97 Tahoe - starter relay; intermittent starting

[glenncof]

I'm just posting for information for others. I use Chiltons service manual.

The Chilton schematic for the starter system does not show the 'starter relay' in fuse box under the hood. It shows ignition going directly to starter solenoid.

I almost made the mistake of replacing solenoid ($40 Kragens).

I just could not believe it was bad as this is a West Coast vehicle and almost instant starts. (100K) Starter motor was strong.

Checked the fuse box the day before solenoid was to come in. Swapped the A/C relay until I got new one (Napa $10).

Nevertheless I had hassled with removing starter. (Also note two types of starters. This one was produced in Canada and had a rare 'direct drive' motor with straight-thru drive shaft. Most 97 Tahoes have 'gear-reduction' type which, I suppose, has the motor spinning faster, resulting in smaller motor size.)