Chevy S10 4.3 NO START...FIXED!....Quick Distributor Cap Story. It will help you! 

My sister inlaw called me with a no start on her 02 s10. I'm an industrial mechanic, but I've always worked on cars on the side, went to school for it back in the 90's. So looking for common issues on you tube isn't that uncommon for me. This was the first video I watched. When I towed the truck I did the checks, had power and fuel and compression, no spark at the plug. So later, when I went to her house to fix it, I checked for spark at the coil and bam, has spark at the coil. So a trip to the parts store and 5 min later the trucks running. Bad cap! I love the web. Thanks for your help.

I just did this too on my 03 Astro Van. My distributor cap and rotor were replaced less than a year ago, didn't expect it to be fouled so soon. Worked like a charm, thank you!

Thank you so much 7 years later amd your still helping people

this was the same problem i had on a 2 month old autozone cap...youre the man for making this video

Had "no start" issues with my 03 s10, 4.3l. Replaced bad looking ignition coil wire. Also replaced the other wires as they came in a pack. Worked a day. Then no start. Put in a new ignition coil - started, but hesitated badly when revving in neutral. Popping, backfiring or something. Sounded just like you described... so I said shoot I'll try cap and rotor. They were replaced only a year ago (they were Ac delco parts and looked almost new -8,000 miles). Anyway, put new ac delco cap and rotor on and seems to have fixed the problem. I've taken it out in the rain and a few wet days and hammered on it. Runs stronger than before. Thanks for sharing your video

Thanks a lot this helped me get my truck starting easily again. I had replaced the cap and rotor about 2 yrs ago so I didnt think it would be the problem. I think they using cheap metal for the posts nowadays that corrode easily.

Thank you for the video my truck was doing the same thing i was about to take the truck apart until i watch your video an that was the problem thank you save me a lot of time an money

Exactly what my 2003 GMC Sierra 4.3 V6 is doing. Will swap out cap ASAP. Thank you!

I want to thank you for posting this video and information. My 1998 Isuzu hombre went from running great to missing like crazy in the blink of an eye when I stopped for a stop sign. It then threw the dreaded p0300 code and I never would have thought it was my cap since it was less then 4 months old, but sure enough I put in a new cap and the truck is back running how it should (knock on wood). I've had bad new spark plugs over the years, so when I saw your video I thought why not. Thanks again and again

Wow. Thanks just bought new engine because of this.my 2005 Chevrolet Express really dealt with me.after spending a lot of money

Carbon tracking is a real thing. The plastic between the contacts can only isolate for so long. Once it finds a path from contact to contact it only gets easier for electric currents to pass between the contacts. Checking w. a multimeter for continuity between the plug contacts can pass or fail a cap.

Thank you. My friends truck was doing exactly this. $22 and 15 minutes under the hood and it fired right up.

Nathan, thank you very much for posting this video. My 2002 S10 had no trouble codes, excellent fuel pressure, it had spark to the plugs, yet it would not start. I cleaned the cap and rotor, which both looked fine, but still no start. I felt foolish doing this, but I bought a new cap and rotor anyway (AC Delco) as you recommended. My S10 is now running great again! I never would have guessed it. Thanks again and God bless.

Hello from rainy Seattle - just set single day rain record and temperature dropped to 42 degrees. So for the first time, my 2001 S10 4.3l would not start this AM. Checked stuff like fuses and power to coil = all good. Decided to pull cap, just removing 3 wires. Limited corrosion build up which I somewhat removed then used hair dryer for a couple minutes in cap and rotor and reinstalled. Engine did not start at first, probably programming messed up, but then fired up and ran fine. Thanks for advice/video.

Thank you! you're the man I replaced everything but the cap because it looked good and a I knew is was firing. I was but to scape my van then I came across your video and she fired right up. Thanks for thinking of others and putting this video out there!!

Our Bravada just did this..Thank you for posting this! We were on our way to an important meeting and it stalleed at the light right before the freeway onramp. We just got it back from the impound lot because the city towed it. We are now out 400 bucks...hopefully this is the issue

Thanks Nathan I did the same thing as you replaced the coil . And yes you hit it right right on the head bad cap. Herman

97 S-10 owner. I've replaced my cap and rotor every two years for the past 6 years.

Thank you bud ! Mine was exactly this . Keep em coming !

im trying this tomorrow lol my 98 s10 and my 2000 blazer 4.3s are doing the exact same thing even with the backfire through the carb or sudden lock up ...... if this works may good carma come to you sir and may your shop be full of challenging projects that test your skills and pad your wallet !!!!!!!!

Just wanted to say thank you. The distributor cap was exactly my problem. Took that off and cleaned it and ran like new.

This problem has been a pain in a lot of people's ass (including mine on my 01 S-10 4.3L). It's a crappy designed cap, and it plagues the 4.3, 5.0, and the 5.7 engines of this era, along with the intake gaskets failing!!!! Good job GM!!!! NOT!!!

Thanks so much... this solved my problem on a 2004 Chevy Silverado 4.3

I just fix ed my 92 S-10, it was the Dist. as well but a different problem. I have a 2.5L 4cyl and the Dist. is down low on a 45 degree angle where you can barely see it. Well anyway, there's a elect/connector on it and the plug came loose and was just hanging on by a thread causing me all kinds of issues. Simple fix you can feel it, but you can't see it.

Dear sir, thank you from our family!!!! cap & rotor both had corrosion. they were Only 2 years old...who would of thought!

Thanks you saved me a lot of time an money i was having the same problem thanks again

My 97 s10 would not start when it was wet outside as soon as the sun came out the next day it would start, but it was not running good on the highway, at low speeds it was ok, this all started after doing a tune up plugs cap wires rotor, I had bought them at AutoZone, then I read on a GM forum that there was an issue with moisture and the cap wasn't vented so I got a the next best cap they had at AutoZone and it lasted a couple of months then it would start but that bucking and powerless at highway speeds was still there so I went to advance auto to get their top of the line cap and rotor, the same thing happened, I did some more research, finally on Amazon when I looked up caps and rotors I looked at the Delco oem ones, I read the reviews and there were people who had the same problem and it was only solved by installing an oem Delco cap and rotor, I was sceptical but I had nothing to lose, advanced had the Delco and with discounts it was cheaper than anywhere else, well needless to say that was two years ago and I haven't had a problem since, the truck starts everytime with no problem the hesitation powerless bucking is gone, she runs like new, so I advise anybody with the 4.3 to only get a Delco cap and rotor, the price is similar and trying three different ones it turned out to be the best.

I had the same issue mostly on wet rainy days. I replaced cap and rotor last year and it has run fine until recently it has started acting up again. I read somewhere there is an issue with these caps and venting moister. Off today to get a new cap and rotor.

Loved this video! Great job!

This was my problem thanks for a good video

Thanks this worked for me on my 99 Tahoe 5.7

I always put ACDelco ones on

Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you

Mine does this every time it rains. The exact same thing. I've replaced the coil, wires, cap and rotor. It fixed it for a while but now it's doing it again. I have to keep turning it over and intermittently give it gas until it eventually starts after a few pops and hisses. I guess I'll try replacing the cap again.

Omg thank you so much for making this video........

My 03 s 10 hates starting when its wet out and or possibly temp change (hot to cold or visa vers )I read that 2 small screens/vents in bottom of dizzy get clogged over time and then condensation will build up,so I have been changing caps fairly frequently :O before I found this info. on vent/screen problem.

Thanks im having hard starts n miss fires...clyinder 5

Lifesaver, thank you so much for your Intel

Had this problem many times with these crossfire caps.

Discoveries I made; The plastic jackets must be on the plug wires, especially the coil wire. Keep two new distributors on hand. Demeling the distributor anodes works too,.. but not always. Rain causes the fouling. Moisture will do it everytime. How can the moisture be kept out? This is the question.

Just had bad running 5.7 thought my spider injectors were bad , i swapped plugs and they were bad started truck still ran like crap , swapped out rotor cap and runs great , come to find out just like you , the caps are known to short out , especially if your plugs are old and worn out , the current has no where to go and shorts out the cap internally , your cap can look perfect but still be junk ,trust me mine looked clean and new but it was the problem.

My V6 01 Silverado has given me hell for a while. Especially when it rains and during cold moist weather. I’m replacing the distributor and rotor this week which I’m thinking will solve this problem. Thanks for the video. I will also update after the change to let you guys know how it went.

Thanks for the video that was my problem

Good video! I'm going back to the shop tomorrow with a new distributor cap; hopes are high that that's the issue!

Thank you so much tvwxman that fixed my 97 s10 your the best 👍🏽👍🏽

thank you'

Do they make a cover that will cover over your distributor that you can mount to yoit's a wall in a hard rain mine for some reason the dampness gets in there and it will not start. Please comment back, thank you.

I replaced the control mogul the coil the rotor and cap but I’m still getting that same sound I also set the timing

This morning my truck was doing the same thing the day before it started fine my daughter was going to use my truck so I came across your video and all I deed was replaced the cap n rotor and problem solved thank you

Spray wd 40 inside a new cap before installing.

I have spark at coil but not at the cap going to the plug s I wonder if I have a bad cap

Nice video. Same things happen to me today. I hope it's just the distributor cap in my case.

What did you use to undo the bolts on it? My ratcheting driver was too long for the back one, so I just need an even shorter one?

Omg thank you thank you thank you you are a life savoir or truck savoir you're awesome

Just bought a 1990 s10 4.3l v6, just cranks no start. I got a new cap and put it on now it smokes from the engine. Not sure if I messed up when putting the spark plug wires back on or what the problem is.

mine does this right now ..everytime i quit trying it it coughs but while your crankin not very much of a kick sometimes none

Good shit man

thks for update on you tube some where is a guy that build a flat distributor cap tester to show where the lighting goes I cant find it have you seen it or the viewers?? would make a great tool to have

Help me out and great video.. thanks

My s10 blazer 4.3 is doing this exact same thing exact same noises wont start I just bought it and I did notice at first at idle it was rough idle, I'm going to buy new cap new rotor tomorrow I'm hoping this will fix it

I have Same Problem but it only happens when it is foggy or very rainy out side, I change cap problem fixed

How hard is it to replace.

So was the spark ever verified beyond the inference you made based on that little detonation you can hear? I'm curious to know if there was some visible indication of spark before hand. For instance, had there been ark to ground with a screwdriver one might see that and get deeper into the diag thinking spark is good...Only it wasnt enough current through the poor connection at the cap and rotor to ignite the plug..that could be a nasty timesuck if this were the case

Drill the vents out while your there

Do you have an idea of the bolt thread size for the distributor hold down clamp. Mine fell we can't find it and need to buy a close one.

How hard is it to replace

Can the cap also cause a big bang on the muffler misfire ?I have trouble in the mornings only...but once it's stars n runs it good...

My 1999 gmc Sonoma cranks but doesn’t start I have checked everything I replaced the following battery, alternator, starter, ignition control module, ignition control switch,distributor cap and rotor,fuel pump,and filter but when I put the battery charger on 200 amp quick start it fires up I’ll take off the charger and runs fine once I turn it off it won’t turn on unless I put the charger again

Incredible

I have parts on the way...great information. ..thanks

Is there a anti fouling distributor? I keep five distributors on hand to change out. There is no other way.

Is there a gasket in-between the cap and distributor. I keep getting salt crystals on my contacts.

This might be the issue on my 4.3 1997!!!!!

My 2004 gmc Sierra 6 cylinder distributor cap was bad. I replaced it. Started at the end of the day same issue came back. Spark plug hose popped. I replaced hose and sparkplug. Still got p0301. What could cause it not t start?

My 94 blazer is doing this l put a new a.c. delco cap and rotor on with new ignition module and it's still doing the same thing. Any ideas?

Thanks for. This

I am have the same problem but I have a stick on a 99 Sonoma would that make a difference

Was you getting fire through the bad distributor cap and button before you put the new one on

I have this problem on my 78 camaro z28

ive been having success w cleaning off the cap contacts w a dremmel type cool to clean off the corrosion- which happens to create problems every few months......for some reason. Metallury of the copper/metal?

Mine makes the same noise when trying to start 03 4.3 chevy blazer I changed the crank shaft position sensor worked for a day or two then stopped changed the cap rotor and distributor relay because the shaft looked fine worked about a week then stopped again , bought a new battery worked a day now its killing the battery any ideas?

What were you spraying in there? contact cleaner?

Hi, my Dad Chevy S10 is doing the same thing... But I do hear a " POP " and you see some smokes, any ideas would be grateful. Jordan :D

Is there a vent hole with a screen in the bottom of the distributor to vent corona? I'm trying to find where I've seen it before.

I have a new rotor and cap on a 2000 blazer but it’s still not starting

Hey how you Ben doing this is rely good videoing have a question.

The stress 10 im working on does something that scrambles my brain, i crank it over and it has spark the starter sounds fine but it will not start unless you jump start it then it will start up and run fine, the battery is fully charged but it will not run unless you jump start it, the battery connections are fine and clean don't know WTF is going on and the ignition switch has been replaced too, ive seen some weird shit I've see a Subaru 2.7 with a broken crank shaft start up and run, don't know how it could even run seeing how the distributor is mounted on the back of the head so its not turning the valves are not working either but yet it still would start up and run, with no injector pulse from thee distributor how in the hell did it run

I’m having the same issues with a 95S 10 but I rebuilt the motor I have all the timing correct but it will not start with the timing marks now if I move that piston forward just a little bit too true top dead center my engine starts and runs just a little shitty I’m not sure what is the problem

Nope js changed the cap rotor ignition module coil plugs and wires still a no start car shows no codes even when forced

Mine starts but runs like shit heading out to get a cap and rotor. Delco only

2000 v6 vortec express van does the same thing. I took the cap off and there was lots of corrosion I cleaned it off but still nothing. I gwt spark at the end of the spark plug cables I just don't k ow if its stink enough it lools a bit week. Any ideas?

Did you replace the cap and distributor or just the distributor? I heard you mention the old distributor.

So just replacing the distributor cap only? Will help with the problem?

Good

When setting the timing do you have it pointing at the 6 mark of the distributor or #1 on the cap

I installed my distributor with new cap rotor and a new cam sensor and it starts now but runs badly... i still get the P1345 code... could i have installed distributor wrong? it has a miss...but i am not sure my 4.3 2001 blazer would run at all if distributor was put back wrong...anyone Know? also when replacing cam sensor in distrib do you have to use a scan tool with relearn feature or not??? i do not own one...any help from someone that knows the answers to my questions is greatly appreciated..thax

Does this happen with the s10 4 cylinders???

So I was driving to get lunch on my break an the car suddenly turned off an niw when I crank it it makes a whinning noise its not repetitive but ongoing all the gauges read good

Actually the distributor cap was Not the problem. Shorting up inside the plastic is hard to believe. Shorting up on the surface is visible. The Condensation in distributor cap and on the rotor was the problem. While you were working on the cap and replacing it the moisture evaporated. Solution: dry out the whole distributor unit with a hair dryer. Simple.

I have a problem with my 1996 S10 4.3 L yesterday I was driving around just fine starting up just fine and let it sit overnight and it is snowing and I live in Michigan and went to go try to start it this morning and it wouldn't start so I check spark I have spark and I have fuel pressure up to the fuel rail and it still wouldn't start so I walked away from it and grab a can of starter spray sprayed in it and it started up any help would be greatly appreciated