YACT: My Tahoe would'nt start this morning, where can I take it and not get raped?

[Arkitech]

So I got ready to go to work this morning, turned the ignition and the car would'nt start. I hear it trying to turn over but for some reason it does'nt kick in. The battery is fine, I always change the oil every 3 months give or take a couple of weeks and I just filled up the gas tank the night before.

However the "check engine" light came on a couple of days ago, I thought perhaps it might have been that the air filter needed changing so I had that swapped out with a new one. The light persisted but then it went away, I thought maybe it had something to do with the type of gas I had used. But then just yesterday on my way home from work it came on again. I stopped to get gas and on the way back home from the station I noticed it went out again. This morning it would'nt start.

I had planned on taking it in to a shop this weekend to have it looked over anyway so now I guess I'll have to do it sooner. One other I noticed is that in the morning when I back out of my garage and then change to drive the truck hesistates momentarily, I don't know if that means if I need trans fluid or if something else is going bad.


So where should I the truck to get a fair estimate on any work that might need to be done? The local car dealers in my area are crooks, that leaves Pep Boys, Sears, Montgomery Wards or some other chain. Any suggestions?

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

AAMCO....

 

[shuan24]

Whatever you do, make sure you get a second opinion.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

a car forum online, maybe it's something simple and easy

Edit: I know you posted it here, but many other forums too would be a good idea to diagnosing it yourself

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Did you check the manual?

How do you know the battery is fine?

 

[JulesMaximus]

If it won't turn over then it's probably the battery. Try jumping it.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

well, I actually read the post now, and it's not likely your tranny. Seems silly, but the Ford I drive at work would die intermittently and the check engine light came on....problem? Gas cap was not on tight. Go figure....

 

[GoodToGo]

I had a problem like that once, turns out my mass air intake valve (or something along those lines) was busted. It was a major major repair

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
How do you know the battery is fine?

It cranked the engine.


What's the model year? If '98 or newer (OBDII), a Check Engine Light usually means that something is wrong with emissions, intake/exhaust, and/or tuning. 02 sensor, MAF sensor, knock sensor, crank angle sensor, ECU, misfiring, etc. Take it to a shop so they can pull the code(s) and diagnose the problem.

 

[Arkitech]

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
Did you check the manual?

How do you know the battery is fine?

I just bought a new battery within the last year plus the engine was turning over so I think it should still be good. I could'nt find the manual, although I should look for it again

 

[Arkitech]

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
How do you know the battery is fine?

It cranked the engine.


What's the model year? If '98 or newer (OBDII), a Check Engine Light usually means that something is wrong with emissions, intake/exhaust, and/or tuning. 02 sensor, MAF sensor, knock sensor, crank angle sensor, ECU, misfiring, etc. Take it to a shop so they can pull the code(s) and diagnose the problem.

Its a 99 Tahoe and for what its worth it has about 117k on the mileage. I do a lot of miles every week

Do you have any idea what it cost to have a diagnostic run?

 

[brtspears2]

Autozone pulls the OBD codes for free.

 

[Viperoni]

Are we correct in assuming it cranks but just won't start?

 

[Arkitech]

Originally posted by: Viperoni
Are we correct in assuming it cranks but just won't start?

yep thats what's happening, it cranks fine but it just won't start