STUCK ON THE ROAD- 2001 Chevy Suburban 2500 6.0

[SeanEboy]

Hey guys, I’m here stuck in my truck on the side of the road so any input is greatly appreciated. I’m 4 miles from my mechanic, so I’m wondering if I can just drive it...

Anyway, The coolant is right at the fill line, however I noticed I had vac lock when I tried to unscrew the cap.

As I was driving I noticed I had to give it more gas just to keep maintaining speed. I guess that’s power loss?

The temperature gauge never went passed a tick under 210.

what I found weird is that even if I put it in neutral the truck slows down very quickly. I’m wondering if there’s a brake stuck or something?

The previous owner remove the parking brake, so there’s nothing that should be stopping it in that sense.

I check the tranny fluid and it’s still red, so at least there’s fluid in there. Obviously could be a transmission issue that I wouldn’t be able to see from the fluid.

but what would cause the truck to still have so much resistance, even if I pulled it out of gear?

I have to give it a bit of gas to get it to go in reverse, it rolls forward easier. But even still there’s no coasting at all.

could it have to do with the brakes needing to be bled?


Yesterday I pulled up to my buddies house and basically had the same issue. That’s when I popped off the coolant cap, replaced it, sat around for a few cold ones, and it rolled home nice and smooth. Granted, that was only about a mile home.

I appreciate any insights, as I know very little about troubleshooting these things.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Check engine light on? Have a scanner with you that can read tranny codes? Smell anything? Brakes, coolant or tranny fluid?

 

[drakon543]

if you your coolant isn't flowing the temperature gauge could be wrong. i can't think of anything relating to the cooling that would cause a lack of power besides your already dangerously overheated. brakes shouldn't be a problem unless you were recently doing work on the brakes. was the parking brakr cable removed or the whole parking brake assembly? the parking brake assembly helps keep the brakes its attached to adjusted properly. if they aren't adjusted properly they wont hangup but they also aren't doing anything.

 

[SeanEboy]

I do have a BlueDriver scanner on me, it registered over temp yesterday, but nothing today.

I know I have a power steering leak, and I’m pretty sure that’s what I see down below.

I don’t know smells enough, but it definitely smells very metallic.

 

[swathdiver]

Hey guys, I’m here stuck in my truck on the side of the road so any input is greatly appreciated. I’m 4 miles from my mechanic, so I’m wondering if I can just drive it...

Anyway, The coolant is right at the fill line, however I noticed I had vac lock when I tried to unscrew the cap.

As I was driving I noticed I had to give it more gas just to keep maintaining speed. I guess that’s power loss?

The temperature gauge never went passed a tick under 210.

what I found weird is that even if I put it in neutral the truck slows down very quickly. I’m wondering if there’s a brake stuck or something?

The previous owner remove the parking brake, so there’s nothing that should be stopping it in that sense.

I check the tranny fluid and it’s still red, so at least there’s fluid in there. Obviously could be a transmission issue that I wouldn’t be able to see from the fluid.

but what would cause the truck to still have so much resistance, even if I pulled it out of gear?

I have to give it a bit of gas to get it to go in reverse, it rolls forward easier. But even still there’s no coasting at all.

could it have to do with the brakes needing to be bled?


Yesterday I pulled up to my buddies house and basically had the same issue. That’s when I popped off the coolant cap, replaced it, sat around for a few cold ones, and it rolled home nice and smooth. Granted, that was only about a mile home.

I appreciate any insights, as I know very little about troubleshooting these things.

Could be something up with torque converter but probably a stuck caliper. Drive it slow.

 

[SeanEboy]

The previous owner said it rusted out so he removed it, however I’ve been driving it for 20,000 miles without any issues.

So I just started it up again and now I have very little if any rolling resistance and I am cruising along at 40 miles an hour.

 

[SeanEboy]

You know you’re probably right on a stuck caliper, as the pedal felt weird when I jammed on it. It didn’t have much give it all to it.

Maybe a thermostat? Wouldn’t thermostats be stuck open if they are faulty?

Thanks a lot for the help guys! I really appreciate it.

 

[BG1988]

what kinda of mpg are you seeing

average is 10.25MPG on fuellly

those 6.0 suck up a lotta fuel

I know if run M4 v8 only mode i only get 12.8MPG in the city here

 

[SeanEboy]

Normally I get right around 11, but I could tell for sure I’m not gonna get anywhere near that as there’s definitely a caliper stuck or something like that.

 

[BG1988]

Normally I get right around 11, but I could tell for sure I’m not gonna get anywhere near that as there’s definitely a caliper stuck or something like that.

9 to 11 is the typical acceptable range 10.25 is the average..


i would check the rear diff as well

(try with 4x4 off if equipped)

 

[SeanEboy]

I did use the 4x4 yesterday. And after it acted up.

But I did try popping it in and out again.

made it home safe with no snags. Definitely will have to check the rear diff.

 

[Doubeleive]

I did use the 4x4 yesterday. And after it acted up.

But I did try popping it in and out again.

made it home safe with no snags. Definitely will have to check the rear diff.

You can pick up a cheap laser thermometer from harbor freight and check all 4 brake temps after a drive to rule that in or out

 

[OR VietVet]

I would also check for clogged catalytic converters.

 

[SeanEboy]

Good idea on the thermometer. And interesting the cat might make sense as I heard the exhaust sounded a tad different. Also I recall reading blinking SES means current condition is causing damage to the cat.

Ran the code scanner today

I get a misfire P0300- which I’ve had checked out and they found nothing.

P1433 Fuel level sensor circuit high input (second tank)

C0265- Valve relay cool circuit open- the ABS light has been on since I bought it, and I’m aware it doesn’t work.

Previous owner said he was done trying to find the issues, I saw it was a bit crusty down below and figured it was the ground. Sure enough the ground is definitely corroded, I’ll fix that.

but other than that she runs like a top.

 

[OR VietVet]

Who is "They found nothing"?

 

[SeanEboy]

He said he brought it to the dealer.

To be honest I got the truck cheap enough to not really worry about it.

I knew what I was potentially getting into, I can sell it for at least what I paid including some repairs done, despite putting 20k miles on it.

 

[Greg Gant]

Assuming an AWD, the front diff may be binding without being engaged by the transfer case. A bad front diff bearing may cause a misalignment with one or both of the half shafts and carrier putting a drag on the vehicle. Usually you would here the drag, but maybe not.

 

[JeffL]

The previous owner removed the parking brake? How long ago was that? And why would he do that? Did he remove the cable? Or the drum too? Sounds like your parking brake is grabbing due to the reason he removed it.

Hey guys, I’m here stuck in my truck on the side of the road so any input is greatly appreciated. I’m 4 miles from my mechanic, so I’m wondering if I can just drive it...

Anyway, The coolant is right at the fill line, however I noticed I had vac lock when I tried to unscrew the cap.

As I was driving I noticed I had to give it more gas just to keep maintaining speed. I guess that’s power loss?

The temperature gauge never went passed a tick under 210.

what I found weird is that even if I put it in neutral the truck slows down very quickly. I’m wondering if there’s a brake stuck or something?

The previous owner remove the parking brake, so there’s nothing that should be stopping it in that sense.

I check the tranny fluid and it’s still red, so at least there’s fluid in there. Obviously could be a transmission issue that I wouldn’t be able to see from the fluid.

but what would cause the truck to still have so much resistance, even if I pulled it out of gear?

I have to give it a bit of gas to get it to go in reverse, it rolls forward easier. But even still there’s no coasting at all.

could it have to do with the brakes needing to be bled?


Yesterday I pulled up to my buddies house and basically had the same issue. That’s when I popped off the coolant cap, replaced it, sat around for a few cold ones, and it rolled home nice and smooth. Granted, that was only about a mile home.

I appreciate any insights, as I know very little about troubleshooting these things.

 

[Joes18Yukon]

Hey guys, I’m here stuck in my truck on the side of the road so any input is greatly appreciated. I’m 4 miles from my mechanic, so I’m wondering if I can just drive it...

Anyway, The coolant is right at the fill line, however I noticed I had vac lock when I tried to unscrew the cap.

As I was driving I noticed I had to give it more gas just to keep maintaining speed. I guess that’s power loss?

The temperature gauge never went passed a tick under 210.

what I found weird is that even if I put it in neutral the truck slows down very quickly. I’m wondering if there’s a brake stuck or something?

The previous owner remove the parking brake, so there’s nothing that should be stopping it in that sense.

I check the tranny fluid and it’s still red, so at least there’s fluid in there. Obviously could be a transmission issue that I wouldn’t be able to see from the fluid.

but what would cause the truck to still have so much resistance, even if I pulled it out of gear?

I have to give it a bit of gas to get it to go in reverse, it rolls forward easier. But even still there’s no coasting at all.

could it have to do with the brakes needing to be bled?


Yesterday I pulled up to my buddies house and basically had the same issue. That’s when I popped off the coolant cap, replaced it, sat around for a few cold ones, and it rolled home nice and smooth. Granted, that was only about a mile home.

I appreciate any insights, as I know very little about troubleshooting these things.

Hey guys, I’m here stuck in my truck on the side of the road so any input is greatly appreciated. I’m 4 miles from my mechanic, so I’m wondering if I can just drive it...

Anyway, The coolant is right at the fill line, however I noticed I had vac lock when I tried to unscrew the cap.

As I was driving I noticed I had to give it more gas just to keep maintaining speed. I guess that’s power loss?

The temperature gauge never went passed a tick under 210.

what I found weird is that even if I put it in neutral the truck slows down very quickly. I’m wondering if there’s a brake stuck or something?

The previous owner remove the parking brake, so there’s nothing that should be stopping it in that sense.

I check the tranny fluid and it’s still red, so at least there’s fluid in there. Obviously could be a transmission issue that I wouldn’t be able to see from the fluid.

but what would cause the truck to still have so much resistance, even if I pulled it out of gear?

I have to give it a bit of gas to get it to go in reverse, it rolls forward easier. But even still there’s no coasting at all.

could it have to do with the brakes needing to be bled?


Yesterday I pulled up to my buddies house and basically had the same issue. That’s when I popped off the coolant cap, replaced it, sat around for a few cold ones, and it rolled home nice and smooth. Granted, that was only about a mile home.

I appreciate any insights, as I know very little about troubleshooting these things.

Hey guys, I’m here stuck in my truck on the side of the road so any input is greatly appreciated. I’m 4 miles from my mechanic, so I’m wondering if I can just drive it...

Anyway, The coolant is right at the fill line, however I noticed I had vac lock when I tried to unscrew the cap.

As I was driving I noticed I had to give it more gas just to keep maintaining speed. I guess that’s power loss?

The temperature gauge never went passed a tick under 210.

what I found weird is that even if I put it in neutral the truck slows down very quickly. I’m wondering if there’s a brake stuck or something?

The previous owner remove the parking brake, so there’s nothing that should be stopping it in that sense.

I check the tranny fluid and it’s still red, so at least there’s fluid in there. Obviously could be a transmission issue that I wouldn’t be able to see from the fluid.

but what would cause the truck to still have so much resistance, even if I pulled it out of gear?

I have to give it a bit of gas to get it to go in reverse, it rolls forward easier. But even still there’s no coasting at all.

could it have to do with the brakes needing to be bled?


Yesterday I pulled up to my buddies house and basically had the same issue. That’s when I popped off the coolant cap, replaced it, sat around for a few cold ones, and it rolled home nice and smooth. Granted, that was only about a mile home.

I appreciate any insights, as I know very little about troubleshooting these things.

Sounds very likely that you have/had a stuck caliper. Same thing happened to my ‘07 Suburban. Engine temp most likely fine and not causing your issue.

 

[Frank Long]

Hey guys, I’m here stuck in my truck on the side of the road so any input is greatly appreciated. I’m 4 miles from my mechanic, so I’m wondering if I can just drive it...

Anyway, The coolant is right at the fill line, however I noticed I had vac lock when I tried to unscrew the cap.

As I was driving I noticed I had to give it more gas just to keep maintaining speed. I guess that’s power loss?

The temperature gauge never went passed a tick under 210.

what I found weird is that even if I put it in neutral the truck slows down very quickly. I’m wondering if there’s a brake stuck or something?

The previous owner remove the parking brake, so there’s nothing that should be stopping it in that sense.

I check the tranny fluid and it’s still red, so at least there’s fluid in there. Obviously could be a transmission issue that I wouldn’t be able to see from the fluid.

but what would cause the truck to still have so much resistance, even if I pulled it out of gear?

I have to give it a bit of gas to get it to go in reverse, it rolls forward easier. But even still there’s no coasting at all.

could it have to do with the brakes needing to be bled?


Yesterday I pulled up to my buddies house and basically had the same issue. That’s when I popped off the coolant cap, replaced it, sat around for a few cold ones, and it rolled home nice and smooth. Granted, that was only about a mile home.

I appreciate any insights, as I know very little about troubleshooting these things.

Sounds like the brake booster