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Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Starting Problems

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Comments

  • fixedfixed Member Posts: 2
    Hello kathyinma

    I have 2005 Sierra same problems.

    Put key into ignition turn to on all lights and extras work, but no crank.

    - first time the problem went away 20 minutes later.
    - second time towed truck to dealer....started for tech two hours later.
    - towed second time ....took starter wires off everying cleaned, reconnected
    and truck started.
    - third time truck sat for a day in the driveway and started the next day.
    - last time I left in the drivway for two days and it still would not start.

    Most recent suggested solution.

    Dealer suspects that the security system is causing the problem, he said try the following.

    - put key into ignition and turn it to the "on" position.
    - leave the key in the ignition for at least 10 minutes.
    - now turn the key to start and see if your truck starts.

    My truck did not start after several turns of the key.

    What I did do was place the truck in netural (parking brake on) and presto
    MY TRUCK STARTED.

    I hope that helps
  • iron_hpiron_hp Member Posts: 3
    YES!
    Same thing happened to me last year on my 2002 GMC Z71. Whenever it rained I had problems. Put in gas additive in tank for water and it helped.

    Intake manifold gasket is bad. Need to have it replaced, and if you haven't had the rails or TBI cleaned, do it too. About 1100-1300. Makes a world of difference.
  • greenbean_54greenbean_54 Member Posts: 2
    What are rails? TBI stand for throttle body injectors right? what you mean here"About 1100-1300. Makes a world of difference."
  • iron_hpiron_hp Member Posts: 3
    Rails are the structure where the gas flows and feeds the injectors. They will know about that at the dealership. Sorry, should have written TB. Yes, throttle body. Costs about $1100-$1300. My truck returned to performance when I bought it used in 2005 which was pretty awesome.
  • tmmholdentmmholden Member Posts: 1
    I have a similar problem....My 2001 Chevy Silverado starts up just fine on a nice clear day, but when the rain comes, it will turn over but won't start until the weather clears up.
    I did not know about the recall for the distributor. Maybe that is all I need???
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Your truck doesn't have a distributor unless it's a 4.3.
  • omp41omp41 Member Posts: 1
    There must be a mechanic out there that has figured this out.. too many people having the same problem.

    I'm having exactly the same problem as many above. 2002, 5.3 with 140,000 miles. Won't start on cold mornings and during the day if it's cold enough. Warm days.. never have a problem. I use a blow dryer on the electrical control panel under the hood. It has worked every time. I'm not sure why or what I'm heating up.. and maybe it's nothing to do w what I'm doing when I finally get it to start... And of course, the truck didn't do it when I brought it to a mechanic. But if you are experiencing these same won't start problems, don't change your fuel pump, filter etc.. . You'll be wasting your time and money. There is some electrical / firing glitch somewhere caused by cold temperature and maybe damp, but I don't think mine is related to moisture.

    Any info would be helpful to LOTS of people..
  • dirtynickeldirtynickel Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2012
    I have been putting up with the same issue that others on here have been complaining of...I had my truck towed to a dealer back in Aug/Sept 2011 after being stranded overnight. Got it to dealer and the service guy went to my truck and it turned on the first time he turned the ignition...I then drove it to a dealer closer to home, I was told they could not replicate it but they did change the negative battery cable...it worked fine for about 2 months and it has started happening again...this time it has been 3 days since I noticed it and it still has not turned on...my warranty went out at the end of Sept 2011, I would like to know if they will work on it as a continuing problem that was not resolved...
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    was written up by the last dealership that investigated this problem. Chances are that the last dealership considers the matter closed since they didn't find any problems.
  • iron_hpiron_hp Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2002, GMC, 1500, Z71 5.3l engine with, at the time, about 150,000 miles.

    Had problems on rainy days, damp days, acted like water in fuel. It was the intake manifold gasket. A little over a grand to fix. They also cleaned the fuel rails, and throttle body. Was a new beast.
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    If you would like to establish a Service Request through Customer Service, please send us an email with more information including your name/Edmunds username, contact information (phone and address please), the last 8 digits of your VIN and current mileage, and the name of your involved dealership and appointment information. We would then be able to evaluate the situation and explore any options that may or may not be available.

    Regards,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • dirtynickeldirtynickel Member Posts: 2
    Thank you Sarah for the response, email sent to gmcustsvcsarah....
  • snooortsnooort Member Posts: 1
    went out to the 1500 turned key and zippo, lites work heater works radio blah blah blah starter does not make a sound. I picked up the truck after body work three weeks ago, and replaced what I thought was a dead battery. truck died in street as I returned old core to parts store. Then I took it to my regular shop, they search high and low and came back with zero. Any ideas would be helpful did not have any of this before accident, getting ready to call body shop and start chewing
  • kmngkmng Member Posts: 6
    Okay I turn the key and nothing happens. No its no the tarter nor the fuel pump. The mech. said it might be the security key thing so it got replaced - 500.00 later same issue. I posted on here and was given this advice:

    Sounds like you have had problem with the Pass Key (anti-theft) system and maybe had it replaced. your key has a small chip in it that allows the ignition switch to work properly. Here is a couple things you can try.

    1. try your spare key if you have one

    2. clean your key/s and ignition (key hole) with small amount of alcohol on a Q-tip

    3. If you carry a lot of keys on one ring – DON’T the keys rubbing together and confuse the chip in your key.

    4. try a “relearn” on the ignition – turn the key ON for 10-11 minutes (don’t start it) the security light on the dash should go out. Turn the key OFF for 30 seconds the see if it will start.

    It worked for a week now Im haveing the same problem....SO FRUSTRATING and EXPENSIVE. Not one mechanic can figure this out
  • kmngkmng Member Posts: 6
    Okay I turn the key and nothing happens. No its no the tarter nor the fuel pump. The mech. said it might be the security key thing so it got replaced - 500.00 later same issue. I posted on here and was given this advice:

    Sounds like you have had problem with the Pass Key (anti-theft) system and maybe had it replaced. your key has a small chip in it that allows the ignition switch to work properly. Here is a couple things you can try.

    1. try your spare key if you have one

    2. clean your key/s and ignition (key hole) with small amount of alcohol on a Q-tip

    3. If you carry a lot of keys on one ring – DON’T the keys rubbing together and confuse the chip in your key.

    4. try a “relearn” on the ignition – turn the key ON for 10-11 minutes (don’t start it) the security light on the dash should go out. Turn the key OFF for 30 seconds the see if it will start.

    It worked for a week now Im haveing the same problem....SO FRUSTRATING and EXPENSIVE. Not one mechanic can figure this out. Very bad when the maker of the truck can not help.
    2000 GMC 2500 Sierra 4 wd- ext cab/bed 159,000 miles..HELP
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    Have you been working with one of our dealerships to address this concern? We're available to follow up on this, if you like. Please send us an email with more information!
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • silverado00silverado00 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Chevy Silverado that was doing the same thing. I just hit 155,000 miles. I would change the Idle Air Control Valve. It is about a 100.00 dollar part from Auto zone or Advance. It you go to rockauto.com you can get an ACdelco one for 50.00. If you can wait for the shipping.

    This is what fixed my truck and believe me I went through some of the same bs you did.

    Good luck.
  • mkmartin1974mkmartin1974 Member Posts: 1
    edited February 2012
    Hi there. My father has a 2008 Gmc sierra sle, 5.3. He is 70 years old and babies his trucks. This 4x4 has never been winter driven, or been in 4wd. It may have 20,000. miles at the most on it. He bought it new, and it is about to go off warranty. He has had this ongoing problem with it since it was new. Without notice the truck will not start, Not even offer or turn over. You can take the key out and put it back in 1000 times and nothing changes. When you least expect it, you turn the key and it will start. It has never left him stranded, but is VERY annoying, He has had it to several dealerships, and can't solve the problem. We live in a small town, New Brunswick, Canada. Can anyone please give me some suggestions. The warranty expires this year and he is the type to fret over this. My email is mkmartin@aernet.ca Thank you
  • billwh87billwh87 Member Posts: 18
    edited February 2012
    I bought a 2005 Sierra 1500 5.3 L on !2-19-2012. The day after I bought it, it would not start. This has happened a dozen times since then. I have been taking it to a dealer in Anderson IN. They have had it five times since I bought it but have not been able to fix it yet. It normally happens after sitting overnight, but three days ago, I went to the Doctor, was in the office about 50 minutes, and it would not start. I tried about 10 minutes turning the key on and off, switching back and forth between neutral and Park. It finally started, and I drove it home. The mechanic the dealership has sent me to is Almack Autocare in Anderson IN - phone 765-683-1288.

    I have always bought GM but really got a bad deal this time.
  • woolymanwoolyman Member Posts: 5
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    Good morning,
    I'm sorry that your father is experiencing this start-up difficulty with his Sierra. Perhaps contacting GM of Canada would be helpful for you: 800-263-3777.
    I wish you the best, and hope that this is able to be resolved!
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • woolymanwoolyman Member Posts: 5
    I have a 99 Silverado Z71 (new body style with 249,000+ miles) about 2 years ago it started not starting after sitting more than 30 minutes. It will crank forever (continuous) but won't start until you crank, turn the key off (or release from start position) and try to crank a second time. After starting it runs like a raped ape, but let it sit and it goes back to the cold start condition. I tried pumping the pedal, and that didn't fix it, took it to the dealer several time and spent over $2000 for tune up, wires replaced, fuel filter (is it gold plated inside cause they sure charged me $$$), but they never got it right. It did start normally once, when I got it back from the dealer, but mostly the mechanics look at me and just see $$$$ every time I come in.

    Could there be a pin hole in the line and lose prime (like I had in the brake lines)? Is there an inline pressure gauge that I could install to check for pressure loss?
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    Good morning,
    If you haven't done so already and are interested, please send us an email with more information (including your name/Edmunds username, the last 8 of your VIN and current mileage, and the name of your dealership). We would then set up a Service Request and be able to look further into the difficulty your vehicle is having at ignition.
    Regards,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • billwh87billwh87 Member Posts: 18
    Thanks for the offer. I had my truck at Ed Martin Chevrolet in Anderson IN for four days, from 2-7 to 2-10. They could not get it to replicate what has been happening to me at home. I have been reading a lot about this situation and one thing I know is different is I had the key and fob on the same key chain with all my keys, which include several keys. When the dealer had it, they only had the key and the fob. I have now divorced it from my key chain for the past two days, and it has started each day. I will continue to do this for a period of time (2-4 weeks). If the truck continues to start, I will eventually place the key back on the original chain with all my keys, and see if I can turn the problem on again (do a little Red-X work on this). I Ed Martin Chevrolet what I was going to try to do, and would let them know if the problem comes back. The serviceman I am dealing with at Ed Martin is Tim Williams.
  • jdeytonjdeyton Member Posts: 1
    My 99 was doing the same thing I replaced the fuel pressure valve on the driver side fuel rail and it fixed it with no problems since and that was 2 yrs and almost 50000 miles ago
  • billwh87billwh87 Member Posts: 18
    Hi Sarah,

    It is not starting again with my key fob and key separate from all my other keys. I brought the truck home from the dealer on Friday night, 2-11-2012. They had it from Tuesday until Friday and it started every day for them, so I brought it home.

    Saturday - Started right up
    Sunday - would not start until the 5th attempt
    Monday-started right up
    Tuesday-started right up
    Wednesday- would not start until 4th attempt

    Here is the information you requested.

    Name: Bill White
    Edmunds name: billwh87
    VIN last eight: 51126968
    Milage when this started 99205 the day after I purchased it
    Current Mileage: 100800
    Dealership: Ed Martin Chevrolet, Anderson, IN

    It has happened at least a dozen times since I bought it on 12-19-2011. I was going to call the dealer but will wait until I hear from you.

    Bill
  • billwh87billwh87 Member Posts: 18
    What made you decide to change the fuel pressure valve?
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    Good morning Mr. White,

    Thank you for this information. As you've been working with the dealership on this same issue for a while now, I would like to get a Service Request established and sent to your district specialist as soon as I can. The only thing I am missing is to get updated contact information from you (I searched our system and am seeing 60+ Bill Whites and want to make sure I have set this up for the correct person). Would you please email me at the address in my profile your phone and address?

    Regards,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • billwh87billwh87 Member Posts: 18
    Thanks Sarah. I emailed the requested information a moment ago.
  • kmngkmng Member Posts: 6
    edited February 2012
    last 8 of vin 238134184

    Kathy George

    Lynchburg VA 24503

    Service #
    434/385-7394
    Jessie- Ron or Theresa have ALL the information..
    I have spent ove 500.00 to figure this out its scary to think Im not the only one... bad for GMC because its not isolated to any year or any car/truck/suv
  • billwh87billwh87 Member Posts: 18
    Sarah,

    I did want to note that I have a video from my camera from one occasion where I have the sounds when I turn the key and the dash board flashing for a few minutes and also when it finally started. I shared this with the Chevrolet technicians at the GM Dealership. It is 242 Megs, and I cannot send it due to its size. They did determine from it that it is an intermittent problem and that I was not making this up.

    Bill
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    I apologize; the last 8 of that VIN brought up a 2003 Chevrolet S-10. Would you please re-check that information? Again, I apologize.

    If we could also please get your updated phone and address information in an email, we just would like to make sure we get the file associated to the right person.

    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    Good morning Bill,
    I believe that you are not making this up :) I saw your email come in; my coworker Christina responds to incoming emails - has she gotten back with you yet?

    Regards,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • billwh87billwh87 Member Posts: 18
    Hi Sarah,

    I have not heard from Christina yet. I double checked the VIN number I gave you and the last eight numbers what is on my title and the Number on the sticker in the glove box.

    Bill White
  • gundown34gundown34 Member Posts: 1
    ok...here goes.. 3 weeks ago my truck would not start,it would turn over well,but not run at all.we changed the sensor on the bottom side of the truck(Camshaft?) and the ignition coil pack.seams like it wanted to start but nothing.clean the mass air flow sensor,then after hours of trying and finally she started. then i changed the battery,changed a old radio...now at work and truck has not move for about 3 days and same thing(just like the last time)...what is puzzling me is the weather (heavy fog) as i remember always gives my truck issues and now seams like a heavy issue.got spark plugs,rotor and cap coming for distibutor...one of the guys at work was feeling around the distributor and says it shocked him...also,check the fuel pump and the engine is getting fuel,even poured gas in the intake and nothing...thinking my be a short or arc issue..anyone come across this????? all it wants to do is constantly sound like it wants to start...
  • sherry40sherry40 Member Posts: 1
    have you been able to figure out the problem with you 2003, we are having what sounds like the same issue. just started today. will turn over but not start. first time every. If we can get it start I will be taking it in.
  • bigblue4x4bigblue4x4 Member Posts: 1
    Two weeks ago I tried to start my truck, turned the key, nothing. Had it towed home since I'm an old retired mechanic and don't have much confidence in the dealerships. This is a Z71 with a little over 80K miles and has been babied since new. Since the first no-start episode, I have had two additional episodes making it a total of three failure to start situations. In the meantime, I have replaced the battery and alternator (both were actually bad) and just to make sure I changed the Ignition Switch. Like I stated in the title, it is a gamble to drive this truck anywhere. What a shame to pay this kind of money for a vehicle and GM cannot determine what is causing this malfunction to plague so many of its vehicles. If they do figure it out, and I hope they do it soon, a recall needs to be initiated to all truck owners, not just those under warranty. What a shame that I have to let this truck just sit in my driveway.
  • cg05tkcg05tk Member Posts: 3
    Ok, here is my problem, about the same as everone else, except, My 05 silverado 4.8 , always cranks, but has a hard time starting, usually about 3-5 seconds. sometimes it starts fine.
    problem getting worst. took it to neighbor hood mechanic, came up with code P034o i think, code is crankshaft position sensor low circuit. changed sensor , still the same problem, extended crank time.
    took to Gm dealer ship, they reflashed computer, still the same issue. these guys only work with codes,
    went back to my mechanic, have changed, spark plugs, wires, another camshaft sensor, crankshaft sensor ( relearned ), starter relay #1, ignition switch,
    now , he thinks it might be wiring harnes to computer.
    I am buying a truck piece by piece,
    surfing the net to find answer to fustrating problem.
    engine cranks allways, just does not start all the time. but does after extended cranking
    if anyone can help, thanks,
  • cg05tkcg05tk Member Posts: 3
    oh, i am going to replace the cam sensor electrical connector, with a A/c delco .
    still figuring it out. thanks
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    You did have the battery checked, right? Hard starting is usually the first sign of a battery about to call it a career. And since the battery powers all those other electricals and electronics, that's your one common denominator.

    kcram - Pickups/Wagons/Vans+Minivans Host
  • cg05tkcg05tk Member Posts: 3
    edited March 2012
    yes, battery is about one year old, and had Napa parts, check it out , they told me it is ok.
    now it seems that the key is getting stuck in the start positon.
    and i have to manually turn it back to on.
    the igniton switch was one of the parts that i replaced because of that issue.
    I am thinking about replacing the ignition cylinder and the houseing.
    I have just about run out of parts to replace,
  • kmngkmng Member Posts: 6
    YE116706
    whats your email so I can send you my info?
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    Good morning cg05tk,

    It looks as though you are doing all of this work yourself, which I completely respect. If I can be of any assistance, please let me know (while I don't have any access to technical information, I can try to ask other departments for you).

    Best,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • manpanamamanpanama Member Posts: 2
    Bob, I have the same problem as you were describing in this thread. I was hoping you found the cure and could help me out. I have a 99 GMC Yukon with 132,000 miles on it with a newer 5.7 that I was told was installed by GM. It looks original and I had had little problems with it. However, last year, I found it not starting once a week or so. It did not take long to recognize that it did not start on the mornings after sitting for 36 hrs or more. Get home on Saturday afternoon, stay home Sunday, Monday was a no start. I began to test the theory, and started it for a couple of minutes on one Sunday without going anywhere. that did not work either. The next weekend, I started it and drove down the block and back (driving regularly) that was not enough. The next weekend, I drove it several blocks in first gear, getting to around 3k RPM. Monday it started right up. The problem disappeared 3months ago or so, and started up two weeks ago. I live in Panama, Central America and the truck seems to have not had the problem during the drier season. During the week or when not having the problem anyway, it starts up on a dime, just a twist of the starter and it is running beautifully. When I have the problem, I found the best way to start it is to remove the air cleaner house from the Throttle body, and hold my hand over the air passage with about a fingers diameter hole for air to suck through, Have someone crank the ignition several times (it starts but will not yet run on its own) until it is running smooth on its own. Reinstall the Tube and hurry off to work because I am late again. I was never one to like Mondays, but this is ridicules.
  • manpanamamanpanama Member Posts: 2
    Some things I had forgotten to mention. When this first started, I started replacing things that it might be, That is after replacing regular tune up type items. I replaced the Plugs, wires, Cap, Rotor, Ignition Module, and coil. I replaced the Fuel filter, Pump, Crank Sensor as well. Most of these items were replaced some time before this problem occurred. They were replaced because the engine was idling ruffly, I found out that the lower gasket on the intake manifold was leaking. The lower gasket was also replaced. a couple months latter I had this new problem of not starting after sitting for 36 hours or more.
    Additionally, when it has been sitting, when attempting to start the engine, it cranks freely but does not attempt to run, never catches. and after letting the ignition switch return to RUN position, the engine lightly backfires out of the Throttle body TWO times, about a second apart, like the engine is trying to turn over. This happens after ignition switch has been returned to RUN from START, after a second or so, the engine does a rotation and puffs out of the Throttle body, then a second goes by, and it does it again. If you go from START position to OFF position it does not do this, if you crank the engine and let the Switch fall to RUN and it starts to do the rotation of the engine and you turn the Switch to OFF, it stops it in rotation or at least stops it from happening the second time.
  • db58db58 Member Posts: 1
    I just wanted to join in my 2004 Silverado 5.3 plays the no start game sometimes more than other times. Turn key nothing but a little sensor type sound under the dash. Everything else works just no crank. It will usually start after a few min's of turning the key.
    Dealer has changed netrual safety switch, ignition switch, a sensor and have left it at the shop for days last year. Still no fix.

    Its a shame that a truck that is more or less in great shape can't start when needed or the fact that it can't be fixed.

    What's up GM
  • splathuntingsplathunting Member Posts: 1
    GM has a ghost in all of its vehicles on the computer. When you turn the key does the entire system go dead including your instrument panel. If so then all you have to do is disconnect the positive battery terminal and reconnect it.
  • bucking_abucking_a Member Posts: 1
    Howdy, My 2005 Z71 chevy silverado, i have had this ongoing problem with it since i got it back in 2010 every other mounth, twice a week compleatly random, Without notice the truck will not start, Not even offer or turn over, all dash lights come on. You can take the key out and put it back in 1000 times and nothing changes, play with the locks, un hook the batery no change. and no codes are being throne ither, When you least expect it, you turn the key and it will start. It has made me stranded at several places and late for work, and is VERY annoying, can't solve the problem. i resently moved to ga active army so im no longer around familly to barow a car or catch a ride, Can anyone please give me some sulotion. might have to just discontinue the chevy tridition and make it an unreliebal toy....
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    Good morning bucking_a,

    As this sounds like it has been going on for a while, had you ever gotten this looked into? We'd be happy to follow up with your dealership if you like!

    Best,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • durajunkdurajunk Member Posts: 3
    We are having the same problem with our 2008 Silverado 3500HD deisel. It has 50,000 miles bought it new. wont start randomly or dies while driving and wont restart. It shows service anti theft device. Started this about 4 weeks ago. Been to dealer 4 times now reset computer, reprogramed, said it needed a new relay now says computers arent communicating. We use this for hauling trailer loads of hay and farm eguipment. what happens when it dies and we have no brakes or steering? What if we kill someone? I can send you a pic of a $55,000 lemon, at least while its still in one piece.
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