Intermittent starting issue.

[TXBowtieGuy]

okay here is my issue. I have a 2004 Chevy Tahoe Z71 loaded with the 5.3 Vortec V8. I bought the truck used with about a hundred and fifty thousand miles on it and it is in Immaculate condition. As a matter of fact the third row seats still had the plastic wrap on them from the dealership. I love this truck it runs great very dependable except after about 2 months of owning it I went out one morning to start it and all the dash lights came on the truck did it's self check. I can hear the fuel pump spooling up. everything acted as normal until I turn the key. Upon turning the key the starter did not engage nor did I hear the solenoid. All the lights and everything still working fine the only issue that I saw was no starterrors action . after about four or five tries it started right up without any hesitation. It did not do this again for a few months and then again on one hot Texas afternoon as I was getting off work the same thing happened. This time it did not start for about 10 minutes and then just as if nothing was wrong it started up just fine. This issue has been going on now for over a year. Sometimes it starts just fine, and sometimes it takes a few tries, and sometimes it will not start for hours. This is some type of gremlin because every time I have taken it to the shop no mechanic can replicate the issue. I even had it towed there once after it would not start and as soon as the driver unloaded the truck it started up just fine. it would not replicate the issue for the mechanic. I have just recently took it to the dealership and left it with them for 5 days suggesting all kinds of scenarios to help them replicate the issue after 5 days they could not find a way to make the truck not start. The last time I had the starting problem before I took it to the dealership after 15 minutes of trying to start it I called for Triple-A and as soon as I hung up it started. I have seen on other forms where people have the same issue as me and I have not searched this forum thoroughly to find out if there are people on here that have the same issue so I am writing a post to see if anybody can chime in. Here's what I have done. Replace the starter replace the battery checked all grounds and connections swapped out relays checked neutral safety switch and physically move the truck. I was a mechanic for years so I am knowledgeable of troubleshooting Automotive issues however this one has me stumped along with top ASE certified mechanics at the dealership. The only thing that I can think of at this point is when I had this issue the very last time, my message center told me the battery on my key fob was low. It would still lock and unlock the doors, but only at about two or three feet from the vehicle. I replace the battery in the key fob just before taking it to the dealer. Although I do not think this would be an issue since I have had the truck for 4 years and only change the battery out one time when I replace the case for the key fob. This starting issues seem to happen even after changing out the battery. Again any hope or help and solving this issue would be greatly appreciated and I will buy somebody a steak dinner if they can help me figure this out.

 

[TXBowtieGuy]

Ok update. Now it won't start period. 3 days now. Gonna have it towed to dealership but I'm afraid as soon as she gets there it will start just fine.

 

[Danny3737]

Sure sounds like a bad ground or battery cable

 

[Tonyrodz]

I had the exact same problem, but it was on my 01 express van. Has the 5.0 Vortec motor in it. Almost the same issues described. Turned out to be the pcm. Took the mechanic 3 weeks to figure it out. You might want to check the pcm or similar on your 04. Good luck.

 

[TXBowtieGuy]

Sure sounds like a bad ground or battery cable

I know right? Dealership said they scanned the truck and ran a ground check but I have been down that road before. Took my 95 Z71 pickup in for sluggish performance and the mechanic told me I needed to upgrade my alternator to the tune of $700! They also as per my request said they ran a ground scan and after 5 days I took my truck back and my mechanic at my shop took less than a minute to find the #1 ground comming off the battery was loose. I am taking my Tahoe to that same guy this morning as soon as AAA gets here. I have been on other forums and a lot of people with the same body style have had the same issue and no one has figured out what it was. Wish me luck...

 

[Tonyrodz]

I know right? Dealership said they scanned the truck and ran a ground check but I have been down that road before. Took my 95 Z71 pickup in for sluggish performance and the mechanic told me I needed to upgrade my alternator to the tune of $700! They also as per my request said they ran a ground scan and after 5 days I took my truck back and my mechanic at my shop took less than a minute to find the #1 ground comming off the battery was loose. I am taking my Tahoe to that same guy this morning as soon as AAA gets here. I have been on other forums and a lot of people with the same body style have had the same issue and no one has figured out what it was. Wish me luck...

Good luck, hope it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg! Let us know how it turns out.

 

[rockola1971]

Bad ignition switch.