Delayed Engine Turnover.

[DjEarth]

Hey all. New member here. I own a 1999 Blazer LT and I have a very strange issue with it.

This has been on-going for about three years now. here we go.

I go to start the engine sometimes. and it is just dead. it turns over and sounds like it is going to start, then it just dies. After numerous atempts to start the engine..turning it on..it dies..restarting 10 seconds later..it dies..keep on doing this..for a good 10-15 at least, the engine kicks over like there was never a problem to begin with.
Easy fix you would thing right? No. I have had the battery tested.. which was good, but changed it anyway to be sure. Didn't fix it. Had the entire charging system checked for any problems. Nothing. Had some sensor changed on it..had the cellinoid (sp) changed. Nothing. The starter is perfectly fine my dealer tells me as well.
Any clues. I love my veichle..but this ghost in the engine is starting to drive me insane.
Look foreward to being a member here.

[ricksza]

Is the security light coming on during this time? You may have a passlock problem. Next time this acts up, have the computers checked for codes. It may give you a clue.

Could also be an ignition switch concern.

[DjEarth]

Never noticed the light coming on..but was not looking for it either. Will check the next time though. Is there somthing I am missing in checking for solutions to this problem?

[ricksza]

If you have a crank, no start concern, you must be missing either spark or fuel. You will need to see which. With an intermitent problem, finding the solution can sometimes be frustrating. It's a lot easier if it just dies and won't start at all.

[Turbocpe]

Please clarify the issue, is this a starter cranking issue or an issue with the engine not wanting to run?

When you turn the ignition key to start, and the starter motor is cranking the engine over, does the starter motor suddenly stop turning over the engine? As if you released the ignition key?

[DjEarth]

It starts to cranking the engine over, and then it just dies..as if the battery is dead. You keep doing this..over and over..and then it eventually fires up like there was no problem what so ever.

[Turbocpe]

Was there any recent engine work done on the vehicle?

Try to get your computer scanned for any trouble codes, even if the Service Engine Soon light is not on. Not all codes will set the Service Engine Soon light on. I mention this because there is 1 code that could be set (and doesn't trip the Service Engine Soon light) that might possibly explain your issue.

Let us know if there are any stored trouble codes.

You also might want to have the base timing checked, if there was engine work done on this vehicle.

I say the above because what you describe and what I described, it sounds like the same issue and the same issue that I had with my '98 Blazer.

It was due to the distributor being 1 tooth off (advanced) due to previous work on the engine before I owned the vehicle.

There was several times when the engine would crank over normally and start just fine. But there was also a large amount of times that I'd have the engine cranking issue as well. The starter would turn over the engine, then suddenly, the engine would stop turning over, then it might start turning over normally again. It gave a dead battery/weak starter symptom.

Just a suggestion.

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by DjEarth

It starts to cranking the engine over, and then it just dies..as if the battery is dead. You keep doing this..over and over..and then it eventually fires up like there was no problem what so ever.

Your battery is shot or you need a new starter.

[Turbocpe]

BlazerLT, can a battery really be on its last legs for 3 years now?

He has a '99 Blazer and there is a TSB about 98+ Blazers with starting issues due to over advanced timing, either due to base timing being off, or a faulty crank shaft position sensor. It can (and does) often result in the starter coming to a complete dead-lock when it occurs, which gives the same symptoms of a weak battery or starter.

TSB 00-06-04-014 "Engine - No/Hard/Slow Start/Backfire/Kickback

All branches need to be explored.

[BlazerLT]

Check your battery voltage with a voltmeter while running and with the engine turned off.

[Turbocpe]

Here is a copy of the TSB. Do you have any of these symptoms? These symptoms can also be present if the base timing is off by one tooth. Though I don't see how your starter and flywheel would be able to handle this issue for 3 years. I would not replace anything without further testing, and don't replace the sensor mentioned below unless you have the stored trouble code.

Also, can you try to recall which sensor was replaced?

TSB 00-06-04-014 "Engine - No/Hard/Slow Start/Backfire/Kickback"

No, Hard, or Slow Start, Backfire or "Kickback" During Crank/Start, "Grinding" or Unusual Noises During Crank, DTC P0338 (Replace Crankshaft Position Sensor)
1999-2000 Cadillac Escalade

1995-2000 Chevrolet and GMC S/T Models

1996-2000 Chevrolet and GMC C/K, M/L , G, P Models

1996-2000 Oldsmobile Bravada

with 4.3 L, 5.0 L, 5.7 L or 7.4 L Engine (VINs W, X, M, R, J -- RPOs L35, LF6, L30, L31, L29)

Condition
Some customers may comment on one or more of the following conditions:

• Backfire during crank/start

• "Kickback" during crank/start

• "No" start

• "Slow" or "hard" start/crank

• "Grinding" or unusual noises during crank/start

• Cracked or broken engine block at the starter boss

• Broken starter drive housing

• Broken starter ring gear on flywheel

• Any combination of the above

Cause
A condition may exist that allows the crankshaft position sensor to command up to 50 extra degrees of spark advance during engine cranking only. This in turn exposes the engine to higher than normal cylinder pressures which may result in an inoperative condition to the starter drive housing, the engine flywheel starter ring gear, or the engine block at the outside edge of the starter boss.

Correction
Inspect for a stored powertrain DTC code P0338. This DTC will NOT illuminate the "Service Engine Soon" light. If this code is stored, the Crankshaft Position Sensor, P/N 10456607, MUST be replaced and the remaining components inspected for damage (engine block at the starter boss, the starter drive housing, and the engine flywheel starter ring gear).

Notice: When DTC code P0338 is set, failure to replace the Crankshaft Position Sensor could result in repeated inoperative conditions of the starter or flywheel.

Important: Some flywheel wear is normal; broken or missing teeth and/or cracks, are not normal.

[BlazerLT]

This doesn't sound like a timing problem, this sounds like a dead spot in the starter motor.

That, or the battery voltage is low.

[Turbocpe]

Have you ever had the timing 1 tooth advanced and experienced it for yourself? I simply ask because it is a learning experience.

If the base timing is 1 tooth off, or if that sensor is faulty to allow the timing to be too far advanced during cranking, it does give the dead spot symptom. The starter can crank the issue over at normal speed, and the starter and engine will come to a total dead stop. It may resume before you release the key to re-try it.

I've experienced the issue first hand. The TSB also mentions this to a degree.

This issue fooled so many people.

A quick test could be to disable the ignition system, and crank over the engine and see if it turns over normally several times. This is what I had done to isolate my issue.

I'm not saying that you are wrong. I could be wrong. I'm trying to help.

[BlazerLT]

He said that the starter would turn over sometime, and then sometimes it wouldn't and would seem like it is dead.

Usually caused by a bad starter motor.

[DjEarth]

Well I have a few of those symptoms:

• Backfire during crank/start

• "Kickback" during crank/start

• "No" start

I had the battery..which was still good at the time replaced, with a brand new one, and it still did it..the starter has not been replaced but tested a few times now and the service department at my dealership says it is perfectly good.