96 Safari AWD won't start

[M2DAR]

I been having problems with my van lately not wanting to start. When we charge the battery it sometimes turns on and sometimes not. It cranks but won't grab. I also hear a popping noise coming from under the passengers side and sometimes a vacum sound. I was thinking the starter but we are sometimes trying to crank over. ANy ideas?

[Blue Bowtie]

I been having problems with my van lately not wanting to start. When we charge the battery it sometimes turns on and sometimes not. It cranks but won't grab. I also hear a popping noise coming from under the passengers side and sometimes a vacum sound. I was thinking the starter but we are sometimes trying to crank over. ANy ideas?

I must admit, I'm a bit confused by the symptoms.

When you write that it "cranks but won't grab" does that mean that the starter operates but the engine doesn't turn? Or is it that the starter operates, engine turns, but the engine doesn't fire?

[M2DAR]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

I must admit, I'm a bit confused by the symptoms.

When you write that it "cranks but won't grab" does that mean that the starter operates but the engine doesn't turn? Or is it that the starter operates, engine turns, but the engine doesn't fire?

Yes thats what it does

[Blue Bowtie]

"Yes" ???

Which one? I listed two possibilities.