2004 Silverado 1/2 Ton Ex Cab 5.3 Vortec Starting Problem?

[LBJ]

My 2004 started doing something odd recently. Done this twice so far in the last month or so.

I get in, turn the key all the way forward, the dash lights all come ON, but no starter connection. Repeated this process a couple of times, and then on the second or third try, it engages the starter and runs fine. But, one day it may just leave me where ever this problem happens without a start.

New Optima battery 3 months ago. 99,875 miles. 16.5 year old truck. Auto Trans. Obviously not hard driven with just 6K miles per year.

Any ideas and what's going on here? Ignition/key switch going bad? Neutral Safety switch going bad?

Thanks, LBJ

[Palf70Step]

Starter solenoid may be on its last leg. My 02 did something like that, then finally gave its life up.

[LBJ]

Bill, thanks for the help. I suppose almost 17 years of solid performance is pretty good for a starter these days. I'd hate to replace the starter just as a precaution, but, that's not a bad idea. And, that's usually a do-it-at-home type of job which suits me fine!

Since you are former USAF, that reminds me of ole General Chuck Yeager in the 1990 time frame doing a TV ad for AC/DELCO saying, "Don't wait for trouble." Ha

LBJ

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by LBJ

Bill, thanks for the help. I suppose almost 17 years of solid performance is pretty good for a starter these days. I'd hate to replace the starter just as a precaution, but, that's not a bad idea. And, that's usually a do-it-at-home type of job which suits me fine!

Since you are former USAF, that reminds me of ole General Chuck Yeager in the 1990 time frame doing a TV ad for AC/DELCO saying, "Don't wait for trouble." Ha

LBJ

In one of his books he tells about filming a spoof/out-take ad where he reverted to his original West Virginia drawl that was the first one they showed to the GM execs

Something like:
"This har bottree, it's jess full o' parrr."