Where are the ground points?

[jjaaam]

Watch this:

So I my daughter lives in a different state. I did the work while we were out visiting. Initially I thought removing the dash panel would have been a lot more extensive but this video proves otherwise.

Just got home so I didn’t have a chance to go after this particular ground point. I forwarded this video to my son in law and told him if it happens again, take it to a dealer and tell them what to do. In my mind, that could possibly be the entire fix and could possibly avoid spending a lot of time and money doing more extensive diagnosis, especially since two different dealers in two different states couldn’t figure it out.

Thanks for the video!

 

[BlaineBug]

On both sides, there was a small nut welded on; the bolts were not self tapping. This is on a 2015 Tahoe so maybe that’s why it’s different from a Silverado or a Sierra. Similar but different.

There is a ground on the driver side? Or are you referring to the grounds at the windshield where there is a stud?

 

[BlaineBug]

So I my daughter lives in a different state. I did the work while we were out visiting. Initially I thought removing the dash panel would have been a lot more extensive but this video proves otherwise.

Just got home so I didn’t have a chance to go after this particular ground point. I forwarded this video to my son in law and told him if it happens again, take it to a dealer and tell them what to do. In my mind, that could possibly be the entire fix and could possibly avoid spending a lot of time and money doing more extensive diagnosis, especially since two different dealers in two different states couldn’t figure it out.

Thanks for the video!

There is a TSB for this concern relating to G218 labeled TSB 18-NA-161. The dealer can reference this TSB for their diagnosis.

 

[jjaaam]

There is a ground on the driver side? Or are you referring to the grounds at the windshield where there is a stud?

I was referring to the frame grounds - one behind each front wheel

 

[jjaaam]

There is a TSB for this concern relating to G218 labeled TSB 18-NA-161. The dealer can reference this TSB for their diagnosis.

Good to know! Thanks!

Makes me wonder why two different dealers didn’t know to check for a TSB…

 

[BlaineBug]

Good to know! Thanks!

Makes me wonder why two different dealers didn’t know to check for a TSB…

When I had electrical issues myself 3 and a half years ago there was a lot of discussion regarding this TSB. I never checked my 2019 for this grounding issue and since resolution obviously this area was not the fault, however my symptoms were not as was described for issues relating to G218 - however YOUR symptoms are identical to issues that most commonly arose when this G218 was problematic.

There was also discrepancies regarding what years, makes, and models were covered under the TSB. I recall some people with this issue stating that their vehicle wasn't listed as having this TSB apply to them but the issue was still present. By now though it's possible that the TSB was updated to include a wider range of makes, models, and years - I don't know.

And dealerships are wary to investigate a TSB that doesn't tell them that your vehicle qualifies!

However this issue generally pertained to early production Silverados 2014-2015 I believe, and your Tahoe falls right in line, however doesn't come from the same factory - so I don't know, but it's worth an investigation as I said, your symptoms align perfectly with this grounding issue at G218.

 

[BlaineBug]

I was referring to the frame grounds - one behind each front wheel

I wasn't aware that there was one on the driver side. I'll check it out in the future. I was only aware of the main ground to the battery which is on the passenger side front.

 

[BlaineBug]

TSB 20-NA-212

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10183210-9999.pdf

This TSB was created after the problems I experienced which don't exactly relate to the symptoms they have listed but are close. In my circumstance the engine computer was replaced but the passenger side ground was said to be caked in undercoating.

 

[BlaineBug]

TSB 18-NA-161

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10209138-0001.pdf

Lists 2015 Tahoe as of the latest revision.

 

[jjaaam]

Well, the work I did didn’t work. My son in law said it started doing it again. Ugh. Sounds like another trip to the dealership with the TSB’s in hand.

 

[bobby2175]

If you haven't solved this yet and did what I did (which was park my truck), well, I lived your nightmare for the past 5 years or so. Took the vehicle to a Michigan dealer as well and they kept replacing expensive part after expensive part and ultimately, I was $4,000 in before they claimed it was a wire harness with bent pins that then also had to be replaced. This worked for about two years and everything started happening again. I took it to other local mechanics (including one that had the TSB) - everyone gave up and my Yukon was parked for the past 3 years with only some short drives here and there.

But I fixed my problem! I'm now up to 1700 miles without an issue and as you'll see from my other thread, I have very little experience working on vehicles, but do a ton of research, watch a lot of videos, and wholeheartedly listen to the great people here.

I kinda went slow with things...cleaned up a ground here, a ground there - some were a mess and needed it. But, none of those fixed my problem. It wasn't until I replaced the negative battery cable (that comes from the battery) that fixed all of my issues. While I was at it, I also replaced the positive battery cable that goes to the under hood fuse block as well.

Please take the advice from everyone else here before me...I'm just a rookie at this, but I was able to solve my problem on this one.

If you decide to do this, I'll dig up some of the videos that I used - there is one hard reach, but other than that, it was just basic tools.

Best of luck!

 

[jerwilso]

If you haven't solved this yet and did what I did (which was park my truck), well, I lived your nightmare for the past 5 years or so. Took the vehicle to a Michigan dealer as well and they kept replacing expensive part after expensive part and ultimately, I was $4,000 in before they claimed it was a wire harness with bent pins that then also had to be replaced. This worked for about two years and everything started happening again. I took it to other local mechanics (including one that had the TSB) - everyone gave up and my Yukon was parked for the past 3 years with only some short drives here and there.

But I fixed my problem! I'm now up to 1700 miles without an issue and as you'll see from my other thread, I have very little experience working on vehicles, but do a ton of research, watch a lot of videos, and wholeheartedly listen to the great people here.

I kinda went slow with things...cleaned up a ground here, a ground there - some were a mess and needed it. But, none of those fixed my problem. It wasn't until I replaced the negative battery cable (that comes from the battery) that fixed all of my issues. While I was at it, I also replaced the positive battery cable that goes to the under hood fuse block as well.

Please take the advice from everyone else here before me...I'm just a rookie at this, but I was able to solve my problem on this one.

If you decide to do this, I'll dig up some of the videos that I used - there is one hard reach, but other than that, it was just basic tools.

Best of luck!

Hey. I changed my negative ground cable, cleaned the grounds behind both wheels. My problems seemed to get worse. What else did you do and can you post your videos that helped your issue. This is killing me.
Thanks for your help.

 

[bobby2175]

Hey. I changed my negative ground cable, cleaned the grounds behind both wheels. My problems seemed to get worse. What else did you do and can you post your videos that helped your issue. This is killing me.
Thanks for your help.

So, here are my recommendations that ultimately got me out of this. Please note that my truck is a 2010 and it looks like you have a 2015. I definitely don't know enough about the differences as you have some grounds that are different, but everything you are saying leads me to think it is definitely a ground issue. My truck started having issues in year 7.

Remember, these are from 2010:
1. Start here and don't skip this step. Make sure your battery is in good shape - have it tested (sounds like you already did this. Be 100% sure.
2. Clean up the terminal contact points, cable contacts at the battery including the 175 mega fuse.
3. You've already replaced the negative cable Make sure you not only reattached that hard to reach ground behind the bumper, but that you clean up the contact points. I peeled back the wheel shroud and reached through to get to that ground. You can't actually see it - you have to do it blind and then confirm with your phone camera (not sure if the 2015 has the same ground location.
4. There are two grounds on the frame below the driver's seat - very easy to access - you hardly have to get under the vehicle. Sounds like you have one on each side.
5. There is a ground strap that goes from the firewall to behind the engine. Inspect that strap. You cannot really access the point behind the engine. If that strap looks to be in bad shape, you will need to create a new ground for it. I haven't gotten here yet, but will when I do big 3/4. Sounds like you've looked at this one already.
6. There is also the positive battery cable that goes from the battery to the under hood fuse block on the driver's side. I've heard of people having issues with this cable although my issues don't seem to be from here. It's an easy cable to access. I'd pull that cable, check the contact points at the fuse block (also easy to remove, clean and reseat). I have not yet replaced the cable, but if I was still having issues after everything else, I'd go there. I had already purchased the new cable and a new fuse block out of frustration on these issues and was going to do a full swap of everything until that negative cable solved my issues. I did unhook, cleaned up and reseated the cable and fuse block.
7. I've been applying a thin layer of dielectric grease at each location I've been cleaning up
8. There are some additional grounds up front in and around the dash/pillars, but I have not gotten here yet.
9. I've learned that part of routine vehicle maintenance for this truck is making sure the grounds are in good shape

This was one of the most helpful videos for me (but may be your next step) but keep in mind it fit my truck.

Let me know if I can help further.

 

[grlmom]

I just found this forum and been having very similar issues. I have a 2015 tahoe ltz and it will randomly loose all power when making a slow right turn. I kinda get lost in all the technical terms as I read thru the forum. I don't have the money to take to a dealership and they try to take advantage of me as a woman. Can someone please break down everything I should change/clean/fix? I don't mind doing the dirty work myself. I just want to make sure I don't forget anything and know what parts I need to order. Thank you all for all the help!!

 

[BlaineBug]

Is your passenger front wheel rubbing the inner fender liner by chance? Lifted/lowered compared to stock ride height?

 

[grlmom]

Not that I am aware of.....never hear it rub but I bought it used and don't think it has been lifted or lowered. I have had to replace all the shocks though.

 

[Fless]

I just found this forum and been having very similar issues. I have a 2015 tahoe ltz and it will randomly loose all power when making a slow right turn. I kinda get lost in all the technical terms as I read thru the forum. I don't have the money to take to a dealership and they try to take advantage of me as a woman. Can someone please break down everything I should change/clean/fix? I don't mind doing the dirty work myself. I just want to make sure I don't forget anything and know what parts I need to order. Thank you all for all the help!!

It might be better to start a new thread and describe your symptoms. Consider adding your vehicle info (year, make, model, engine, miles, etc.) into your signature so it shows up in your posts.

For example, what does it mean that it "loses all power?" Does the engine shut off, go into reduced power mode, lose power steering, or ??? It also may help to say how long this has been going on, and what kind of maintenance has been done to it recently or just prior to the issue starting.

The more descriptive the symptoms, the more targeted responses members will provide.

 

[cgraves817]

I’ve searched this forum and also the wider internet but I haven’t found anything that just explicitly says it: where are the ground points on vehicles of this generation?

I’m working on a 2015 Tahoe LTZ with strange electrical problems. Taking advice from @Tahoe14 I’m replacing the battery (it’s close to three years old) and was wanting to inspect/clean/tighten any grounding points.

I found the one on the driver’s side firewall that has a ground strap, so I got some sandpaper and cleaned it up really well.

But where are the other ones?

Thanks in advance!

Has anyone figured out a clear cut issue on this?
I replaced the ground harness with AC Delco OEM replacement.
the problem ONLY happens after i drive through heavy rain or snow/slushy covered roads
currently vehicle is with my mechanic but he is scratching his head.
BCM was replaced last week. Ran fine until it snowed. Problem returned. returned vehicle to mechanic.
all grounds are checked and or replaced. other than the one behind the pillar. thinking this would not be the problem as it only happens when wet. would not think moisture would get to that connection.
so frustrating.
any help out there?