Vehicle make/model = Oldsmobile Silhouette
Year = 2001
Mileage = 107800
Engine size = 3.4L
dash lights = None
codes = Not Checked
work done prior = None
work done to repair = None
tech = JK
question = Intermittent.  Seems to be increasing frequency.  Turn key
to Start. Nothing happens. Starter does not engage. No electric
accessories work. cts as if a master switch has been turned off. Turn key off.
Sometimes a servo motor sound is heard from the inst. panel.
Speedometer & Tach needles oscillate at bottom of the scale. (Sounds like
it is trying to reset.) Sometimes if let set for 5-10 minutes the van
will start with no problem.  What steps do I take to fix the problem?
Thank you,





JK
There could be several reasons form this. First, check the battery cable connections. Have seen
many time that the lug in the battery that the cable bolt screws into, begin to pull out of the batt.
And give many different electrical problems. They will usually also leak acid. Try to loosen/tighten
cable and see if it begins to pull out of battery. There is also harness connector under the van that
also gives odd electrical problems. Under the van, right behind the front seat, 1-3 harness
connectors go up into the body. Theses sometimes get water intrusion and turn the wires green.
Just unplug them and look inside the connector on the harness and the body. If corroded, it will be
very obvious. Could also have and ignition switch problem, but check these simple things first.

                                                          
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