Need a mechanic

[Shao Feng-Li]

Ok, we have a 1999 Chevy Tahoe LT (4 door and 4 wheel drive auto transfer case). We've had brake work done- replaced pads and master cylinder and emergency brake lines, had new seals put on the transfer case and transmission, replaced the lower steering arm and CV joint and had it aligned (Normally 4WDs don't need such things, but it did because of the steering arm) and had the fuel sending unit replaced. This was all done last summer

Just yesterday, we drove about town and everything was fine. We tried starting it up today and it won't start. When you turn the key, the sites will come on but the windows won't roll down. There's a single "click" noise in the engine compartment. That's the only noise we get out of the thing, except for the fuel pump. Also, when I have the key turned all the way, I can shift gears and turn the key both ways.

Anyway, my brother said that this happened a few days ago, but he tried starting it a few times and then it started right up.

Prior to all this, we've never had a problem starting the vehicle. One turn and it came right to life.

Help?

[Esoteric]

I'm not a mechanic, but it sounds like an electrical problem. Could be a bad ignition coil, distributor, loose wire or any number of things. But the fact that you don't even hear the engine 'turn over' when you turn the key suggests that the ignition system is a good place to start your investigation.
Good luck.

[Raiden no Kishi]

Also, check your battery. It could very likely be a low battery. Do you have another, properly functioning vehicle and some jumper cables? If you can successfully jump-start the Tahoe, it would seem to me to be a battery problem.

.rai//

[ChristianKitsune]

Also, check your battery. It could very likely be a low battery. Do you have another, properly functioning vehicle and some jumper cables? If you can successfully jump-start the Tahoe, it would seem to me to be a battery problem.

.rai//

this is what I was thinking too... batteries sometimes need to be changed ever 4-5 years, so i've heard...and the click is a standard clue. ^^;

Also check the alternator...sometimes this can go out.

maybe you left the accessory light on or something xD

have you tried jumping it?

[Shao Feng-Li]

I don't believe it to be the battery. All the light come one, head lights, and nothing ever dims. Radio comes one, fuel pump hums, etc.

It just won't crank/even try to turn over.

[Raiden no Kishi]

If my memory of my own experiences serves, this can happen with a low battery. You just don't have enough "juice" to make the engine turn over. Other things may run, but not the engine. I'd still try jumping it when you have the time. At worst, you will eliminate a possible cause and be a step closer to your solution.

.rai//

[Warrior4Christ]

If my memory of my own experiences serves, this can happen with a low battery. You just don't have enough "juice" to make the engine turn over. Other things may run, but not the engine. I'd still try jumping it when you have the time. At worst, you will eliminate a possible cause and be a step closer to your solution.

.rai//

When mine is flat, it doesn't even try turning over - it just goes click. And the stereo/lights/whatever can still appear to work fine. When it's not flat, it starts fine - it's never halfway attempting to turn over.

So it could be the battery. Or it might not be. But it's the easiest thing to start with.

[Raiden no Kishi]

When mine is flat, it doesn't even try turning over - it just goes click. And the stereo/lights/whatever can still appear to work fine. When it's not flat, it starts fine - it's never halfway attempting to turn over.

So it could be the battery. Or it might not be. But it's the easiest thing to start with.

Precisely.

.rai//

[Esoteric]

If my memory of my own experiences serves, this can happen with a low battery. You just don't have enough "juice" to make the engine turn over. Other things may run, but not the engine. I'd still try jumping it when you have the time. At worst, you will eliminate a possible cause and be a step closer to your solution.

Yes, and on that note, if you try a new battery and it dies quickly too, then the problem is likely your alternator. The alternator is responsible for recharging your battery while your drive. If it doesn't, your battery will die fast (even though it's still a good battery).

[Shao Feng-Li]

It just seems odd that the battery would go out like that. One reason I think that it's not that battery is that the same thing happened a few days ago, only it started after a few tries. And everything but the windows work.

[Shao Feng-Li]

lol, battery cables weren't making contact. Need a lock washer :B

[Ingemar]

It's also possible that there's a ground in your car's wiring. That can drain the battery even if the alternator is fine.

[Shao Feng-Li]

Nope, nothing drained from the battery.

Loose cable was all the problem, lol

[Warrior4Christ]

It's also possible that there's a ground in your car's wiring. That can drain the battery even if the alternator is fine.

Wouldn't that create pretty sparks?
Where would be a high impedence (unwanted) ground connection?

[ich1990]

I am glad you got it fixed.

In about 90% percent of all vehicles I have worked on, that "click" noise when you turn the key means that the battery isn't getting a good enough connection. To fix that, try cleaning or scraping the battery terminals (they are usually made out of lead, and therefore corrode easily). If you can't do that, try wiggling the wires coming out of the battery.

Just something to keep as a reference for the future. I have "fixed" several vehicles and my dad has "fixed" many more by simply cleaning battery terminals.