1999 Chevy Suburban No Start

1999 CHEVROLET TRUCK
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LAURIEANNE
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  • 4 POSTS
Have a 99 Chevy Suburban, 123K miles, 5.7L--will not start--it attempts to then nothing. Changed the battery to no avail--had the starter benched checked and it was fine. The starter relay seems okay (swapped it with another), and all fuses are good.
Feb 26, 2007 at 7:25 AM
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CHEVY22
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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i need some clarification , the engine turns over slow and then stops ????

let me know

jim
Feb 26, 2007 at 7:59 AM
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LAURIEANNE
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It starts to turn over, starter engages, fuel pump is energized, it cranks for a few seconds, sounds like it catches then nothing (even if still holding key to start). The fuel pump was replaced about 5 mos ago...first thought battery was the problem because the truck sounds "weak" when trying to start. Had this problem about 3 mos ago, but it fixed itself after several start attempts--no such luck today.
Feb 26, 2007 at 8:06 AM
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CHEVY22
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,375 POSTS
one small check if you have a volt meter is have someone hold leads on the battery while you crank , to determine if the starter is drawing too much

jim
Feb 26, 2007 at 8:26 AM
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LAURIEANNE
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Checked volts--about 10 while trying to start at one point dropped to 9. Sounds like it is going to start and then it sounds like a bad battery--the "wah" sound.

For kicks, ohmed both battery cables--they were good.

Recently replaced plugs, but going to look at coil....running out of places to look.
Feb 26, 2007 at 9:21 AM
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LAURIEANNE
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Coil fired--then looked at the distributor, the cap was pretty bad and the button too. So replaced both and it starts.
Feb 27, 2007 at 5:10 PM

Suggested Repair

Replace the worn distributor cap and rotor. Also check battery voltage while cranking, since a drop to about 9-10 volts can indicate a weak battery or excessive starter draw.

Conversation Summary

A 1999 Chevrolet Suburban 5.7L cranked, energized the fuel pump, and seemed to catch, then stopped. The battery, starter, starter relay, fuses, and battery cables had already been checked. Voltage fell to about 9-10 volts while cranking. After the coil was confirmed to fire, a badly worn distributor cap and rotor were replaced, and the truck started.

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