Here’s the latest reader question, along with my reply!
Joseph asks: We have a 2022 Chevy Tahoe that we bought brand new. It has 40,000 miles on it. About a month ago we had extended cranking when trying to start the car. Battery cranked at normal speed but would take 5-7 seconds to start. We had a battery load test and the alternator was also checked at Medford Battery, both tests came back good. We also have an additional issue. Occasionally when the Tahoe starts up it instantly goes to full RPM redline for about 10 seconds and then kicks down to normal idle RPM. This scares us because we think it could do this while in drive and our two small children are typically in the car. I worry that this may happen while my wife is driving and she will lose control of the car. We took the Tahoe to Airport Chevrolet, who sold us the vehicle. They had it for 2 weeks and can’t figure out what the problem is. They see low voltage “ghost codes” when they plug their analyzer in but they say they can’t diagnose it without an active code. So we took the car to TC Chevrolet, the other GM dealership that is in the rogue valley. They have had the car now for two weeks and they are also telling me the same story.
I opened a case up with GM but we aren’t getting anywhere. We literally just paid the car off this summer and now we can’t drive it. It’s been in the two shops for a total of 4 weeks. This has been really hard on us for trying to get our kids to school/work and sports while sharing a car. Any advice or suggestions you have for our situation?
My reply: This is potentially much worse than you’ve described. I mean the part about the engine running to redline at start (including, I presume, cold start) for tens seconds. Or any. This could result in catastrophic engine failure (due to oil starvation). And the odds are that if you can’t prove the ECU (the computer) caused the engine to run to redline, GM will not replace the engine under warranty. They are likely to claim “abuse.” I would stop driving this vehicle until the issue is found and fixed. I wish I could dial back the clock and advise you to video record this happening, so you have evidence it is happening.
The issue with the extended starting could be caused by many things; if this were a simpler vehicle (i.e., simply fuel-injected) I’d lean toward low voltage, which would allow the starter to crank but might not be enough voltage for the EFI to operate properly. But it could be any of several other things and the frustrating thing – as you have found out – is that even trained GM techs can’t figure it out.
In any event you have a big problem on your hands. Based on the redline start issue, I’d consider seeking legal advice about a buyback. Lemon laws may apply re the extended starting thing if they can’t find and fix that. But the redline RPM thing is much more than a hassle. It could leave you with a nearly new vehicle that needs a new and very expensive engine. GM has already recalled 6.2 V8s in various models due to catastrophic failures.
Please keep me posted – I am very sorry to hear about this and will do what I can to help.
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If you like what you’ve found here please consider supporting EPautos.
We depend on you to keep the wheels turning!
Our donate button is here.
If you prefer not to use PayPal, our mailing address is: EPautos 721 Hummingbird Lane SE Copper Hill, VA 24079
