I'm almost done with my Tahoe...

[Jamo]

Hi All,

I have a 2004 Tahoe, bought it with 160,000 miles 3 years ago, now has 180,+ miles. I love the rig, but electrical issues have got me ready to junk this thing. Previously, I got nothing but whining from the display...one day the 4WD drive needs servicing, next day that's fine but the wheel sensors need servicing, next day the whole dash is out with nothing working at all, although I have always had lights, heat, radio, etc. Lately, I have been having starting problems. Last year I installed a new battery and alternator, and it shows 13+ volts going to the battery when running as of today. I can run the thing for anywhere form 5 minutes to an hour, shut it off and it won't start 10 minutes later. I can let it sit for 3 days and it starts right up. Drive to the jobsite and it won't start 15 minutes later. WTF?? I'm beginning to think this POS spent time under water. Looking at Expeditions now.
Anything anyone can advise? I really like the Tahoe when it works, but in 50 years of owning vehicles, I have never had stumps like this.

Thanks for your input...

Jamo

 

[Chubbs]

"Much less than 14.2 at a fast idle is bad wiring, bad alternator or regulator, or a bad connection or fuse link. When running at a normal slow cruising engine RPM, the voltage across the battery terminals should stay over 14.3 volts even with full load, like lights, heater blower, and everything else, running."

In essence, with only 13 volts reading on your truck it is safe to assume the charging loop is compromised.

Have you ever used Google before? Have you ever heard of a multimeter? Do you own any software-generated tools? You still have a lot of diagnostics left on the table before you throw in the towel. Do some research and fix your junk. You have the whole World Wide Web at your disposal, not to mention these books called "service manuals" available but instead resorting to your own, limited automotive knowledge. If it's too much for you, why not have a mechanic repair the issue? You're all over the place: "junk it," "looking at Fords," "need advice." This is ultimately just a rant so I can not take you seriously as it would concern any type of actual assistance.

threatening the board to replace your truck isn't going to change the status of the Tahoe's current charging fault; unless you intend to purchase a brand new "explorer" or whatever, maintenance updates along with the possibility of a whole new problem/s & challenge comes with ownership of ANY pre-owned vehicle, especially any peer-to-peer transaction for obvious reasons. You will need to be more specific in those details if you wish for your audience to know what is applicable in this instance.

If you want advice as it relates to the Tahoe, go & do some actual digging. An 'investigation' if you will; consult technical literature. Get your hands on a diagnosis tree. Since I began performing my own auto repairs I found everything I have ever needed via the ever so popular "Google" search; if not for freely (monetary sense) shared information then definitely options for various resources available for purchase. Furthermore, I use very simple phrases as to provide results of directions, write-ups & testimonials from the vast network of online communities & forums. Sometimes even adding the word 'forum' or 'thread' to my search criteria (the problem I am needing to solve) really hones in the results for that 'thread' or discussion about the problem as its already been addressed in detail. I can assure you, somebody else who owns a 2004 Tahoe has already had the same problem that you do and consulted the Internet somehow, somewhere & wrote all about it. Don't be so spec on the '2004 tahoe' since 1999-2006 is all the same, as is pickup trucks, the Avalanche, suburban. It's all the same $hit, or VERY similar in most aspects.

 

[M1Gunner]

Is it a no crank no start issue or a crank no start issue? Anything else specific you can relay that’s happening or not happening when you try to start it?

 

[Jamo]

M1: No crank, might turn over slowly once or twice, then to the clicks. I've been carrying an extra battery & cables, hook it up and she fires right up like normal as soon as I get to the key. No waiting.

Chubbs: You are spot on with the rant. Couple bad days, long working hours (I was semi retired but helping a friend gut and rebuild his house).
I've had the Tahoe for 3-1/2 years been trouble free other than normal stuff, aside from anything electrical. My dash will go completely out at anytime during driving or sitting. It will come back on the same way. It usually lights up at least once per week so I can check my fuel level. When the dash is working, I'll get readouts on service this or service that, on one day off the next. Check engine light, same thing, none of this happens at the same time. I di replace my alternator a few years ago, and the battery just before that (Interstate).
I do use the internet, I do have the Haynes manual, and I do know how to turn a wrench, although I do need help at times. At first read I took your reply as a rag on my laziness. I am anything but that, but at almost 64 I'm sick of dealing with some (electrical) problems.
I have a 1953 GM PD-4104 (former Greyhound, motorhome converted in the 70's)...6-71 Detroit, Spice 4 speed, non synchro (double clutch), no power steering. It is so simple that it is a pleasure to wrench. Everything is big and heavy though, as are the tools specific to it.
So...I wish I could take the day off to play with my Tahoe, but I can't. I do really like it, and leaning towards a 2009+ Tahoe or Suburban. Always had great luck with Ford E vans for 40 years, this is my first GM since my 1977 GMC full ton pickup.
Time to jump (in??) the Tahoe and go...Ha...

 

[tjlong1981]

Newer vehicles such as these are basically computers on wheels. Computers require clean steady electricity to function properly so any issues with your charging system, including good ground connections, are essential. I wouldn't be surprised when you fix your charging issue that your other problems disappear.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[M1Gunner]

You may just have a alternator with a bad regulator. What it sounds like to me. When my alt went out I replaced it THREE times in 2 weeks before I got one that was efficient. You can get yourself tester that plugs into you power outlet that’ll show your alt output and it’ll let you know when it’s got high medium or low output voltage.

 

[swathdiver]

...6-71 Detroit

I heard you start it up the other day from down here! Great engine!

 

[Yukonjoe2001]

Maybe the harness plug at firewall?

 

[RED TAHOE LS]

Jamo,,,,,,,,,,it's not time to throw in the towel yet. Find the time to think this through, the Alternator charges the battery, it won't start unless you put the extra battery w/cables to it, why not put that battery in the place of the one that wont start ? makes sense to me. We all are dealing with life's struggle one way or another, so put you thinking cap on and fix it, ok. Now take the time to tell us when you do, good luck.
David g..............


Remember, anything below 10 volts, the electrical system goes nuts, even the tachometer!!!!!!

 

[Jamo]

Thanks...I'll be checking voltage into the battery at high idle today, as well as cleaning up any grounds and connections I can find. I will also pull the surround of the dash and check the plug to the display.
I'd swap out the batteries, but the spare is a deep cycle with "real" terminals. I hate those wimpy little 10mm side bolt terminals. Sucks for jumping...

Wish I hadn't been pissed off enough to write my title, but I own it now. I really do like the Tahoe and would love to make it work, just haven't had the time...