HELP! 2008 Tahoe intermittently won't start

[MichelleB]

My friends 2008 tahoe won't start sometimes randomly. She said she has problems sometimes turning the key so I'm thinking the ignition switch. Any how to videos showing if it's hard to change. I'm trying to decide if her and I can tackle it or bring it to the shop like her husband says.

 

[iamdub]

Problems turning the key may or may not be related to it not starting. By not starting, does she mean the key not turning or does she mean she gets the key to turn to the cranking position, but the engine doesn't crank? Or does it crank, but not fire up?

Of course, the first step would be to address the key cylinder issue. Is her key a copy? Is it worn? Or is it a copy made from a worn original? Does she have other keys she can try to see if anything improves? You can have a new key made at the dealer based off the VIN. This will eliminate having a copy made from a worn original, which will give you a "new worn" key.

 

[MichelleB]

Great idea...I'll have to look at her key. She has problems getting the key to turn. She said she always has to wiggle it.

 

[PG01]

Or, does she turn the wheel all the way and shut it off thus locking the wheel in a position where the key wont turn until you pull the wheel the other way?......

 

[PG01]

I like thus.....

 

[iamdub]

Or, does she turn the wheel all the way and shut it off thus locking the wheel in a position where the key wont turn until you pull the wheel the other way?......

GMT900s don't have this feature. It's how they're stolen so easily. You can yank on the shifter hard enough to break it's lock to put it in neutral, then steer the car away with someone pushing.

 

[PG01]

Really? My 2016 work chevy van does.....ima ginna check that when i get home......not that i don't believe you......

 

[iamdub]

Great idea...I'll have to look at her key. She has problems getting the key to turn. She said she always has to wiggle it.

Let's hope both problems are related and are solved by fixing or replacing the key cylinder. Has she tried lubricating it? Use a dry lube like a graphite spray.

Don't forget about the other details with the crank but no start or...?

 

[iamdub]

Really? My 2016 work chevy van does.....ima ginna check that when i get home......not that i don't believe you......

I don't know about the work vans (what platform is that?). But the GMT900 ('07-'14) don't have it. There are videos on YouTube showing thieves stealing Tahoes, Escalades, etc. in seconds with one person breaking in and another behind them in a push car.

 

[PG01]

I don't know about the work vans (what platform is that?). But the GMT900 ('07-'14) don't have it. There are videos on YouTube showing thieves stealing Tahoes, Escalades, etc. in seconds with one person breaking in and another behind them in a push car.

I believe you...

 

[iamdub]

I believe you...

You already home or you watched a video? It's a bit unsettling, huh?! I don't live in a crime-ridden area and there's always WAY too much traffic congestion for anyone to make any sort of quick getaway pushing a car, so I'm not all that concerned. Although, not having the steering wheel lock is handy when doing brakes so you can turn the wheel all the way each direction without having to turn the key to the "On" position.

 

[PG01]

You know now that i think about it when i put the level in i was able to turn the wheel from under the truck and I know the key wasn't turned or running....not home yet....dammit

 

[Kim Allison Ross]

!! Is there any anti-theft device out there that would keep the vehicle from being stolen by this method?

 

[2011SSVHOE]

^^hire an armed security guard with a ppv/ssv.

 

[iamdub]

!! Is there any anti-theft device out there that would keep the vehicle from being stolen by this method?

Park where someone couldn't push it forward and away. Pull up to a curb with trees, a building, etc. where they'd have to back it away before pushing. This would slow them down a lot and draw more attention. These SUVs are EVERYWHERE so they're likely to find an easier target.

As far as devices- remember "The Club"? They're on Amazon for around $20. They have another device that hooks around the steering wheel and brake pedal so it can't be steered or stopped for about $30. Again- not totally theft-proof as they can eventually be sawn through with a hack saw. But it'll really slow them down. If your particular Tahoe is wanted that badly among the 1,000s of others in your area, then you'd already know it's worth paying for full coverage + modifications insurance.

 

[2011SSVHOE]

^Yep

 

[Kim Allison Ross]

Well that's annoying! I had that on occasion along with Tahoe dying while driving down the street. The rotor & distributor cap needed replacing.

 

[iamdub]

Well that's annoying! I had that on occasion along with Tahoe dying while driving down the street. The rotor & distributor cap needed replacing.

Must've been a '99 or older. The LS engine doesn't have a distributor, so this will never be an issue.

 

[Kim Allison Ross]

Must've been a '99 or older. The LS engine doesn't have a distributor, so this will never be an issue.

Yes mine is a 1999.