Ready to burn this thing. PLEASE HELP!!!

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.

Dkc923

TYF Newbie
Joined
Aug 5, 2016
Posts
3
Reaction score
0
What's goin on guys. I have a 2009 Tahoe LTZ with 110,000 miles. The vehicle has the 5.3 v8. First things first I have been having an issue where I can be just driving down the road and all of the sudden I lose electrical power to the vehicle. The gauge cluster, radio, Ac all go off and then will just pop back on. Also sometimes I have had it where I can flip from dim to bright lights and the radio will lose power then come back on. I have already replaced the alternator, battery, and ground cable. When I replaced the battery it didn't do it again for a long time (coincidence maybe) but has just recently started happening again. I also checked all connections to ensure they are tight and making a good connection. This things is driving me crazy and I don't know what to do to fix it. Anyone have advice on that issue? My second problem has just started happening and I'm not sure if it's related or not but I don't feel like it is. When I turn the vehicle hard to the left its like you hit the break and the vehicle doesn't want to move. I replaced the power steering pump today and am having the same issue still. I would guess my next step would be the rack and pinion but I hate to keep buying parts not knowing if it will fix my issue. Any chance it could be a related issue or a sensor or something? Any help would be greatly appreciated if you need more info just ask. Thanks!!!
 

sumo

dn ʇǝƃ ʇuɐɔ & llǝɟ ı
Joined
May 21, 2010
Posts
5,752
Reaction score
1,250
Location
rhode island
Have you check your ground straps? Corroded straps could be the culprit. As far as steering problem. Is it a 4wd? Have you checked your front axles? Could be a broken joint, partially engaged axle shaft or maybe it is in 4wd?
 
OP
OP
D

Dkc923

TYF Newbie
Joined
Aug 5, 2016
Posts
3
Reaction score
0
Wow I feel like a freaking idiot... I didn't even think to check the 4wd my 1 year old son probably turned it on when playing with the buttons. Thanks so much!!Now for the electrical issue I checked the ground cable that goes from that battery to the block and it's good I even replaced the cable but n0t sure what your talking about with the ground straps
 

sumo

dn ʇǝƃ ʇuɐɔ & llǝɟ ı
Joined
May 21, 2010
Posts
5,752
Reaction score
1,250
Location
rhode island
There is one on the firewall under the driver side windshield. Replace it of its corroded or broken. I'd recommend you recheck your battery connections. Can you wiggle them and do they move when you do? Could be a loose connection. Also peel back the end of the negative battery cable on both ends of they are covered. There could be hidden corrosion that making that problem happen. Maybe some battery cables are needed.
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
D

Dkc923

TYF Newbie
Joined
Aug 5, 2016
Posts
3
Reaction score
0
Thanks so much for your help I will be doing that tomorrow
 

PatDTN

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2016
Posts
602
Reaction score
421
Also, a worn ignition switch can cause some of the problems. Do you have a heavy key chain hanging off your key? It will swing and can cause problems as the switch gets worn from the weight. I never have anything connected to my vehicle keys except a fob. Don't overly like having that connected but it makes sense to have it.
 

08grey

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2012
Posts
4,596
Reaction score
725
Do you know how to check for resistance with a meter? If so check your ground wires. Very common like sumo said.
 

Jason_S

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2016
Posts
239
Reaction score
86
I had the same electrical issue. It ended up being the positive wire coming from the battery. I usually just had to give the wire a bump and everything would come back. Replaced it and everything was back as it should.
 

Goodinblack

I Like Tacos
Supporting Member
Joined
Oct 27, 2011
Posts
22,295
Reaction score
3,040
Location
Dirty South
My problem was the negative battery cable. But you already did that

Also check your main fuse box connections
 

Forum statistics

Threads
132,384
Posts
1,867,183
Members
97,030
Latest member
pipehand903
Top