I have a 2003 Suburban with 285K miles, and recently it has developed a quirky starting problem. At times, when turning the key to start, it cranks over normally but doesn't start and when you release the key (so back to "on" position) the starter keeps cranking for a few seconds and then stops. If you return the key to the off position it will always stop cranking. The next try it might start right away, perfectly normal without the extra cranking, although occasionally (but not often) it runs rough for a few seconds before idling normally. This has been happening for a few weeks now, and in the last day it is becoming increasingly harder to get it to start.

I thought it might be the ignition switch in the steering column, so I replaced it but still the same issue. Could it maybe be the starter relay? Anyone else have a similar problem before?

 

Did you replace the ELECTRICAL part of the ignition switch or the lock cylinder part???

 

The electrical switch.