2004 Silverado Will Not Start

[rbrianmoore]

I have a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado with the 6 cylinder 4.3L engine. It has close to 20,000 miles on it. About 3 months ago my wife went to the store and the engine began running rough. After shopping, it would not start. I towed it home, disconnected the battery and tested it. It had a full charge, so I put it back in the truck. It started fine after that, and I drove it for 2 months until the problem returned. Sometimes it will run rough, other times it will run fine. But periodically it will not start. Recently it will not start at all, even after disconnecting the battery. When trying to start it, it will turn over for a few seconds, then stop turning over. It doesn't seem to stop turning over because of lack of battery power, it seems to come to a hard stop. My adult son replaced the spark plugs and wires, but this made no difference. He had Auto Zone troubleshoot it, and their diagnostic tool said "Random cylinder misfire detected", which wasn't specific enough. Any suggestions on what to test or replace would be very helpful, as we are not currently in a financial situation to afford a repair shop.

[Nytemare]

If it only has 20K on an 04 its probably suffering from being lonely....20K in 6-7 years...that's some low mileage man.

 

Does it only do this when you have been driving? If so it sounds like the starter is getting hot and will not turn over.

 

For the misfire issue...if you only get random misfires detected code...P0300, usually its a sign of the coil... I would toss a cap and rotor on too.

[rbrianmoore]

LOL, sometimes I think it's jealous that we drive the other vehicles more than it, and maybe that's why it's acting up.

 

The issues with starting happen whether it's cold or hot. It will turn over for a couple of seconds, then come to a hard stop. I'm not sure what to try or test to diagnose this.

 

On the misfire, I will replace the coil, cap and rotor, and see how it does.

 

Thanks!

[Nytemare]

Pull your starter too and bring it in for a diagnosis at a local Auto zone or pep boys too....it could just not have enough power to turn the engine over.

 

Clean all your grounds and battery terminals too. Best to start with the cheap/free stuff.

[jro909]

i've heard of the 4.3 starters staying stuck on and overheating..

[desrtrat]

while you have the starter being tested, also bring your battery in and have them load test it. may have a cell or 2 going bad..

 

good luck