2002 GMC Sierra starting problem

NNICHOLAS

MEMBER
2002 GMC SIERRA
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
109,000 MILES

We have an occasional problem in which the engine will not turn over after driving the truck and shutting it off for a short period. After waiting 5 to 20 minutes it will crank right up. We replaced the battery and verified the cables are tight. All the electrical equipment works, but it won't turn over immediately.

3 Replies

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

I need some more specifics on your vehicle to better assist you. Is your vehicle a C1500, a C1500 Yukon, C1500 HD, 2500 etc? Also, I need the size your of your engine in liters and the 8th digit of your VIN.

Now when you say it won't turn over... Does that mean when you turn the key, the dash lights come on but the engine make no noise at all... Nothing happens?

Or, you turn the key, the dash lights come on and the engine rotates making noise, but it doesn't fire off or start?

Well, what I need you to do is please go to Auto Zone (AZ) or O'Reilly's (OR) and for FREE they can pull the codes to the car. Most important: Once they check your codes, if they find something and you don't get it fixed and need to get back with us, please make sure you tell us exactly what the code was, number and all. Example, if the code was E0568 O2 Sensor bad. Then make sure you give us all of that. While there for FREE also they can bring their tester out and check your battery, alternator and starter.

Get back with me once you have pulled the codes so we can take it from there.

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Sunday, December 7th, 2008 AT 12:25 AM

NNICHOLAS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

It's a c1500 with a small V8, 5 liter I think. I'll get the vin number and the engine size separately if necessary.

What I mean by not turning over is exactly that--turn the key and nothing--the engine doesn't move. All other Lights and radio works seemingly all electrical functions, engine is dead. After 5 to 20 minutes it will start normally.

Both Auto Zone and O'Reilly's are close, Since the check engine light as not come will there be a code?

This problem is intermittent and only happens occasionally. I'll get back to you with the codes.

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Sunday, December 7th, 2008 AT 7:48 AM

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

Thanks for the info. Yes, to better assist you I do need the engine size and 8th digit of the VIN.

My choices are 4.8L V, 5.3L T, 5.3L Z and 6.0L U for a C1500 Pick up. There are TSB, recalls that may apply to your problem or other things that would help you out.

Quick review of a 4.8L, there is a TSB discussing a problem with the ignition switch that will cause what you are discussing.

If you wanted... But please be safe and only do this if you understand. I don't want to take any responsibility for getting you hurt or the vehicle damaged.

If it were me, when it was dead when I turned the key, I would leave the key on where the lights are all lit up on the dash.I would take jumper cable and go from the positive post of the battery and touch the positive side of the starter where the positive cable attaches. If it starts or turns over... Then you know it is before all of that which is probably your ignition switch is bad.

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Sunday, December 7th, 2008 AT 5:24 PM