96 Tahoe Cuts Out

[Dr Banana Maann]

Hey all, So I have been for the past week trying to figure this one out. It all started about 10 days ago. It has a new fuel pump and filter so that is sort of out of question as well as the alternator and battery. It does it at random and has shown a few different ways. The first time it happened I was just taking off from a red light and the whole engine cut out and turned all of the dash lights, radio etc off. It started right back up. 2nd time was similar to first.

• Engine dies
• All electronics will cut off and back on
• Sometimes it will reset radio
• Sometimes it will clear check engine light (Light is on because of a misfire just waiting on parts)

Last night it just killed only the radio. The dash lights and engine were still running. Herd a relay click down by pedals. I know the misfire needs to be fixed but like I said just waiting on the parts to arrive at my parts place. Its just a single piston. Was told by shop they replaced all the wires and plugs and after looking at them they never touched them. No wonder they went out of business. Now here is my thing I have been told distributor, egr Valve, mass air flow sensor, loose connections etc. I have check all connections and fuses and they are all nice and secure. It starts up fine and everything. My only concern is the VCM might be shot or something. My brother-in-law borrowed the truck the same day it started happening to go jump start his vehicle and mentioned he accidentally touched the cables. *bangs head on desk* Before I go way overboard on that thing is there some other suggestions you all can tell me

 

[SunlitComet]

if it just killed the radio once by itself then i would look at ground points thru out the vehicle and perhaps outputs of the ignition.

 

[Dr Banana Maann]

if it just killed the radio once by itself then i would look at ground points thru out the vehicle and perhaps outputs of the ignition.

That is what I am thinking and may have confirmed it just now. Just got a call from a family driving about real quick and had it die except this time it did not start back up. Had them pop the hood check the cables and as they checked the positive cable the light under the hood came on. Yet it is not loose and you can jiggle the hell out of the cable and not have any issue with lights flickering

 

[OR VietVet]

Then you may have problems with corrosion under the cable insulation. A new set of battery cables, positive and ground, may fix you right up. I would still, as SunLit said, check all the ground cables under the hood and along the frame.

 

[SunlitComet]

the under hood light it a hot battery bus item so i would inspect the entire battery cable from battery to power box for corrosion, wear on the terminals or burnt terminals.

 

[Dr Banana Maann]

Little update, it appears the bolt that goes into the battery was not biting and caused some threads to strip. So going to get some new cables, bolts and re-tap the thread on the battery this weekend

 

[SunlitComet]

battery threads should not really be damaged on a good make of battery. the interstate i have for example is stronger there then any bolt or cable that ties to it. that way a battery is not wasted from simple damage. look very closely to ensure yours are re threadable first and be very gentle.

 

[Dr Banana Maann]

All fixed ended up upgrading the battery as it reminding me that winter is coming and the battery that was in there was fine but I will be heading to colder area. Everything is working great now though. Thanks again everyone!