2001 Chevrolet Tahoe Won't Start

[Carseller235]

We bought this SUV and it was running at the time of purchase and afterwards too but now it isn’t. It won’t start. Also it hasn’t passed smog. Wondering if we should try to get it fixed or sell it.

 

[Carseller235]

Forgot pic so here it is.

 

[Scottydoggs]

a engine needs 3 things to run, air, spark and fuel.

so make sure the air filters not clogged up, check for spark, you can pull one wire off the coil and prop it next to the coil hole where the wire was, when cranked a spark will jump to the wire, and then on the fuel rail driver side under the engine cover is a shrader valve, like a air valve on a wheel, turn key to run, then push the pin in, watch your eyes cause it should blow gas out around 2 ft high. if it dribbles out the fuel pump is likely dead, or if your year has a filter located pretty much under the drivers seat in the frame rail is clogged up solid.

lastly the cats can clog up and then the engine cant exhale. remember Beverly hills cop movie, bananas in the tail pipe? same deal.

 

[justirv]

Forgot pic so here it is.

You'll want to follow @Scottydoggs advice and get things running first. Regarding smog, you didn't say what state you're in, and whether you attempted to smog before the "not running" situation popped up. A momentary loss of power to the ECU can reset all of your emissions readiness monitors.

 

[S33k3r]

Forgot pic so here it is.

On the flip side, if you want to get rid of it, I'll give you $500 for it...

But you should try to fix it.

 

[rockola1971]

We bought this SUV and it was running at the time of purchase and afterwards too but now it isn’t. It won’t start. Also it hasn’t passed smog. Wondering if we should try to get it fixed or sell it.

What exactly does "wont start" mean? Does the engine crank over?

 

[Carseller235]

You'll want to follow @Scottydoggs advice and get things running first. Regarding smog, you didn't say what state you're in, and whether you attempted to smog before the "not running" situation popped up. A momentary loss of power to the ECU can reset all of your emissions readiness monitors.

In California. Attempted to smog before not running. Doesn't pass smog as no GM catalyic converter label and no cold air intake label.

 

[Carseller235]

What exactly does "wont start" mean? Does the engine crank over?

Does nothing when trying to start it.

 

[Carseller235]

a engine needs 3 things to run, air, spark and fuel.

so make sure the air filters not clogged up, check for spark, you can pull one wire off the coil and prop it next to the coil hole where the wire was, when cranked a spark will jump to the wire, and then on the fuel rail driver side under the engine cover is a shrader valve, like a air valve on a wheel, turn key to run, then push the pin in, watch your eyes cause it should blow gas out around 2 ft high. if it dribbles out the fuel pump is likely dead, or if your year has a filter located pretty much under the drivers seat in the frame rail is clogged up solid.

lastly the cats can clog up and then the engine cant exhale. remember Beverly hills cop movie, bananas in the tail pipe? same deal.

I know very little about cars. Should I just take the tahoe to an auto electrician to get it fixed? You all are saying fix it before selling it. I am not sure if it's even fixable.

 

[rockola1971]

Does nothing when trying to start it.

So you mean engine wont crank over? Because thats very different from engine wont start which start which usually means engine cranks over but will not run...>Depending on who you are talking to which is why I asked.

So you have a starting circuit problem and NOT an ignition circuit problem.

Can you hear starter solenoid click at the solenoid? Is battery charged up? Are battery cable connections loose or corroded?