weird random crank/no fire issue

[SteveCZ28]

can anyone tell me if the tumbler would be what I need? and if not, what should I look for? I saw an ignition box, but don't know where that is, and if that's what I would need.

 

[SteveCZ28]

im bored at work and had time to look more into parts. im wondering if I need the ignition lock housing. the description for it is as follows:

Dorman's Ignition Lock Housing includes a high-quality passlock sensor that gets your vehicle up and running after a passlock sensor failure. Replacement reestablishes communication between the ignition lock cylinder and the vehicle's theft deterrent module.

• Restores security system to proper operation; turns off flashing security light
• Durable metal construction
• Direct replacement for a proper fit
• Rigorous quality control measures ensure conformance to product standards

im wondering if this is what I need, as I did have a flashing passlock light a few times when trying to start.

when I look up the tumbler the description for it says:

An ACDelco GM Original Equipment Ignition Lock Cylinder is a GM-recommended replacement for your vehicle's original component. The ignition lock cylinder is where you insert and turn the key to start the vehicle. When the correct key is inserted, the cylinder is unlocked and can be rotated. The ignition lock cylinder is connected to the ignition switch, and it also engages and disengages the steering column lock. This original equipment ignition lock cylinder has been manufactured to fit your specific GM vehicle, providing the same performance, durability, and service life you expect from General Motors

 

[#1taho]

Just curious but have you scanned it to see if there are any codes? By chance do you have An engine light on ?
It does sound like a ignition switch or a ground problem.

 

[SteveCZ28]

i don't have a engine light on, and no codes stored. im unable to check bcm codes tho. might run it to the dealer and see if there is anything hiding in those codes that could tell me.

I don't know where else to check for ground issues. all battery terminals are clean and tight, all my added wires for big 3, are also clean and tight.

when it doesn't want to start, everything else still works. all lights, stereo, hvac, starter. just not getting spark.

last time this happened to me that caused me to park the truck till I fix it, the passlock light stayed on the entire trip home, which it has never done. and it was flashing when trying to start

 

[#1taho]

Try putting it in nuteral and start it. I had a Jimmy and the selector switch on the tranny went bad and the truck wouldn't start. At this point anything is worth a shot.

 

[SteveCZ28]

It's so sporadic as to when it will fail to start or not.
Bit my thoughts on putting it in neutral wont help. If that switch was bad I don't think I'd still have the starter spinning the motor in hopes of starting it.

 

[SteveCZ28]

Figured I would do a update. I installed a new lock cylinder housing. This piece contains the sensor for the key and security part of that. I also installed a new ignition switch as well.
I will say doing the lock cylinder housing is not fun. It was easy to tear apart, but you have to remove a circlip on the steering shaft. There is a very heavy spring behind that clip. The pita is trying to compress that heavy spring and get the circlip in there to lock everything together. Of you can do that, then you're set. I've been driving my tahoe for about a month now, and have not had a single starting issue since. Did the reprogram of security, and away I went

 

[retiredsparky]

Congrats on successfully avoiding the dealership and fixing it yourself!!! As consumers, we have to make a choice:do we use expensive professionals who will probably fix it, or do we use our God given brain to go through the painful process called learning and walk away with a sense of pride? Way to go, Steve!