1999 Chevrolet Suburban Cranks No Start

1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE
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TLSELBY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hello ..
Not sure if this is a catalytic converter problem -- our serivce engine light came on at one time, dealership said it was the converter -- husband said its not necessary to change it .. so we didn't.. now, 4 months later -- it won't start - it will crank and crank but won't fire. After a while, husband pumped the accelerator and finally it did fire -- fuel must not be getting there? Once it was started, when you press on the accelerator, you can hear it bog down then rev up .. ?? not sure if it's a fuel filter, or maybe injector problem -- or if we really do need to the the converter fixed .. ?? Any ideas??
Apr 3, 2006 at 8:00 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
90% chance it is the ignition module. It is inside the distributer and is easy to change. High failure in your model year. Good luck
Apr 3, 2006 at 8:12 AM
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TLSELBY
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  • 2 POSTS
we tried the fuel filter and the ignition module -- to no avail .. any other ideas?
Apr 3, 2006 at 2:04 PM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
I would do a static timing check to see if the plastic gears on the timing gear haven't moved a notch or so.

Pull #1 plug. hand move the engine to TDC with a screwdriver touching the piston and check that the timing mark is TDC. Check that the rotor points to number 1 cyl. I have seen the exact symptons with a bad timing gear and chain. #1 is the bank that sticks out the farthest. Good Luck
Apr 3, 2006 at 2:14 PM
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JOEYBOTTS
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  • 4 POSTS
when you get the engine running put your hand near the exhaust and have someone rev the engine. If it blows your hand away its not your cat converter.If it blows on your hand like a hair dryer ,its your converter. CHANGE IT. If you dont it could lead to more serious problems.
been there ,done that.
Mar 15, 2010 at 3:37 AM
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Suggested Repair

The fuel filter and ignition module were already replaced without success. Next, do a static timing check for a slipped timing gear or chain, and test whether the catalytic converter is restricted.

Conversation Summary

A 1999 Chevrolet Suburban cranks but will not fire, then starts only after pumping the accelerator and bogs before revving. A prior converter code was left unrepaired. An expert first suspected the distributor ignition module; after that and the fuel filter failed, the expert recommended a static timing check for a moved timing gear or chain. Another reply suggested an exhaust-flow test to see if the converter is clogged.

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