04 Tahoe Z71 turns over, won't start

[atlantatammy]

First time poster, and I did search some of the threads but I didn't see this specifically addressed (if I missed it though, just point me in the right direction).

This morning my 04 Z71 would not start. It would turn over, but never catch. The last time we drove the car was Saturday afternoon, with no troubles. When I tried to start it everything seemed to be proceeding normally (remote doors worked, dashboard lights lit up like they usually do but I admit I don't know what I'm really looking at there, etc., everything appeared normal).

The only repair work we've had done was to replace the alternator (under warranty) a month after we bought the car used - about 8 months ago.

And of course, our warranty expired at 3 years or 36,000 miles, and we're at 37,500. We're 500 miles overdue on an oil change but I can't believe that's got anything to do with it (she says hopefully). Suggestions?

[Tahoe SS]

Probably your fuel pump, or (hopefully) fuel pump relay. This has happened to every GM vehicle my famliy has owned in the last 10 years.

Before you go spend a ton of money getting your pump replaced, locate the fuel pump relay and make sure its still good. I replaced the pump on my truck once, it ran for about a week, then went out again (or so we thought) after putting in ANOTHER pump, still not working, we figured out it was the relay.

It probably is the pump itself, but you may get lucky with the relay!

Good Luck!

[atlantatammy]

Originally Posted by Tahoe SS

Probably your fuel pump, or (hopefully) fuel pump relay. This has happened to every GM vehicle my famliy has owned in the last 10 years.

Before you go spend a ton of money getting your pump replaced, locate the fuel pump relay and make sure its still good. I replaced the pump on my truck once, it ran for about a week, then went out again (or so we thought) after putting in ANOTHER pump, still not working, we figured out it was the relay.

It probably is the pump itself, but you may get lucky with the relay!

Good Luck!

Thank you! The mechanic has the Tahoe now (we ended up getting it towed yesterday) but hasn't looked at it yet. We have a call into him with this suggestion. Hopefully it'll be the cheaper fix!

[ajoway1340]

I have the same problem. Did your mechanic figure it out yet. Regards.

[atlantatammy]

Originally Posted by ajoway1340

I have the same problem. Did your mechanic figure it out yet. Regards.

Yes, it was the fuel pump. We actually had it towed to the dealer where we bought it since we were just 1500 miles over our warranty. When the service dept. called my husband to say it was the fuel pump and it would cost $1100 to fix, he asked them to hold on the repairs and to give him the number for Chevy's consumer hotline. He said this was a 2004 and this would be the second major repair in less than a year, and we weren't happy. Well, long story short Chevy covered all but $60 of the repairs!

[scooting66]

$1100 to replace your fuel pump... I shudder!

My Tahoe did the same thing in a parking lot, had it towed home, and replaced the fuel filter located under the driver's door - inside the frame. I have recently moved to the east coast and have 4 vehicles that have stopped within the year because of the filter being plugged. If they did not do the filter for you, it is an easy and prudent thing to do yourself. You don't want to lose another fuel pump at those prices...