2021 diesel Tahoe engine turn off when driving

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Tylerldurden

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jan 2, 2025
Posts
4
Reaction score
0
2021 ST Tahoe diesel 4wd.
48,000 miles

No problems until while driving city streets speed my Tahoe’s engine turns off, shifts to neutral, electronics stay on.

I have to put flashers on, pull over to a full stop then restart the engine. It always cranks right up like nothing happened. There are no other symptoms before or after. The incident does not trigger any engine error codes at the dealership.

Any suggestions?
 

jfoj

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2012
Posts
154
Reaction score
86
Has this happened more than once?

I would consider replacing the FPCM (Fuel Pump Control Module), these are known to do some crazy things other than hard fail. About $65 and you can easily replace it. Some of the 2021 models may have had a recall for the FPCM as I recall.
 
OP
OP
T

Tylerldurden

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jan 2, 2025
Posts
4
Reaction score
0
Thanks for the advice. Yes, it’s happened 10 times in the last 3 or so months. It happened 3 times in the same day during our first cold snap in the 30’s. There are no other symptoms before or after.
 

jfoj

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2012
Posts
154
Reaction score
86
So this is a bit of a spitball as there is not a lot to go on here. Assuming you have checked for codes with an OBDII tool and/or a more advanced tool just to see if there are any clues and you found nothing, then this is my take.

If there are no clues and it was my truck, knowing what I know about the FPCM issue and for under $65 and the ease to replace it, I would get a new FPCM, swap it in and see what happens. It may or may not resolve the problem, but here are some things to consider:

1. I have not had a chance to dig down and see what a more advance scan tool can see with regard to the low pressure fuel system. I doubt the FPCM had the smarts to indicate an intermittent fault and I am not sure there is a low pressure fuel sensor.

2. The FPCM are known problems, they often hard fail, however, I have seen instances where they fail intermittently. A bad solder joint that over heats or is subject to issue with low ambient temperature would not likely be easy to find and could cause the problem you are having.

3. Even if the FPCM is not your problem, there are 2 good outcomes here:
a. You have eliminated the FPCM as a problem so you and or the dealer/repair shop can focus on other areas if the problem persists.
b. You then have a spare, backup, FPCM for when the operational one actually fails and leaves you stranded.
c. You can always sell the spare FPCM module and recoup most or all of your money if you choose not to keep a spare in the truck.
d. If the replacement FPCM solves your problem and it would have been a warranty repair, then you could submit for reimbursement for the part and/or labor if you had a shop swap the module. Effectively you are out nothing in this instance,

See this link here for more info on the FPCM part number and some sources - https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/spare-fpcm-fuel-pump-control-module-wise-idea.152090/

While you may be covered under warranty, for the $65 or less the FPCM costs and the easy of replacement, to me it is not worth even dropping such an intermittent problem off at the dealer for repair as they likely will not duplicate the problem and you will be having the same problem and discussion months from now. Changing just 1 variable that is somewhat of a known problem would be a great way to eliminate the FCPM or possibly solve your problem.

Good luck.
 
Last edited:

UsualSuspect

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2022
Posts
251
Reaction score
165
Location
SoCal
If the above are eliminated, did this start after a filter change? If so, check the filter housing and cap. I had an LB7 that used to do that, only on the highway, turned out there was a hairline crack in the fuel filter mount.
 

Stbentoak

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2020
Posts
1,729
Reaction score
2,004
Can someone tell me where this FPCM is located on the Tahoe/Yukon? Is it on or above the fuel tank? May buy one to have around.
 

jfoj

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2012
Posts
154
Reaction score
86
Can someone tell me where this FPCM is located on the Tahoe/Yukon? Is it on or above the fuel tank? May buy one to have around.
Not 100% on the pickups, they may be mounted near the spare tire??? But the Yukon/Tahoe it is mounted on the left side frame rail below the drivers rear door. Very easy to find.
 

Jay P Wy

Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2023
Posts
62
Reaction score
51
Location
Natrona County WY
If the above are eliminated, did this start after a filter change? If so, check the filter housing and cap. I had an LB7 that used to do that, only on the highway, turned out there was a hairline crack in the fuel filter mount.
The LM2/LZ0/L5P all have lift pumps in the tank that the LB7/LLY/LBZ/LMM/LML didn't have so that's not likely an issue. It would show a leak at the filter housing vs drawing in air.
 

StephenPT

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 16, 2022
Posts
1,143
Reaction score
1,141
Location
St. Helens, OR
FWIW - I watch the lift pump on my Banks IDash - it provides a constant ~65PSI to the injection pump. Considering the issues the Cummins had in the Dodge over the years with lift pumps starving the VP44, it's nice to see good positive pressure coming all the way from the tank on 3L Duramax.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
133,184
Posts
1,881,210
Members
98,208
Latest member
mpotter1970
Top