Topic: 2002 Chevy Venture won't always start

[mandyluv88]

My battery recently died so I got a new one. Shortly after, every now and then I'd notice the clock would reset to 12 when I started it. Shortly after that, I'd turn the key and nothing. I'd try again and it would start right up. When it's acting up, there's no power anywhere. No lights, windows, radio the power locks won't even work. The needles on the gauges start bouncing up and down and there is a low ticking sound that corrosponds to the bounces. It's been at the shop for over a week. They had it for 5 days and it started everytime they tried so they didn't know where to start. They did the obvious; checked the battery, alternator, traced the wires from the battery to everything else. I'm just at a loss and am dying without a vehicle. Please help!!

[richink]

Straight out I'd say that's bad battery terminals or connectors.

Battery could also be DOA, have you asked to try out a different battery for a couple of days?

[mandyluv88]

They tested the battery. They were the ones that put it in. The owner of the shop is a very close friend of mine, so I trust him. Just trying to get a broader perspective. He did say that the one time it didn't start he put a jump box on it and it started right up. I've been looking on-line and have come across similar issues that named the power dist. box, ignition switch, the security system and the safety bypass system. Any of these stand out as possibilities or definately nots?

[articsteve]

I'd put in a new ignition switch.  Common on 2000 era GMS.

[richink]

Volvo and GM must be using the same supplier for their ignition switches. My father's 2005 V70 had the same issues cured by replacing the switch.