Chevy Tahoe: Crank No Start

In this video I bring you through the process I use to diagnose a "crank, no start" on a Chevrolet Tahoe. I was told this happened right after the customer changed his power steering pump!? Could that be related to the issue? Let's find out. -Enjoy!
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@springsteenguy]

I remember when Eric had less than 2000 subs. Now he has hundreds of thousands. His channel is the same now as it was then. He just consistently makes excellent videos that are entertaining. How can someone be so consistent? Just one amazing video after another for years. Best mechanic on KZbin.

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

at about 2000 subs when I subbed Eric. What I like now compared to then is he isn't afraid to do what he does! What I mean by that is he fixes stuff and isn't afraid to show using unconventional tools to do his job as he does it, critics be damned. This makes his channel stand out!

[@rimmersbryggeri]

Eric is consistent because he isnt scripted. His script is his experience and his muscle memory.

[@andytaylor1588]

I remember the first one I watched. It took me a few replays before I cottoned onto the issues n procedures to diagnose a very tricky coil issue. It was intense.

[@Drknt7]

Reading these comments sounds like you are getting a raise Mr. O. Your yearly evaluation looks outstanding. 😎😎😎

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

I have learned a lot from watching Eric O and other great mechanics. Lots of effort is put out to bring consistent video content! My small channel proves that.

[@GK7GARAGE]

Towed from Massachusetts, diagnosed in 6 minutes, that’s why you’re a legend Mr.O. Cheers

[@feeneysmechanical6215]

How about the couple that drove their jeep from British Columbia to the east coast of the United States. Stop at South main Auto and it's fixed. Because nobody up in b.c. could fix it. When customer's tow cars from other states. Rest to sure you know your stuff. Nice work Eric

[@talenttrading]

@@feeneysmechanical6215 I have one in Oregon I should probably tow to new york, I know he can fix it :)

[@feeneysmechanical6215]

@@talenttrading what issues are you having?

[@talenttrading]

@@feeneysmechanical6215 I'm thinking it's a faulty ground. 3 computers later and still no communication with the with the port. It broke in Texas and I bought a new truck then towed it to Oregon 😬

[@talenttrading]

All that happened after I touched the fuses to get the cigarette lighter working. It's a Florida car it's probably been submerged in a storm surge lol

[@hatfez]

You're slowly becoming the king of the short videos. That's what happens when you're good! Nice diagnostics, little fella!

[@TheJmich2001]

And this is why you have almost a half million subs, top job as usual sir!

[@ppark2123]

It’s a good Monday when you wake up to an SMA video!!!

[@j.cooper2246]

Seems if it ran before you did power serving pump and then it wouldn't run afterwards 1st place I would look would be down around that pump. Spend $20 get a service manual they are worth their wiring diagrams alone. I just replaced power steering cooler and pressure line on my 04 Silverado so very familiar with The vehicle and engine compartment. 6:40 in the morning cup of coffee and som sma.. Now time for work. Thank you Eric O for the video you in the family and Jason and josh,all stay healthy..

[@crisprtalk6963]

"Towed it all the way from Massachusetts." Holy loyal viewer Batman!!!

[@renderingrocks]

its worth the trip to grab some sma swag

[@langer24106]

@@renderingrocks And get your car fixed the right way!

[@bigalfrombrewster1842]

When you're good,your good!

[@crisprtalk6963]

@@renderingrocks I looked it up.. from the western side of Massachusetts..... Pittsfield say , it is a 275 mile tow to Avoca. His tow was probably more. For me that is the true true story of this video and Eric's channel.

[@tomhoehler3284]

@@crisprtalk6963 And NOW we know, the rest of the story.....

[@andyeckel7195]

“What part of Suck-Squeeze-Bang-Blow are we missing?” Ahhhhh, it is lovely to wake up on a Monday morning to a new SMA video. 😂🤓

[@markh.6687]

Sadly I'm missing all four parts of the cycle :( . But my car starts.

[@LFBsmokealarm]

@@markh.6687 Haha, know the feeling!

[@Hawk1966]

That should be on a t-shirt.

[@joeymatthews8233]

I absolutely enjoy watching your video's , they're so packed full of useful information and you go above and beyond to show steps of how everything is done! You have a forever subscriber here.

[@kirbyschneider4187]

I’d drive from St. Louis for him to work on my electrical. Even when you find the problem, you go further just to make sure. Very thorough. Professional.

[@justfixit9726]

Been watching for years, thanks for helping me fix the wifes car today

[@allanszast7579]

Big clue was it ran, put ps pump in then didn't run. Always go back to the last thing you did and double check your work. Usually you'll find the problem.

[@backyardbasher]

That's great but you can't take what a customer said as gospel, he could have done lots of other things he didn't mention.

[@TheDeadfast]

@@backyardbasher I think Allan's comment was directed at the customer.

[@davemcgaffney9401]

Notice how close the sheared wire was to the ps pump... It probably got caught between the belt and the pulley when first start was attempted (ran for short while) then was ripped in half... I agree with go to the area you last worked on... As always a good video Mr O...

[@tomhoehler3284]

@@davemcgaffney9401 Yes. When I saw that clean cut wire, the same thing occurred to me! Glad it was a ground wire, not his finger!

[@Cheepchipsable]

Too true - usually you have disconnected something or bumped or pinched something when you dis-assembled/reassembled.

[@dajoway]

Great video! You’re diagnosing this truck was spot on after you remember that the customer had been messing with the power steering pump! Eric I love the humor you put in your videos thanks again! David Upham

[@robgaskins6505]

Eric has saved me a whole lot of money and frustration using his videos to work on my 1999 Chevy Tahoe! I love this guy! Hero to the common working man

[@X360KBaller]

I literally just worked on a Silverado, same problem. My buddy googled for hours trying to find a vid like this. Great work

[@sidwalker6902]

Mr O. even got everybody's Monday started.

[@SmudgyContent]

Why why did u have to gone off and pop off saying something like that...

[@vikkilott5923]

I want to thank you for doin these vids..... they save people so much money! I wish I lived closer to you so you could work on my vehicle!

[@filmmakershelp]

Your videos are some of the most useful I have ever found for my truck. Can’t really put in words my friend how much we that need this education appreciate it. Keep making videos.

[@johnhennessy1103]

You are one of a kind mechanic ..Eric you’re the best 👍👍👍 all the way from Australia

[@jorgefernandez-mv8hu]

You are the man with the golden hands! Straight forward diagnosis and done.👍👍👍

[@DIYDaveOK]

You know it's gonna be a great week when Monday starts with an SMA video notice! Thanks, Eric!

[@VWWRENCHIE]

Another example of the well grounded service. and diagnostics techniques used every day at SMA.👍

[@UppyJC]

Always makes my day to see a new video from Eric

[@richardpflieger2049]

I watched my buddy do this exact repair yesterday on his 03 Chevy SS pickup. The only difference was his bad ground was the ground connection on the left side of the engine block shown in your diagram. He diagnosed as you did to reveal the culprit.This video was perfect to diagnose the issue. Awesome stuff here Eric! Thank you for all you do.

[@rickbaker4571]

B&E with SMA and DR O... good way to start the week.

[@gn926]

Diagnosed by a true master tech, firm handshake Mr. O!

[@ricanderson5717]

A new SMA video is a Great way to start the week😊

[@rodbennett4790]

G'day from Down Under Eric. I've just come across your channel - removing a broken spark plug in a 5.4 Ford was the first one. I have just one word for you. EXCELLENT! A mechanic who can do diagnostics, not just change your oil and tyres.

[@walterburns8489]

I luckily don't live too far away from you Eric. I know some day I'm gonna bring my vehicle to you to have you work on it. After watching your videos, I have total faith in your work.

[@pinner2110121]

I'm happy I stumbled across your vehicle you sir, are a lifesaver thank you i changed my power steering pump and I tested the ground after I seen this video and there was no ground

[@sting1111]

I always enjoy that he is modest and he is the best but does not beat up people who try to fix cars themselves. Not true in the hvac world...they feel threatened by the customer who pays them. He knows where his bread is buttered and treats all with respect.

[@ChrisVargasrpht2000chris]

you make it look so easy, I notice you go to the manuals quite a bit and can see why you find the true problem over someone who just guesses's' what the problem might be. You do quality work. Nice job.

[@mazdajason]

Not to be rude because I agree he does quality work however have you ever heard the phrase “educated guess” a lot of times when you try something it either works or does not so how is testing a theory on something that may have 3-5 different circuits attached to it in your opinion a bad thing?

[@tpetry1303]

I have say Thank You very much for this video. I was having this problem with my 04 GMC that I just traded for this past Saturday. Needless to say it broke down on my way home. Got it towed to my house on Tuesday. Got a chance to work on it tonight. I checked the ground and it broke off in my hand. I fixed it and it started right up. If I didn't watch this video I'd be up the creek. Thanks again. Got to love these Delaware County N.Y. trucks.

[@juddydonk6570]

Thank you Eric O! I just mended my Sierra thanks to this video. No parts required!

[@jeffschoenthaler1944]

Wife’s 2003 Yukon Denali wouldn’t start for her several times. Each time I came home from work and tried it started. Confused on what could be happening I started researching crank but no start on KZbin. Came across numerous sites, but not useful until viewing this site from Eric. Was planning to take into local mechanic tomorrow but thought let’s take a look at ground wire. Reached down , found wire and began moving a little. One little pull and up came the wire. It must have been barely attached. Spliced in new wire and grounded on top of engine. Turned key and engine started right up! Thanks Eric for taking the time to video and explain your repair. I’ve watched many of your other videos with similar success. Super helpful! Keep up the great work. You Da MAN!

[@tarkus21]

THANK-YOU THANK-YOU THANK-YOU...I changed the power steering pump...then crank no start...looked you up and there it was ..a corroded ground wire on the block...you saved me countless hrs and massive frustration...Your the best...thank-you

[@randyrogers4216]

Discovered SMA early in the covid panic and now is my go to site on u-tube. Knew I was definitely in the right place as rust is a fact of life here (UP of Michigan) and (more importantly) Mrs. "O" was fixing venison for lunch one day. My wife enjoys the videos too. Thanks much. RR

[@brandondohme6314]

Thank you! This helped me out tremendously! This was the exact story as the vehicle I was working on (power steering pump replacement) and no start afterwards.

[@roadrunnanokidd7303]

This guy is the truth! Whenever I see him on a video, I know that I can trust it💪🏾

[@gregorythomas333]

Eric O. is the best diagnostic mechanic I have ever seen!!

[@spelunkerd]

What a great learning case, probably a viewer like all of us. When a new problem happens after I work on a car, nine times out of ten it is something I did.

[@joshr.5199]

I wish you were my local mechanic you're such a good, wholesome guy!

[@kc360awareness]

@SMA - Thanks for diag video. I was about to start a boycott of brake job vids. You’re a humble man to admit even making small mistakes in judgment. Few these days are willing to admit any personal fault.

[@jetenginethrust863]

Great job, I've got a 2005 Chevy Avalanche flex fuel 5.3 just like that engine. Good to know info, thank you for taking the time to record it and share it with us. I can see why people would tow their vehicle to your shop hundreds of miles away. Good workmanship, you take pride in your work, you don't half ass it, you teach us how to do these repairs for free to us, your honest and have integrity my Friend something that you do not see very much of these days unfortunately. Take care and GOD Bless you and your beautiful Family Eric.

[@bomonte]

Brother, Im not a mechanic but do know basic stuff. I want yo thank you how your footage gets to be thorough in your diagnoses. Ive been having codes on my Ford and now with your posts im gonna check all my wires ,it could be something that simple. Keep em coming. Shout out from Los Angeles...

[@davidriccitiello6421]

As a mechanic myself, knowing what the customer touched last is important. In this case, touched the power steering pump and then a no start condition, inspect the area for harness issues or wires left off like a ground. I knew when the mechanic said it's a ground issue, I said power steering pump, look there lol, good job because he knows how to diagnose an issue.

[@guymitchell3842]

Great Find Eric. You are the best mechanic I’ve seen. I want an old car that I can sit in and work on without all the elms and stuff like my father taught me. Today’s cars are crammed with 100 lbs of stuff and you practically have to take 10 different things off just to replace the one you want. You make it all look easy.

[@Brian-lw4su]

Thumbs up even before the swing of the arm and the 'HEY THERE VIEWER'S, AND WELCOME BACK TO THE SOUTH MAIN AUTO CHANNEL' always a smile when the notification bell rings when Eric uploads some more videos. Keep up the great work Eric.

[@peterhodgkins6985]

My only concern is that we ain't got anyone like Eric out here in the desert! ;) Another rapid diagnosis and zippy repair job! Always a pleasure to listen to your thought processes.

[@charlesballinger325]

Just want to say thank you! My 03 avalanche wouldn't run and after looking for some videos with my issues I find this video checked it just the way you did and found out it was the same ground truck runs great now thank you for posting this!!!!

[@charlesdavis9755]

It doesn't matter how far he towed it. What does matter is that it now runs. Great job again Eric O. Matthew Ross is correct. Best mechanic on KZbin. Best mechanic period.

[@danielesilvaggi]

Working on brand new vehicles is nothing like working on old ones, great job bro.

[@frozenstang3868]

Good job on showing a logical process to diagnose a self inflicted problem . When i get clappers like that in the shop i always ask myself what did the owner screw up when he was working on it. You are in the rust belt and ground must be a constant issue especially the ones on the frame under the drivers side door, they can get pretty hideous. That truck was a real gem , good diagnosis alway great to have anothers perspective.

[@thelastwrap7756]

That's nice a mechanic that finds and fixes the problem instead of just changing parts out saying "its probably this or that." $1500 later finds the loose ground wire while changing the power steering pump. Good job there on not being that way. Restoring my faith in auto mechanics.

[@carypassik6161]

Great, to the point video. In this case, no fancy diagnostic tests needed. About 90% of diagnoses in people can be made from good history taking(ie-it happened right after the power steering pump), a directed physical exam(let's look around that pump)and a thorough knowledge of, in this case, Tahoe anatomy.(what lives next to the pump?)

[@sloankettering4432]

Troubleshooting skills are impressive sir a true mechanic right here

[@XxorangeslicesxX]

I grew up working on older vehicles (30's - 80's) so watching your videos is like exploring a whole new side to mechanics.

[@russlehman2070]

A bad ground for the ignition coil(s) will keep any of them from running.

[@leereynolds2911]

me too all old vehicles.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

"customer wants remote starter left in"! Must know *Eric O* ! *Snip!* *Snip!*

[@7curiogeo]

Sure have read a lot about GM ground issues. Amazeing something so simple and common causes so much issue. But you nailed it. Total pro.

[@hpelisr]

Well done Eric, We need to see more.

[@jrneff9773]

at last another sma fix for me this show is my drug of choice thanks mr o

[@MakinEndsMeet69]

Amazing most of the time it is a bad ground my son-in-law has the same problem with his truck and of course we found it there was more than one bad ground. Great job Eric stay safe stay well and as always God bless

[@powermoveschris9891]

Best mechanic/technician out there!! 💪🏽💪🏽

[@andytaylor1588]

The sneakiest one I've ever encountered was a plug in that had gone crusty and was about to fail, but still worked, up until we replaced the water pump. There were no electrical connections in the immediate area, but just the vicissitudes of mechanical parts replacement had jostled the connection enough that the engine was no bueno for start. Of course, no diagram, no meter... Completely gobsmacked us. Took us literally an entire day to troubleshoot, at our cost and with a loaner car out for another day. A good visual inspection might have showed the crusty plugin in that case and we were at wits end. *THIS* channel helped us to think clearly and we found the culprit. We even comped the plug, in our embarrassment. Technology was purchased and one of the guys follows this channel voraciously.

[@markh.6687]

"The Vicissitudes of Mechanical Parts Replacement", a play in 3 acts....

[@chrislee6377]

another good video explained in english you are a good mechanic and you deserve everything you have great job

[@gregjones8501]

Good and quick informative video Eric! Now I’m waiting for one of these to roll through my shop!😎👍🏾

[@craighopple8527]

Gotta admit, usually give your vids a thumbs up BEFORE I watch! Watching that long I know better!!😎👍

[@freecycling6687]

Nice to see there's still at least ONE guy in America who knows what the hell he's doing!

[@Ownage4lif31]

Freecycling doesn't he live in Canada? Lol EDIT : seems not. Guess this is news to me. Why do I bother commenting. Makes more sense now.

[@neversurrender6742]

FIXED ME RIGHT UP! THANK YOU SIR! Had 2005 Silverado 5.3L....only thing different I checked for voltage at ground & saw 8 volts.... Needless to say tugged on ground behind PS pump & wire broke off eyelet. Mine was intermittent crank no start... Excellent video... I'm subscribing... Saved me a bunch of stress sir, TY TY TY & TY

[@kwinterburn]

Excellent job and the description we use for these when done is " and tiptoe quietly away" its going to be 100 percent trouble

[@bryangeorge9461]

I have an )3 Silverado that had a bad fuel pump connector. Put a ne ACDelco pump in and all was good. I also put a new radiator and power steering pump in it. Drove 300 miles and it died and this time no spark. I watched your video and was able to find a partially broken ground by the power steering pump. I tested the ground at the coil pack connector and the test light was dim. I wiggled the wire and the light got bright at which time the truck started. I wiggled the wire and the truck would quit. Thank you for the video ! It saved me a lot of time !

[@GlennHamblin]

Nice piece of troubleshooting right there! Great work Mr. O!

[@NebukedNezzer]

I have been fixing stuff for at least 60 years. one thing to learn early on. if you work on something and something else goes wrong. go back and look at what you did. this guy is NOT a trouble shooter. should be a good lesson for him to check his own work. Eric, you are the best.

[@johnware2735]

Eric Have you thought of writing a diagnosis manual ? Your logical approach makes your channel a must watch. If you ever do write one I’ll.be sure to buy it. Thanks Brit are 69

[@davidplante4624]

I broke down in my 2003 Yukon last night. Watched this video. Jumped the coil wiring to the (-) side of the battery and drove home. Fixed it this morning. Thanks

[@SouthMainAuto]

Glad it helped

[@ibodevelopment3187]

Dr. O ' s operation a complete success

[@allanszast7579]

Everything in life needs to be well grounded

[@timmyreconski5407]

You are quickly flying up my personal hero list.

[@ronniecardy]

I knew you would fix it. One of the best on youtube 🙌

[@sst9364]

Thank you for video. Excellent video. Gave me inside to why my truck might not start

[@johnclarke6542]

Always learning from you Mr O another great video you must of had a good teacher

[@grabovg]

Another great video from Eric O quick diagnosis quick fix!

[@jeremyhelton984]

Eric now has me motivated on a Monday🔧🔧🔩🤘

[@kimmoparkkila8989]

Thanks very much! My 2004 Escalade Esv was having exact same problem. Fixed that Wire and motor fired up with no problem.

[@michaelmankowski5092]

Thanks Eric. Glad you did this video I am a chevy / gmc guy.

[@agent1atl]

Nailed it!!! Always start were the client was messing.... Good one!

[@yatusabes909]

Very Nice, I Like How You Broke It Down With Your Thought Process Along The Way! 💯

[@haydenuk02]

Keep up the hard work and thanks for the content stay safe and take care

[@prep1989]

thanks for the Chev - Ro - Laaaay, always fun to hear. May have been a big tow bill, but it saved him from a parts canon job somewhere else. Nice job on that one.

[@richardbambenek2601]

Eric gets all the gnarly jobs the knuckle dragging parts cannon operator couldn't fix. What the other guys need is a smarts cannon.

[@generovinsky7228]

awesome dude you just helped me fix my no ground problem thanks dude man

[@jtb52]

Great thanks for video. Thanks to you I've been fixing (and sometimes breaking) more stuff. If I can do it....

[@joepellish5380]

This is funny. Apparently this is common on chevy trucks and suvs. This happened to my 04 silverado, the wire broke exactly where yours did and my fix was exactly the same thing that you did. Great minds think alike!

[@raywatson5356]

Finally a vid that gave me a direction to go I've checked everything but that.I just did head gaskets on my s10 zr2

[@orville58]

You make it look so easy thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamesbergfeld5923]

You got to love after market starts and alarms.

[@ramongalavis3328]

I used wacth every single of your videos. Thanks in advance 😊.

[@carlosmoreira779]

15 minutes...15 comments! Hey SMA...you're the best!

[@brianbutterworth8186]

Excellent video thank you for sharing. I always go to your videos for diagnostics you are very good at diagnostics

[@ajw6715]

You are excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wish I lived close to you man.

[@johntuttle5396]

First of all, let me say, that it is always something. And once again, your ability to establish what the "logic" tree for the electrical problem was, allowed you to quickly find that something. Which in this case was pretty obvious once you knew where to look. Your friend Scotty always says to "find a mechanic you can trust". Living in Massachusetts myself, I am not surprised that your customer had to leave Massachusetts to find a very "good mechanic". Here in "Mass" there seems to be way too many of parts cannon operators and "service techs"who don't like to get their hands dirty but have no problem charging top dollar for their lack of "service". On a separate note, I am secure enough in my masculinity to note that your nose seems okay to me. support. 😊