There may be a smaller solenoid between the one on the starter and the key.
You need to find out of that is the case or not.

Do you hear any clicking at all or nothing?

That's a chevy engine and it basically uses the same starter as the v8s.
There are millions of them and there is nothing different about your 1999
one.

There is an in between and that is usually that the solenoid engages but the
contacts it is closing are dirty, corroded, or pitted and do not make a good
connection.

If it is clicking then get someone to listen closely to the side of the
engine where the starter is. Make sure that the starter is where the
clicking is coming from. If it is then the contacts are probably dirty or
corroded. You can disassemble and clean the contacts or you could get a
replacement starter solenoid.


"Mike & Christine Salome" wrote in message
. ..
Still trying to troubleshoot my starter solenoid issue. When turning the
key to start, the solenoid engages about 50% of the time, more when the
engine is warmed up. All connections are sound, clean & shiny. I've
already replaced the ignition switch, so that shouldn't be the issue.

In my limited experience with starter solenoids, they either work or they
don't...very little in between. Anyone have a similar experience with
starter solenoids, or can suggest where to check next?

This is on a 1999 Maxum with a 4.3L GM V6. I have heard/read that starters
and/or solenoids are notoriously bad on this model engine.

Thanks,
Mike