My '02 Tahoe L59 revs WAY too high on cold start ups. Anyone got any ideas?

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.

Marky Dissod

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2023
Posts
1,184
Reaction score
1,535
Location
(718)-
Whenever I start my '02 Tahoe L59 cold (6 hrs cooldown or more), the engine briefly revs up over 1600RpM.
This morning, it wasn't even freezing outside, yet it revved itself to 2000RpM for a few seconds before settling down to 1000RpM.
The first five minutes, I REALLY gotta lean on the brake, or I'll flatten some oblivious idiotard in the crosswalk.
Physical throttle cable, by the way.

Although I doubt I would mind this problem if it were already April, another 3 months of winter cold starts scares me stupid.

How do I get the cold starts to not rev so damn high? Disconnect battery power for a few hours?
 

Scottydoggs

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2017
Posts
2,522
Reaction score
3,673
Location
NJ
try cleaning the tb. air intake off open the butterfly and clean as much of the black crap out on the walls and the back side of the butterfly.

carb and choke cleaner and a old tooth brush and some rags does a good job to clean with.
 

strutaeng

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2023
Posts
669
Reaction score
1,307
Location
Dallas, Texas
Hook up a scanner with live data and try to see if the sensor reported values seem correct, or ballpark.

Does your truck have EGR? You may a vacuum leak that seals itself up after the engine warms up due to a gasket expanding and sealing from thermal expansion.

Probably wise to do a smoke test, but live data scanner will most likely give you enough information to determine what's the issue.
 
Last edited:

iamdub

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 23, 2016
Posts
20,777
Reaction score
44,670
Location
Li'l Weezyana
I agree with the above replies and would add removing the IAC valve and cleaning the pintle and the seat in the side of the TB where it seals to. But, first, check the commanded versus actual throttle angle (should be expressed as %).
 
OP
OP
M

Marky Dissod

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2023
Posts
1,184
Reaction score
1,535
Location
(718)-
Appreciate your replies. Found a near-as-makes-no-difference identical throttle body assembly off an '02 GMT800.
Given that my IAC motor and Throttle Position Sensor are both at least 22 years old, should I fire the Genuine AC Delco parts derringer and get a new IAC motor & Throttle Position Sensor, and clean the ever-lovin schidt out of the throttle body?

Also, besides disconnecting the battery for a few hours, is there anything else I can do?
Is there such a thing as a 'throttle relearn' procedure, or anything else of that nature?
 

iamdub

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 23, 2016
Posts
20,777
Reaction score
44,670
Location
Li'l Weezyana
Appreciate your replies. Found a near-as-makes-no-difference identical throttle body assembly off an '02 GMT800.
Given that my IAC motor and Throttle Position Sensor are both at least 22 years old, should I fire the Genuine AC Delco parts derringer and get a new IAC motor & Throttle Position Sensor, and clean the ever-lovin schidt out of the throttle body?

I'm always for proper diagnostics. But, if you're good with doing so, I wouldn't see it as being a total waste. Surely, being 22 years old and a lot more electromechanical than the newer ones, it would have some wear.


Also, besides disconnecting the battery for a few hours, is there anything else I can do?
Is there such a thing as a 'throttle relearn' procedure, or anything else of that nature?

You can reset the PCM to where it has to relearn idle. The proper way is to initiate it with a bi-directional scanner. I can't recommend it, but I've never had a problem doing it the backyard way of pulling the PCM fuses while it's running. You do that, turn the key off, replace the fuses then start it. It'll likely stall immediately. Just restart it. Don't give it throttle to keep it running. Let it figure it out on its own. If it starts and runs as it did before, then it didn't reset.
 
Last edited:

strutaeng

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2023
Posts
669
Reaction score
1,307
Location
Dallas, Texas
Is this drive by (edit) cable, right? Is there such thing as throttle relearn on that?

I've never wondered. Somehow I think that's just for drive by wire? IDK
 
Last edited:

iamdub

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 23, 2016
Posts
20,777
Reaction score
44,670
Location
Li'l Weezyana
Is this drive by wire, right? Is there such thing as throttle relearn on that?

I've never wondered. Somehow I think that's just for drive by wire? IDK

'02 has a cable, IAC and separate TPS. The PCM uses the IAC to control the throttle.

On DBW, the PCM just opens the throttle blade to control idle.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
129,239
Posts
1,812,644
Members
92,342
Latest member
Brian12019
Top