Help...problem starting 2003 Tahoe

[hlh35]

I was stuck in the airport garage last night because my Tahoe wouldn't start. I just bought it used (20k miles).

I unlocked the car from about 20 feet away...put my bags in the car and then got in. I went to start her and she turned and started, then died instantly. I tried that quite a few times with the same result each time. I then put my foot down on the gas all the way and tried starting her that way...still she started and then died immediately. All of my lights were on, so it couldn't have been the battery. I got out and looked under the hood (no clue what I was looking for) and I didn't see anything out of the ordinary.

So I got back in the car (with the hood up) and I left my car door open this time so I could hear the engine. She started right away...no problems.

Someone told me that it could have been my alarm system shutting the car off...but I think it is just the standard GM alarm...does that system do that? Oh and I had about 1/4 tank of gas and she was only sitting in the garage for 2 days undriven.

If anyone has had similar problems...I would love to hear about them. I am at a loss. She is still under warranty so I would love to get this fixed now if it is a major issue.

Thanks.

[Thunderbolt]

Originally Posted by hlh35

I was stuck in the airport garage last night because my Tahoe wouldn't start. I just bought it used (20k miles).

I unlocked the car from about 20 feet away...put my bags in the car and then got in. I went to start her and she turned and started, then died instantly. I tried that quite a few times with the same result each time. I then put my foot down on the gas all the way and tried starting her that way...still she started and then died immediately. All of my lights were on, so it couldn't have been the battery. I got out and looked under the hood (no clue what I was looking for) and I didn't see anything out of the ordinary.

So I got back in the car (with the hood up) and I left my car door open this time so I could hear the engine. She started right away...no problems.

Someone told me that it could have been my alarm system shutting the car off...but I think it is just the standard GM alarm...does that system do that? Oh and I had about 1/4 tank of gas and she was only sitting in the garage for 2 days undriven.

If anyone has had similar problems...I would love to hear about them. I am at a loss. She is still under warranty so I would love to get this fixed now if it is a major issue.

Thanks.

Do you have a factory or aftermarket theft deterent system ?? It sounds like it was activated somehow or it could be from the passlock security with the key. What you are describing is exactly what happens when these systems are activated. I am not sure how you would no for sure without a scanner. I had a buddy with that same problem and when we put a scanner on it it said there was a malfunction in the security system.

[hlh35]

Originally Posted by Thunderbolt

Do you have a factory or aftermarket theft deterent system ?? It sounds like it was activated somehow or it could be from the passlock security with the key. What you are describing is exactly what happens when these systems are activated. I am not sure how you would no for sure without a scanner. I had a buddy with that same problem and when we put a scanner on it it said there was a malfunction in the security system.

Thunderbolt....
Thank you for responding. I am not sure what I have on my car. But it definitely is reassuring that it isn't too serious. Thanks for the feedback. I will get it checked out!

[jim phillips]

Sounds like the same problem I had with my 02.I also had a 1/4 tank and it wouldn't start.It ended up being the fuel pump. Since then Iv'e had 2 other tahoes and have replaced 4 more fuel pumps.My wife was thinking about getting a PHD so she could read the gas gauge,because twice it was mt on fuel but showed 1/4-1/2 full.