'01 Jimmy Starter Problem

My problems first began when I have had intermittent starting issues within the last 2 or 3 weeks where I would turn the ignition key to start and it would be 'dead' with no 'cranking'. After trying 2 or 3 times from start to off and start again, it would engine would start as if nothing ever happened. At that time, I pulled a DTC of P0141.......but common sense tells that an O2 sensor would not cause a 'dead' start on a vehicle. So, yesterday I tried starting it and it completely dead on my driveway (lucky). I checked the battery (12.66v) and cleaned the terminals.

I'm thinking it is the starter relay since there is no clicking or cranking. I don't think it would be the starter coil since that wouldn't be intermittent as the problem started out.

Could it be the Park/Neutral switch located on the transmission or the actual ignition switch on the steering column ?

My problems first began when I have had intermittent starting issues within the last 2 or 3 weeks where I would turn the ignition key to start and it would be 'dead' with no 'cranking'. After trying 2 or 3 times from start to off and start again, it would engine would start as if nothing ever happened. At that time, I pulled a DTC of P0141.......but common sense tells that an O2 sensor would not cause a 'dead' start on a vehicle. So, yesterday I tried starting it and it completely dead on my driveway (lucky). I checked the battery (12.66v) and cleaned the terminals.

I'm thinking it is the starter relay since there is no clicking or cranking. I don't think it would be the starter coil since that wouldn't be intermittent as the problem started out.

Could it be the Park/Neutral switch located on the transmission or the actual ignition switch on the steering column ?

Lot of could be's.
And a starter solenoid can act up part time.

Proper testing.
When it acts up with no start.
Always check battery and cables and grounds and positive cable to starter.
Also engine ground.
And 12 volts fuse boxes and to ing switch.
Check purple wire to starter solenoid for 12 volts key on crank.

If no 12 volts work back to starter relay and neutral saftey switch and crank fuse and ign switch.

Yellow wire from ign switch to start fuse .
Fuse to neutral switch is purple.
Neutral switch to starter relay purple and white wire.
Relay to starter solenoid wire is purple.
Post back what you find

Any remote start or anti theft stuff added to it?

My last starter was same symptoms. A friend banged on it with a hammer and it cranked. We were sure it would be a solenoid. When bench testing I found it to have a good solenoid , but rather a problem deeper than the main + terminal going into the starter motor. (it had power every time) The shop said it had a bad armature.

Lot of could be's.
And a starter solenoid can act up part time.

Proper testing.
When it acts up with no start.
Always check battery and cables and grounds and positive cable to starter.
Also engine ground.
And 12 volts fuse boxes and to ing switch.
Check purple wire to starter solenoid for 12 volts key on crank.

If no 12 volts work back to starter relay and neutral saftey switch and crank fuse and ign switch.

Yellow wire from ign switch to start fuse .
Fuse to neutral switch is purple.
Neutral switch to starter relay purple and white wire.
Relay to starter solenoid wire is purple.
Post back what you find

Any remote start or anti theft stuff added to it?
I did everything you said .....check fuses.....I started from the ign. switch, Park/Neutral switch to fuse box, starter motor relay, and checked both positive leads to starter motor solenoid. The problem is the solenoid and/or starter motor. I'll replace and report an update when I replace both next weekend. They are pretty well corroded after 110,000 miles. The reason it has taken so long to analyze this issue is because it has been intermittent.

I did everything you said .....check fuses.....I started from the ign. switch, Park/Neutral switch to fuse box, starter motor relay, and checked both positive leads to starter motor solenoid. The problem is the solenoid and/or starter motor. I'll replace and report an update when I replace both next weekend. They are pretty well corroded after 110,000 miles. The reason it has taken so long to analyze this issue is because it has been intermittent.

Now you know for sure what the problem is.
A new starter not rebuilt should fix it.
Good Luck

Now you know for sure what the problem is.
A new starter not rebuilt should fix it.
Good Luck

One of the guys at NAPA said the same thing about buying a new starter instead of a rebuilt of anything. The $$$$ difference ($20 to $30) is not worth taking a chance.

UPDATE: It was the starter motor. The 2 bolts were so torqued on that I cracked the 11mm socket (Craftman) trying to loosen them. The solenoid terminals had to be accessed through the passenger side wheel well (tire had to be removed). Then it was a puzzle to drop the old motor between the frame and oil pan. There were no shims involved with mine. Total time involved was 3 1/2 hrs. with help from my brother. It would be harder to do as a one man job on this one.

Thanks for the help again !

You are welcome.
And.
Thanks for posting back how it went.
Glad all is well now.
Good luck