starting problems

I got a 97 tahoe 5.7 L 4x4 with 215,000 miles on it. I've been having issues with starting it. The engine turns but I usually have to have the key turned for 3 seconds before it catches and starts. It does it on both hot and cold starts but the weird thing is on rare occasions it'll start right up like it should. Once started the vehicle runs perfectly normal. I've done tune-ups (plugs, cap and rotor, wires etc.) but the problem persists. Also, I've noticed the oil gauge needle reads close to zero almost all the time. The only time the needle is normal is right after I start it but then it drops close to zero and maintains the reading. Again, once started the truck runs normal with a smooth idle. Any suggestion please...

I got a 97 tahoe 5.7 L 4x4 with 215,000 miles on it. I've been having issues with starting it. The engine turns but I usually have to have the key turned for 3 seconds before it catches and starts. It does it on both hot and cold starts but the weird thing is on rare occasions it'll start right up like it should. Once started the vehicle runs perfectly normal. I've done tune-ups (plugs, cap and rotor, wires etc.) but the problem persists. Also, I've noticed the oil gauge needle reads close to zero almost all the time. The only time the needle is normal is right after I start it but then it drops close to zero and maintains the reading. Again, once started the truck runs normal with a smooth idle. Any suggestion please...

measure the fuel pressure should be 60-65 psi.if below this amount key on engine off then it will not start..

Oil pressure issue. You need to install a manual gauge to check pressure. If it reads low also, there's not much life left in the motor. If it reads normal, could be the sending unit, wiring or the cluster gauge.

Hahaha there was a factory recall regarding BOTH issues. Oil pressure =a bad circuit board within the dash guages...and the hard starting issue= due to the bad PCM not recieving the ignition key position correctly.Sounds like the previosu owner never got the notice.

Thanks for the replys, I'll check both the fuel and oil pressures. If the fuel pressure is low, what needs to be replaced (the sending module or the entire unit). How would I handle any of the recalls as I assume they occured a long time ago. Is it something any chevy dealer will take care of? I never dealt with any kind of recall whatsoever.

Thanks for the replys, I'll check both the fuel and oil pressures. If the fuel pressure is low, what needs to be replaced (the sending module or the entire unit). How would I handle any of the recalls as I assume they occured a long time ago. Is it something any chevy dealer will take care of? I never dealt with any kind of recall whatsoever.

the fuel pump will need replacing / and also prior to replacing check the voltage and grounds at the pump..could be bad connections wiring, relay etc..


check the oil pressure sender wiring ..connector ..remove and install a pressure guage...clean the old sender it may be dirty..

what is the engine condition with oil use ?

the engine runs good, doesn't make any sound it isn't suppose to make, doesn't hesitate and has good power. I will have to check both the oil and the fuel pressures with a gauge to see what the deal is. One more thing...I'm changing both the oil cooler lines as they have been leaking for some time. Before I put the new ones on, is there anything I need to put on the fittings before it goes on (sealant, teflon tape etc.)??

One more thing...I'm changing both the oil cooler lines as they have been leaking for some time. Before I put the new ones on, is there anything I need to put on the fittings before it goes on (sealant, teflon tape etc.)??

Pretty sure those lines have o-rings at the radiator. Make sure you get the old ones out. Lube the new ones with clean oil or an o-ring lube (Parker).

the engine runs good, doesn't make any sound it isn't suppose to make, doesn't hesitate and has good power. I will have to check both the oil and the fuel pressures with a gauge to see what the deal is. One more thing...I'm changing both the oil cooler lines as they have been leaking for some time. Before I put the new ones on, is there anything I need to put on the fittings before it goes on (sealant, teflon tape etc.)??


do not use any sealants on these fittings..just some drops of engine oil on the threads..

on other equipment I have seen tape / sealants get into the controlling valves causing improper operation..

I would replace the line rubber O rings if hard or damaged...

It is too late for GM to do the repairs. The recall is only good if you are the original owner (regardless of how many miles are on the truck). If NOT the original owner, then the truck can't have more than 70,000 miles. You're out of luck. A replacement PCM is big bucks.

It is too late for GM to do the repairs. The recall is only good if you are the original owner (regardless of how many miles are on the truck). If NOT the original owner, then the truck can't have more than 70,000 miles. You're out of luck. A replacement PCM is big bucks.

The vehicle has starting issues and an oil pressure gauge issue why mess with the pcm...20o,ooo plus miles really who cares if the oil pressure dash guage works ???? the starting issue and if necessary replacement of the oil sender unit is what should be corrected then go from there on what is the starting problem like the fuel pressure especially if the engine has no other issues / dtc codes....


1997 gm vehicle is considered scrap vehicle to GM WARRANTEE !

Ignition key turned to "start" the PCM doesnt read the right info to send fuel to the fuel injection system...the PCM reads the correct info after 3 seconds from the crank shaft position sensor and sends the fuel. It is a prob that GM knows about and issued a recall to fix it. The comp will not give a dtc for the failed pcm issue as it is the pcm that issues the dtc's in the first place.