Won't Start 1999 Olds Silhouette

[vinylgirl]

Hi,

I have absolutely no knowledge of engines. . .my van won't start. Interior lights are on. Exteriors are on. Which leads me to assume it is either the starter or the solenoid.

I did have a friend drop by that tried to give me a boost, but it was fruitless, because we pretty much knew that it wasn't the battery.

We just had the head gasket replaced, and after that the a/c hasn't worked. I asked that the Dexcool be replaced with other coolant. This probably has absolutely nothing to do with what I am initially asking.

Could there be a fuse or anything else that I have missed or a loose connection that I have overlooked?

These vans suck. You have to be a contortionist to get at ANYTHING in them and I can't find my starter to give it the slightest tap.

Any ideas? My hubby has now claimed my truck as his own, since the van is pooched.

Thanks for any and all advice in advance.

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF. If the starter will not crank the engine tighten and clean the battery cables, check for 12v at the starter wire on solenoid when attempting to start the engine. Does the security lite stay when doing this?

[vinylgirl]

nope, no security lights stay on when I try to turn it over . . .other lights temp, oil, seatbelt (not wearing it). . . I will try that other stuff you suggested tomorrow. Thanks a bunch

[GregA]

If you have not considered the starter relay yet, check that out to.
It is located near the battery and radiator (click the link below & scroll to the bottom to see where it is).

GM Van Fuses

Take Care,

EDIT: Oops - Nevermind. I don't see that relay on the 1999 model. Sorry. But ...
There are a couple of things between the battery and the starter.

A "Maxi" Fuse under the hood - 40 Amps
The ignition switch
The Transaxle switch (to only start in Park & Neutral)
And all the cabling in between these components.

So if you don't get 12 volts at the starter (terminal S) when you turn the key, those are the things to check that are in the path.