2002 Silverado Intermittent Starting Problem

[cj99]

My 2002 4.8L Silverado recently started having this intermittent starting problem.

A few days ago I got in to start it, turned the key and nothing happened. Lights, radio and power locks all were working fine but engine would not crank or turn over. Turned the key off and on a few times and then the truck started fine.

It started fine for about 3 days. Then got in to start it the next day and this happened again. Turn the key and nothing. Lights, power locks, radio all working ok. Turned the key off and on multiple times but still nothing. So I cleaned the battery cable connections and fully charged the battery, even though it checked out ok. Tried it again and same thing was happening.

This time I looked at the ignition and starting relays under the hood in the electrical box. I swapped a few of them around, tried to start it each time and still nothing.

So I had the vehicle towed to the dealership to be checked. The next day the service man calls me to tell me when they went to check it, the truck is starting fine.

I am really frustrated now. I am not sure if this is a starter problem, ignition switch problem or maybe the computer. The thing is, I can't drive it like this because it is no longer reliable.

Can anyone help?

[ASJT3]

Originally Posted by cj99

My 2002 4.8L Silverado recently started having this intermittent starting problem.

A few days ago I got in to start it, turned the key and nothing happened. Lights, radio and power locks all were working fine but engine would not crank or turn over. Turned the key off and on a few times and then the truck started fine.

It started fine for about 3 days. Then got in to start it the next day and this happened again. Turn the key and nothing. Lights, power locks, radio all working ok. Turned the key off and on multiple times but still nothing. So I cleaned the battery cable connections and fully charged the battery, even though it checked out ok. Tried it again and same thing was happening.

This time I looked at the ignition and starting relays under the hood in the electrical box. I swapped a few of them around, tried to start it each time and still nothing.

So I had the vehicle towed to the dealership to be checked. The next day the service man calls me to tell me when they went to check it, the truck is starting fine.

I am really frustrated now. I am not sure if this is a starter problem, ignition switch problem or maybe the computer. The thing is, I can't drive it like this because it is no longer reliable.

Can anyone help?

Sounds an awful lot like a problem at the starter. Get underneath (parking brake set and batt disconnected) and check your starter connections. It is likely that they are corroded, which degrades the connection to the point where current no longer travels or travels intermittently. Clean the connections and see if the problem comes back.

If the truck still doesn't start, pull out the starter motor and test it with some jumper cables to confirm it's working properly.

[aleekat]

Next time it happens. Put 12volts directly to the starter. If it turns over. Suspect ignition switch or neutral safety switch. These are bypassed putting voltage direct.

[cj99]

The dealership even suggested something in the ECM could be bad. I'm thinking ignition switch or starter, like you guys.

[aleekat]

Originally Posted by cj99

The dealership even suggested something in the ECM could be bad. I'm thinking ignition switch or starter, like you guys.

They'll just throw parts at it.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by cj99

My 2002 4.8L Silverado recently started having this intermittent starting problem.

A few days ago I got in to start it, turned the key and nothing happened. Lights, radio and power locks all were working fine but engine would not crank or turn over. Turned the key off and on a few times and then the truck started fine.

It started fine for about 3 days. Then got in to start it the next day and this happened again. Turn the key and nothing. Lights, power locks, radio all working ok. Turned the key off and on multiple times but still nothing. So I cleaned the battery cable connections and fully charged the battery, even though it checked out ok. Tried it again and same thing was happening.

This time I looked at the ignition and starting relays under the hood in the electrical box. I swapped a few of them around, tried to start it each time and still nothing.

So I had the vehicle towed to the dealership to be checked. The next day the service man calls me to tell me when they went to check it, the truck is starting fine.

I am really frustrated now. I am not sure if this is a starter problem, ignition switch problem or maybe the computer. The thing is, I can't drive it like this because it is no longer reliable.

Can anyone help?

surprised the dealership !!!! with this vehicle this old I would first have the battery load tested to make sure the battery is good . also clean all connections including the grounds. when you go to crank if you get no current draw [lights do not dim ] then after these other checks/work just go and by a NEW starter and be done with it.

since your in swamp country make sure those extra large fuses are clean and tight in the fuse sockets.....

[cj99]

UPDATE

Ok, starter was changed and so far after a few days, everything is OK.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by cj99

UPDATE

Ok, starter was changed and so far after a few days, everything is OK.

some in damp areas have had the very large fuse sockets get crud on the fuse fingers so make sure they are clean and set tight into the socket ..these would be the 60 amp large sized ones..

most likely the starter ....good luck ..