Starting problems guys....

blackpala96 · February 4, 2007

I have searched and searched about this problem and quite a few of you guys have had this same problem, but no one ever seems to post up the fix for it. So here we go, I bought my 2001 Tahoe about a week ago and drove it home with no problems. The other day I went out to start it and I got all the dash lights to come on and the volts read fine, but when I went to turn the key to the run position I got nothin'. No starter whine, no clicks, nothin. I had to have it towed to my mechanic and when he came in the next morning she fired right up, nice waste of $50. So it happened again the other day, this time I didnt panic and I cycled the key back and forth a few times and it finally cranked over and started.

I called the dealer I bought it from and they are willing to go in on half of the fix of this problem. I have basically tracked it down to the ignition switch. I would be forever indebted to you guys if you tell me if thats the problem, because I am stumped otherwise. Oh and it has a new 750 cca battery and no indication of a dying starter when she does crank over.

StoneyPgh · February 4, 2007

A couple of things that I would check first are the neutral safety switch

and, as you mentioned, the ignition switch.

98 Z71 SLT · February 4, 2007

All you need is a 12-volt test light. AND, make sure your truck DOES NOT have an aftermarket alarm installed. That will give problems.

OK...when it does not start. Climb underneath the truck, and install the test light to a good ground, and run the other test light probe to the PURPLE wire at the starter solenoid. Have a pal try to crank the truck. If your test light "lights-up" when somebody tries to crank it, you have a dead starter.

If your test light does nothing, you have a bad ignition switch.

blackpala96 · February 5, 2007

But if the starter was the problem, when it did start wouldn't it sound bad(whine, hard crank). Also if it was the starer why would the problem be intermitent?

HyperBuzzin · February 5, 2007

I had a similar problem (but on a '78 Delta 88). The intermittent good starts combined with virtually nothing when trying to start was a pain.

Turned out the hot wire on the starter was loose. Tightened it up and all was fine.

Never had any problems with an ignition, so I don't know about that.

bossier62guy · February 5, 2007

You might check your positive battery cable for corrosion. I have a friend that experienced similiar problems on an 02 Tahoe and that ended up being the problem.

blackpala96 · February 5, 2007

Battery and cables are good guys, going in for and ignition switch on wednesday, dealer is paying half, so I couldnt pass it up.

jmacf14 · February 6, 2007

could be starter solenoid. happened on my truck kinda like you described and after cycling the key on off a few times it would start. It was a bad starter solenoid. to test the ignition switch, use a multimeter, or test light. probe the yellow start wire in the harness under the dash (12 ga) It should light up or read 12volts when the key is in the start position only. If it doesn't register then it is a bad ign. switch. If it lights up but doesn't crank, then a relay, solenoid, or bad connection between the relay and solenoid.

lost_in_alabama · February 6, 2007

I had the same problem once. Turned out to be a loose connection at the battery. Check the cables for a good solid connection.

blackpala96 · February 7, 2007

The dealer replaced the ignition switch today, I cant say as though its fixed until I start it more. It does however feel more positive when I turn the key.