02 Tahoe problem starting (ignition switch?)

[PT'S 70 CST]

My wife has an 02 Z71 Tahoe and every now and then when you go to put the key in and turn it to start it up it does nothing. You can put the key in the ignition and turn it to the on position and the radio dash lights and all that stuff will come on but when you turn it to start it up it does nothing. Is there an ignition switch mounted on the steering column down close to the brake pedal. Has anyone had this problem or know where I may start to fix this problem.


Thanks PT

[67HEAVEN]

The problem is most likely a split wire inside the steering column. My 4-way flashers and hi-beams were acting up and after taking apart the plastic upper column surround (just behind the steering wheel) I found a wire that was just about tore through.

The wiring harness is a bit too short and the up and down of the tilt wheel causes these problems.

[PT'S 70 CST]

I have never fooled with taking these apart, is it hard to get the surround off.


Thanks PT

[67HEAVEN]

Originally Posted by PT'S 70 CST

I have never fooled with taking these apart, is it hard to get the surround off.


Thanks PT

The surround comes apart faily easily and the tilt wheel lever simply pulls off.....pull hard.

The problem I found was in snapping the surround back together. I have about a 1/16" gap between the top and bottom halves after the repair and glue seems to be the only solution for closing the gap. The problem would be when I need to get inside the surround again after gluing.

[67HEAVEN]

See my post #43 that shows the repair on my '04 Z71 Tahoe (photos included).

http://z71tahoe-suburban.com/iboard/...pic=3313&st=40

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[PT'S 70 CST]

Hey I am a member of that board. Thanks alot for the link.


PT

[GCncsuHD]

Before you tear into all that, I would check for a loose or corroded battery connection. A bad connection can let just enough current through to power lights/radio etc, but too much resistance for the starter to even so much as click the solenoid. And with the fluctuating temperatures lately it is highly likely it can have a good connection when warm and a bad connection when cold and vice versa.

If when you are having this issue, you pop the hood and jiggle the cables and it fixes it (temporarily) that is your issue, although sometimes the can be tight but corroded and this test will not work.