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Comments
About couple of months ago I went on a trip and my son left a dvd in the system. The next day the battery was dead. I think that maybe Chevy is using a bad grade of Media Systems and somehow the wiring is faulty causing issue with the electric system on these vehicles.
As of today I haven't hear back from you either in the forum or thru my personal email.
Please advise. My 2007 Tahoe is outside my garage with a dead battery and my wife so mad because she had to drive it in the past few days and needed to jump started it 5 times this past week alone.
Waiting for your response.
I apologize for your frustrations. Please keep me updated on your progress at your dealer.
Christina
GM Customer Service
Does GM have any clue yet on what is causing the problem with the tahoe?
If they do know can you share it with all of us OR at least share it with the dealers so they can remedy the situation. I am waiting for any flicker of recognition that there is a recurring issue.
I am just wondering if it is a "numbers" problem. Are there not enough of us talking abou the same issue? I have been dealing with this issue on my own and by taking it to the dealer and being inonvenienced and spending money to have the battery replaced and on and on. AND my car sits dead in my driveway waiting for at least some recogntion of the esistence of an issue and theat you are working on it. NOT the battery...I have already replaced that and the problem continues.
I just happened upon this site when I was trying to figure out the answer on my own since I don't get any recognition from GM that a problem exists. Ans your apologizing and telling people to "keep in touch" is actually insulting.
Do you represent GM or should we be dealing with someone who isn't just paying lip service to our very real problem.
Please put all of us in touch with someone who can actually tell us that GM recognizes the problem and they have a solution for it.
PS. My 1995 Suburban with close on 300,000 is a charm
Wessy
If anyone gets any news on this issue, please share it with us all.
Regards
I apologize that your vehicle is still experiencing this concern. I am happy that the dealer could see it happen. Please keep me updated as to your progress. If you need anything feel free to email me.
Christina
GM Customer Service
I know that you pretty much deal with individual customer situations. However, given all of these mysterious battery going bad situations as reported in the forums, I'd suggest you notifiy the engineering dept that they should perhaps read this forum full of problems, and look for a real fix to what appears to be a systemic problem affecting a number of vehicles.
If the forum is any indication, I'm sure if they looked at the warranty claims against this vehicle they'd find quite a number of situations that could be investigated and a root cause analysis performed.
My car still at the dealer. After paying $200 labor for rewiring the DVDs, now they claim the problem is a drained battery and that I need to pay for it since my car has 28K miles but 4 year warranty has expired. I am sure the battery is not the problem. I got a phone call from someone at GM Customer Service and they told me they are going to talk to Ron Baker Chevrolet in Chula Vista,CA about it after I gave them all the details (since I first bought the car and 5 dead batteries later with low millage). Tomorrow is going to be 3 weeks since they have my car. This is costing me time, money and headaches. I am seriously considering visiting a lawyer to get some advising in this case. I believe more Tahoe owners need to be aware this is happening. Very disappointed.
You haven't heard from GM Customer Assistance? Please email me so I can look into this.
Christina
GM Customer Service
How did things go at the dealer?
Christina
GM Customer Service
I understand your frustrations with your situations. As all major companies or corporations, we have standard operating procedures. GM does handle their customers individually, not all situations are the same, so they must be handled on a case by case basis. I am here to help make GM aware of your situations. The only way I can do this is with your assistance. First, I need your contact information (including a good number to reach you), VIN, current mileage, involved dealer, and a break down of what you are experiencing. The best way to get me this information is a direct email. If you are unsure or uncomfortable please feel free to inquire with the host, or send me an email with your telephone number and I can give you a call. Second, the vehicle must be taken to a GM Dealer. They have a contract with GM and must look at the vehicle. For GM to know you are experiencing issues, you must contact GM; whether it is me via email or Customer Assistance via the telephone. This will help identify the problem and how large it is. I understand when you are experiencing these concerns these processes can be frustrating. All concerns, whether it be with a dealer or your vehicle, are documented in the cases set up if you directly contact GM. If you would like to call Customer Assistance and speak with someone the number is in your owners manual, or email me and I can provide it to you. If you would like me to assist you, please feel free to email me the information requested above. I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Christina
GM Customer Service
Maybe your lawyer wants to start a class action suit agaist GM for this issue.
There seems to be a lot of people with the same issue.
I did follow up your instructions and GM Customer service representative contacted me, I sent my car to the dealer and today has been 4 weeks since I last saw my car (still at the dealer since your GM customer service got involved and everything slow down because everytime somebody different calls with no clue of the case to start all over again, the last one is someone called Sharonda with an attitude problem raising her voice over the phone while talking to my wife -not acceptable-) and now she doesn't return our calls.
The conclusion at the dealer is that the problem of my Tahoe is a bad battery and I need to pay for a new one (again) since my 4 year warranty expired. All this means your technical service has no clue of what the hell is happening. At the beggining I though it was an isolated problem but after reading so many complaints I am convinced this is something GM knows about and haven't really initiated a recall (it remind me of Toyota accelerator problem where they knew of it long before).
I am very disappointed with all this situation (car problem, GM customer service response). It been a hardship for us and I am planning to return the car as a lemon so you deal with the financial institution...
If you could please email me and update me on your situation I would appreciate it!
Christina
GM Customer Service
TECHNICAL
Bulletin No.: 09-08-44-018
Date: September 25, 2009
Subject: No Crank/No Start, Discharged Battery, No Audio Output From Radio (Replace Amplifier)
Models:
2008-2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
2008-2009 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe (Equipped with LTZ Uplevel Package)
2008-2009 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL (Equipped with SLT Uplevel Package)
Equipped with Luxury Edition Package (RPO Y91) or Premium Speaker System (RPO UQS) and Built Prior to September 29, 2008
Condition
Some customers may comment that the vehicle will not crank or start and the battery goes dead. They may also comment on a loss of audio from the radio.
Cause
This condition may be due to an internal short within the amplifier that causes the amplifier to stay awake, resulting in a battery draw/load. This draw/load on the battery could discharge the battery to the point where the battery will not have sufficient amperage to start the vehicle.
Correction
Check for normal sleep mode draw of less than 30 mA. If greater than 30 mA, remove the 30A amplifier fuse from the underhood electrical center/junction block. If the draw drops more than 10 mA, the draw is likely from the amplifier. Inspect the amplifier for a green dot (a green dot indicates vehicle already has the updated amplifier). If no green dot is present and draw is confirmed with fuse pull, replace the amplifier.
TECHNICAL
Bulletin No.: 09-08-50-017B
Date: February 11, 2010
Subject: No Crank, No Start, Discharged or Low Battery (Reprogram Rear Heated Seat Module)
Models:
2006-2010 Cadillac DTS
Built Prior to February 2, 2010
2007-2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV
2007-2010 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe
2007-2010 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL
Built Prior to November 30, 2009
All Equipped with Rear Heated Seat RPO KA6
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to add build breakpoint dates. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 09-08-50-017A (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).
Condition
Some customers may comment about a no crank/no start condition or a discharged or low battery.
Note
This condition may be intermittent, therefore it is important to check if a revised calibration has been released on TIS2WEB for this concern, even if the condition cannot be duplicated at the dealer.
Cause
This condition may be caused by the rear heated seat module (RHSM) discharging the battery by keeping the serial data bus active, which creates a cumulative continuous draw of four amps on the battery after the vehicle is shut down, until the state of charge reaches three volts.
Correction
Important
DO NOT replace the RHSM or the battery for this concern.
Reprogram the RHSM with the latest software calibration.
Important
Select the correct calibration files for the appropriate vehicle configuration (body style) and RPO codes.
A revised calibration has been developed to address this condition. Technicians are to reprogram the RHSM using the Service Programming System (SPS) with the latest software available on TIS2WEB. Refer to the Service Programming System (SPS) procedures in SI.
When using a Tech 2(R) or a Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI) for reprogramming, ensure that it is updated with the latest software version.
During programming, the battery voltage must be maintained within the proper range of 12-15 volts. Only use the approved Midtronics(R) PSC 550 Battery Maintainer (SPS Programming Support Tool EL-49642) or equivalent during programming.
Wessy
Has the dealer involved Technical Assistance? I apologize for your frustrations. I look forward to your response.
Christina
GM Customer Service
Gm will not do the right thing and make this issue a recall. My friend has a Nissan that had a recall on a sensor that made the gas gauge read incorrectly. They gave him a donar car and fixed the problem. My gauge wasn't reading correctly either, but that I could live with. This problem of the batt. going dead was too much. I couldn't get any satisfaction from my dealer or GM. I don't own the vehicle anymore. It aggrevates me to no end that a company that I have defended to so many others has let me and many others down. Your company deserves to go bankrupt. No more BAILOUTS and the way you're going you're going to need another.
Thank you for your feedback. It is your opinion and you are entitled to it; however, as all major companies or corporations, we have standard operating procedures. GM does handle their customers individually, not all situations are the same, so they must be handled on a case by case basis. I am here to help make GM aware of our customer’s situations. The only way I can do this is with the customer’s assistance. My first step is to gather their contact information (including a good number to reach them), VIN, current mileage, involved dealer, and a break down of what they are experiencing. The best way to get me this information is a direct email. The next step in the process is the vehicle must be taken to a GM Dealer. They have a contract with GM and must look at the vehicle. For GM to know their customers are experiencing issues, they must contact GM; whether it is me via email or Customer Assistance via the telephone. This will help identify the problem and how large it is. I understand when customers are experiencing these concerns these processes can be frustrating. All concerns, whether it is with a dealer or your vehicle, are documented in the cases set up if GM is contacted directly. Any customer that would like to call Customer Assistance and speak with someone the number is in your owner manual, or email me and I can provide it to you. Any customer that would like me to assist them, please feel free to email me the information requested above.
Christina
GM Customer Service
Eventually, after several trips to the dealer, they replaced the fuse fox (under warranty); they said it was "fused". The problems stopped though we did have some concerns in retrospect that such a situation might have created an overheating and possibly a vehicle fire in the garage.
Jump forward a few years of essentially problem-free operation. Then, earlier this year we did the recall that involves removing the heated windshield washer module. While this is a very useful option, we definitely wanted the module removed, as per the GM recall, because the GM recall notice states that "it is possible for the heated washer module to ignite and a fire may occur". Again the fire hazard.
When I started the vehicle at the dealer's place immediately after they had done the recall service, I noticed that the engine hour display on the dashboard showed 0.0. I had not taken note of what exactly it had read before but I know for a fact that it had been a meaningful number. I pointed this out to the tech. He went to the shop area, came back and said "the battery must have gone dead while they removed the heater". I pointed out that this did not make sense because the battery had gone dead many times before (and many times after, as I was about to find out) without resetting the counter. Anyway, I was informed that nothing could be done because this is the way it is now. I was upset at this, and still am, but the vehicle was serviced and running (and presumable so without this risk of electrical fire).
However, since that day we have again ongoing (though not daily) problems with the battery losing its charge overnight or in 2-3 days.
One time after the battery had gone dead again, the shifting points were all weird. The engine ran at high rpm and did not shift up. The indicated fuel consumption was very high, not surprisingly so. I called GM Customer Service from the vehicle and after a long chat with a friendly and knowledgeable tech, we came to the conclusion that the vehicle was not at immediate risk of damage if driven at low speed for a short distance. I had to continue my drive to work and did so at low speed, and in fact the shifting problem disappeared by itself. This scenario has happened twice, which is certainly not every time that the battery has gone dead. Because many functions are controlled by the computer, I would not be surprised if the high rpm and failure to upshift were also a result of the dead battery.
During that phone call to GM Customer Service, I also mentioned that the hour meter had shown 0.0 after the heated windshield washer recall service had been carried out and that I had been told that this was "because the battery must have gone dead". While not commenting directly on that statement, the tech did mention that the recall procedure called for the service tech to reprogram the actual hours if required. Obviously, this had not been done. Why do the they tell me that "the battery must have gone dead" when they know better? Or perhaps they did not know better!
Anyway, that brings me to the current status of the vehicle. The battery still goes dead overnight or in 2-3 days.
I was looking at replacing the battery and will do so if needed, but I don't want to replace the battery if the problem is with the vehicle.
That is when I discovered this thread with GM Bulletin No.: 09-08-50-017B with the clear GM instructions "Important: DO NOT replace the RHSM or the battery for this concern". The solution according to the GM bulletin is to "Reprogram the RHSM (Rear Heated Seat Module) with the latest software calibration". I certainly will NOT rush out to buy a new battery.
It's Sunday night and tomorrow morning I will call GM Customer Service and perhaps the dealer about this. I am somewhat reluctant to do the latter considering the fact that the problem started to happen after they did the recall service where I was told that "the battery must have gone dead" and where the actual engine hours were not reprogrammed (and perhaps not even recorded).
It's ironic that, as I am writing this, I have received the monthly OnStar Vehicle Diagnostic by e-mail. That message informs me that no technical issues have been found with our vehicle (all green). Looking at the time stamp, it is clear that these data have been collected while our vehicle sat idling in the driveway to partially recharge the battery after having been boosted with the power pack because of a totally dead battery. I know, I should not let let it idle, instead I should drive around (with the power pack in the vehicle for sure), but I do not have the time nor the inclination to do so.
I still drive around with a power pack in the cargo area and I have had to use it on many occasions. In fact, we have replaced the original power pack with a new one with higher capacity. When we want to use the vehicle, I usually get ready 10 minutes earlier to allow for the boosting, if needed. My wife is reluctant to use the vehicle because she does not want to have to go through the "boost with power pack routine". Should we be concerned again about the possibility of an electrical fire?
It's a great vehicle when it runs, but this is not what we expected when we bought a new vehicle that is maintained regularly at a GM dealership. We wish they would fix these electrical/computer problems once and for all.
Randomly the car will shut off while driving. All electrical functions dead. Wait a few minutes the car will start again.
I replaced the battery and made sure the "Super fuse" on the firewall have tight connections.
So far the dealer has replaced the ECM, BCM, the main fuse block and the ignition switch. Each time the car comes back from the dealer is operates fine for about 1 week and then starts to act up again. The last episode found the clock reset after the car sat idle, (not running), for a few hours. this has happened twice since the last service when they, (Courtesy Chevrolet in San Jose) replace the fuse block and ignition switch. My Daughter sure could use some help on this one.
Thanks
One thing I also wonder about is the remote start. We just started using it about 2 weeks ago for the first time. Now all of the sudden, my car won't start.
Has anybody ran across a problem like this with their car? I am at my wits end..I am a traveling photographer, and have gotten stranded at a handful of shoots because of this.
Any help is appreciated greatly!
However, for those of you with similar issues that the engine won't turn over and it appears no fuel is getting to the engine, and BEFORE paying your mechanic to replace your fuel pump or anything similar, go to youtube and check out this video that was recently sent to me. Just type in "Stories from the Road, GM Passlock Issue from Hell" I believe this may be the issue with many of these GM/Chevy vehicles.
Anyway, my 96 Tahoe is doing something very similar. It does not have onstar, does have a code alarm security but it is pretty basic. If the battery is even a little weak, you can turn the key hear the solenoid click but the starter wont spin. With a jump it will and the engine will start. With a new battery it will start (hope it continues.) The alternator tests perfect, AAA can't detect any meaningful battery draw when car is off. Yet old (6 mos old) battery still seems to weaken a little and then be incapable of starting car in just a few days. HMMM. Haven't figured it out, but I suspect there maybe some low level battery draw when car is off and If it is not going to be run for a week or two AAA advised to disconnect neg battery wire. But, batteries that test with still a decent charge may not start it. Original starter/solenoid still in it. Battery wires, connectors, posts clean. Startign to suspect the original 15 yr old starter is getting finnicky and takes alot of voltage to get it to initiate. A recent ECM readout showed no faults. Well, if my new replacement battery (convinced retailer it was battery problem as AAA also thought)starts being incapable of starting it, I will probably go ahead and replace starter and starter solenoid. Don't know what else to think at this time and that is not a big repair. A do it your selfer.
Please email me the last 8 digits of your VIN and I can check to see if there are any open recalls on your vehicle.
Thanks!
Sarah
GM Customer Service
Used to Own 07 Tahoe new from showroom If you have radio or lights on without running engine for a few minutes....IT WOULDN'T START!!!
Same with 04 Tahoe Chevy saying they have never heard of this problem shows they are liars!!!! This is a design fault that they dont want to admit and pay for.
My Wife and 5 kids just got stuck in the middle of nowhere again!! Last GM (Government Motors) vehicle for us!