Tahoe will not crank

[CincyTahoe]

So I get home tonight, load the kids up, and go to start my 05 Tahoe Z71 (mostly driven by the wife) turn the key and nothing. Ask the wife if she noticed anything while she was driving it today - "nothing, it was fine." Try again, and again. Put it in neutral and try again, nothing. Then I notice the check engine light is also on. Check oil, OK. Check coolant, OK. Battery is fine. Stumped! Any easy suggestions out there?


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[OR VietVet]

Check engine light is on because you have the key turned on. When it starts the computer checks everything and then after 1-2 seconds the light goes out if all is ok at that time. That means nothing at this point. Check the battery connections for tight, dirty, corrosion built up under the insulation.
May need a battery, also. Try a jump start

 

[CincyTahoe]

Will toss the battery tender on it tonight but I don't think it's the battery. Wipers, lights, radio all work fine and the battery is less than 2 years old


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[OR VietVet]

The statement about the wipers, lights and radio would have helped in original post but I will let it slide this time. LOL!

It does take less voltage to work those things than to turn the engine over fast enough to start. But if all that works with no problem then may be a starter going out. you can take a small hammer and get under the engine and tap the starter casing, I mean tap-not smack, and if field coils inside are swollen and causing the no crank they can release sometimes and it will start but if shut off again it may not start again. Or just have the wife drive since she has the touch. I would still check what I had said before. Just get out there and get dirty and check, check, and double check. Hell I don't care if you get dirty as long as it ain't me!

 

[CincyTahoe]

Thanks raiderron. Appreciate you letting my lack of detail slide. Going to let the charger run tonight and will plan to get dirty tomorrow. Will report back


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[OR VietVet]

That is just a trickle charger, right? Not a full blown shop charger? That would boil the battery and maybe ruin a good battery.

 

[CincyTahoe]

Yes. A battery tender that I keep on my toy in the winter


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[OR VietVet]

Ok, good.

 

[CincyTahoe]

Battery was on the tender all night. Tried to start...nothing. Taps on the starter...still nothing. https://vimeo.com/114425560


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[OR VietVet]

When the key is in crank position make sure you have 12 volts at the starter with a DVOM. Assuming all battery cable connections are tight and clean, assuming again you checked like I suggested, then if the voltage is there then is likely a starter. If no voltage there then check the range selector/neutral safety switch at side of trans and may have a failed ignition switch. I know you said you tried starting in neutral. Try, while holding foot firmly on the brake pedal and park brake set, starting in the forward and reverse gears. If tries to start then replace the range selector switch at the trans.