubt! I want and need them to fix it! I have little to no faith that they will, that's why I came here looking for advice to help or push them on their way!

"Is the problem no starter crank engine or engine cranks and no start?"

No crank. No start. Everything else operable.

"When no start does the security light come on and go out key on or just stay on and no start or just no crank?"

When I dropped it off Monday, the service writer asked me the same question and while I'm not 100% certain, I told him that I think the security light does flash while the problem is occuring.

"Is the start and remote and antitheft factory or aftermarket"

All factory.

There are no codes stored. It's like if there's no codes, they just don't want to or can't figure out what's wrong, especially on an intermittent problem that doesn't show up when I bring it in! :banghead:

Any further thoughts would be greatly appreciated and much needed!

my blazer has the same problem as yours. it is strange.

Okay, so I guess no one has any ideas what this problem could be?? :confused: Neither does the dealer as I am getting it back today with the same starting problem! They couldn't get the problem to happen for them (again)!

ABSOLUTELY MADDENING!! :banghead:

PLEASE help! I am begging here!

The problem sounds like lack of proper testing or a dealer/repair shop that does not know how to repair it.


Does you dealer have factory trained techs or is he just letting the grease monkey work on it?
If so ask for your money back and find a good dealer with factory trained TECHS.
If the problem is happens several times a day it should not be to hard to find.
If the security light stays on when the key is turned on you have a antitheft problem.
There should be codes past or present or histiory.
A good engine body capable scanner will tell you the problem.

If anti theft system checks out ok and light is off and no engine crank.
Then go threw and test the starter system when the problem happens.

Also tips to Check around for a good repair shop.

Check around Ask around
Word of mouth.
Family friends coworkers neighbors business people and delivery people.
Mailmen and parcel delivery people get around and notice a lot of stuff.
Even a good parts house knows what shops are good and not good.
Chamber of commerce and better business bureau and city hall.
If you find a good referral to a repair shop go look them over and talk to them.
Look for a clean looking busy place with nice people running it.
Ask a few questions and ask about their qualifications and training.
Not all places have trained tech/mechanics.
If they do not find a place that does.
Even all dealers do not have all trained techs/mechanics.
Good Luck and let us know how it goes.
MT
Good Luck
MT