Ask the Car People.SM


Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe No Start problems

375 messages,  Last post on Mar 11, 2013 at 8:53 PM

You are in the Chevrolet Suburban & Tahoe Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Tahoe Limited/Z71, SUV

    

Messages Page 22 of 39

#204 of 375 Re: 1996 chevy tahoe no start [21bigblock] by booty2324

Jan 20, 2010 (10:10 am)

Replying to: 21bigblock (Jan 19, 2010 4:06 pm)
Too many variables. Being that it set up, I'd start off with the basics: Spark, Fuel, Air. Check your spark with a spark tester to make sure that you have strong fire. Check your fuel at the test port and with a fuel gauge tester. You need to make sure that you have proper fuel pressure to start the vehicle and no line constriction. Make sure that you have no air constriction to the engine in the air ducts and various vacuum lines (bird nest, rodent nest, chewed or dry rotted holes, etc.)
                                                                                                             Personally I've had gas sit in a tank and "separate" (looks like "Varsol") and ruin a brand new fuel pump and screen. Hope my thoughts put you in the right direction.

#205 of 375 Re: 1996 chevy tahoe no start [21bigblock] by shawnhag

Jan 21, 2010 (8:34 am)

Replying to: 21bigblock (Jan 19, 2010 4:06 pm)
Check out the crankshaft position sensor, if the 96 has one. I have a 97 and the symptoms sound similar to mine and the sensor failed. I replace the sensor and it will start.
My problem is that my sensor keeps going bad and it happens around this time every year. Not sure if it is moisture getting in to the sensor, wiring, connectors or something else.

#206 of 375 Re: 1996 chevy tahoe no start [shawnhag] by 21bigblock

Jan 21, 2010 (9:17 am)

Replying to: shawnhag (Jan 21, 2010 8:34 am)
Thanks for the responses. I pulled the coil wire the other day and cranked it over and I have good spark from there. I pulled 1 plug wire but did not get a spark from the wire to a bolt on the engine. So i'm assuming the module may be bad.I'm gonna pull a plug wire and see if there is a spark from there. At least it should tell me if the module is ok.

#207 of 375 Re: 02 Tahoe wont start in cold weather [kiawah] by btabak

Jan 23, 2010 (9:53 am)

Replying to: kiawah (Jan 07, 2010 10:14 pm)
Same problem. below 25F takes forever to start. Any ideas what's wrong?

#208 of 375 Re: 02 Tahoe wont start in cold weather [valencia870] by btabak

Jan 24, 2010 (6:50 am)

Replying to: valencia870 (Jan 08, 2010 8:22 am)
Did you figure out the problem? If so what was it?

#209 of 375 Re: 02 Tahoe wont start in cold weather [btabak] by 21bigblock

Jan 25, 2010 (11:20 am)

Replying to: btabak (Jan 24, 2010 6:50 am)
Yea I pulled a plug wire and put a new plug in it and I had spark so I pulled the plugs and they were all wet so I cleaned them up and reinstalled the with some fresh gas and low and behold it fired right up. Idles fine good driveability. Thanks again for all responses.

#210 of 375 1995 Chevy Tahoe LS Won't start by tahoegrl95

Mar 01, 2010 (10:07 am)

The other day I went out and started my truck. It hasn't been started in about a week. I let it run for a bit and moved it around the driveway. Parked it back in it usual spot, turned it off, and locked it up. The next day I went out to take it to the store and it would not start. I put the key in, it buzzed, radio came on, dash lights worked, but it would not start. As I turned it over it presented me with a clicking sound much like the sound that the starter has gone bad.
 
The only other thing that was different about the truck that normally doesn't happen is the 4x4 was actually working. From the time I purchased the truck (last January 09) the four-wheel drive hasn't worked. We have snow here and just for curiosity, I put it in four-wheel drive and low and behold it worked. Then the next day it wouldn't start.
 
It's a 1995 Chevy Tahoe LS 4x4 5.7L
 
I'm not sure if the starter is the problem, although I think it probably is. I wanted to know if there are other problems that would cause my truck to do this so I don't run out and buy a starter, install it, and it not be the solution. Any other suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks,
 
Meisha

#211 of 375 Re: 1995 Chevy Tahoe LS Won't start [tahoegrl95] by kiawah

Mar 01, 2010 (10:23 am)

Replying to: tahoegrl95 (Mar 01, 2010 10:07 am)
Sounds more like the battery is dead.
 
When a battery is going bad, it will generally hold enough voltage/charge to power the things that don't take much power. However, when you go to try and use the starter (which draws over a hundred amps), the battery can't supply the power needed, and you hear a click click from the starter solenoid trying to engage.
 
Most autoparts chains will check your battery and alternator for free.
 
Most batteries are good for 3-5 year timeframe, and the cold winter are the hardest start conditions for a battery, so you generally find batteries failing in the winter.
 
You may have left some lights on in the vehicle from the prior day, so just don't arbitrarily replace the battery without having it tested....unless you know you have been having issues with it and it's at end of life.

#212 of 375 Re: 1995 Chevy Tahoe LS Won't start [kiawah] by tahoegrl95

Mar 01, 2010 (10:32 am)

Replying to: kiawah (Mar 01, 2010 10:23 am)
I just replaced the battery for the 4th time since 2009. The batteries usually only last about 3 months in this vehicle for some unknown reason and they are all Brand New batteries. Usually the battery will die (not sure why I think there is something that is sucking the juice out of it, but haven't found what it may be yet). I'll test the battery and see if that may be it. Usually when the battery is dead, it won't let me unlock the doors with key lock on my keychain. Do you know of anything that may play a part in draining the battery. All lights are off and there are not direct connects to the battery.

#213 of 375 Re: 1995 Chevy Tahoe LS Won't start [tahoegrl95] by kiawah

Mar 01, 2010 (11:34 am)

Replying to: tahoegrl95 (Mar 01, 2010 10:32 am)
Then either your alternator is not working properly and keeping your battery charged, or you have some parasitic electrical drain.
 
The better autoparts chains can do a battery and alternator 'load test', where they can test that the alternator is putting out full voltage and current. Have this done first. You may have a bad diode in the alternator.
 
Once you know the alternator and battery are in excellent shape, verify that you don't have any corrosion on your battery connections, up inside the cable connections, or where they attach to the starter and engine ground.
 
Then you will need to have an electrical shop check for what is draining the battery. They can put a current monitor on the battery, and see how much current is being drained out, and then start unplugging fuses to help isolate what is in the ON state when it shouldn't be.
 
Just only as an example, not to suggest this is your problem, but I had a relay go bad in my 97 Suburban years ago, where it was constantly providing power to the rear heater unit and blowing low speed air constantly. If the car had sat for any period, the battery would be drained and dead. It could be power seats, windows, A/C, just about anything.
 
Good luck

Messages Page 22 of 39

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement