2009 Suburban with intermittent dead or delayed crank one time only, then retry and fine for several more attempts. No apparent pattern, except getting a bit more frequent, say 1 time out of 15.

Replaced the relay. No change.

Could it be starter beginning to fail?

Thanks!

 

when the no crank occurs; can you har the starter solenoid click?

 

Not noticeably. I get interior lights, fan, etc, but no turn, or 2-4 second delay if I hold the key, on the starter. Thx!

 

Do the interior lights dim when this happens? If so the battery or alternator could be at fault.

 

i noticed when at a qtr tank of gas or below i get longer cranks and longer startups... just my 2 cents

 

I'd do a good cleaning of your hot and ground Battery Terminals and associated connections, just to be sure about that. If you find that was needed, there are several other ground straps around, which should be cleaned and tightened as well.

 

Get a battery/alternator test done for free at the auto parts store.
Sometimes batteries CCA (loads) can fluctuate when they are going bad, even thou they show 12-14 volts.

 

Thanks for your help, all. Will confirm electrical connections next - seems like a short - or a starter that is too hard to turn. I should have mentioned in beginning that the battery is 9 months old, and quite strong - lights do not dim, and when the next key turn is tried, it starts perfectly normal, with no dragging.

 

our 2007 had the exact same problem. no pattern at all. When we had to leave and go home one time (2hrs) we got delayed over 30min because of the starter. When we got home pulled the starter. The starter its self had gone almost completely open on one of the windings. It turned really slow unloaded until it hit the next good winding and took off to normal speed. Brought it advanced and bought a new one. never had a prob since...