Intermittent issue of not having the power to drive up a steep grade

TPARK610

MEMBER
1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE
5.7L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
186,000 MILES

It has happened twice going up our driveway in the last 2 weeks. I back it down and drive it on flat roads and has no detectable issues. It has happened both times in 4WD high. Mentioning this solely for how it was being driven at the time it occurred. Always in 4WD high to climb our mountain road so not sure if the problem would occur in 2WD as well. The first time I noticed something was when I had to get over a rock in front of 1 tire from a stop sort of hesitated for 2 or 3 seconds and then finally got over it.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Hi,

That is a tough one. When you were in 4hi, did any of the wheels slip that could have actuated the traction control? Was there snow on the ground or conditions that required 4wd? Also, are any of the warning lights staying on in the instrument panel? There there is, lets start by having the computer scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. Here is a quick video showing how that is done:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

I realize that most people don't own a scanner, but oftentimes a parts store will do it free of charge.

Let me know if there are any other symptoms.

Take care,

Joe