I try to fix things by getting to the root cause rather than just
replacing parts until the symptom goes away for a while.

If you want to go the "replace parts until fixed" route, try a new
battery. Then if the symptom goes away you can think that was it. Of
course it really may have been just bad connection at the battery that
the process of putting a new battery in overcame, or a bad connection
elsewhere that a new stronger battery overcame for the time being.

If new battery doesn't fix, try a new starter. Then if the symptom goes
away you can think that was it. Of course it really may have been just a
bad connection at the starter, or a flaky wire that you bumped to a
better position.

If new starter does not fix, try a new alternator. If the symptom goes
away you can think that was it.......

After many years of listening to people who have thrown money at parts
replacements and then wanted to dump the vehicle in frustration when the
electrical problem persisted or came back soon after I won't go the
"replace parts until it SEEMS fixed" route anymore.

Use a voltmeter. Even if you have never used one before. Use it every
chance you get, even when there is no need, just to get familiar with
what it reads when.

Mark

craig cowan wrote:
> One important thing to note is that this was NOT at all a problem before the
> winter. Then the van sat for the winter only being started occasionally. And
> that keeps leading me back to battery.....
>
> -Craig
>
>
>
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