I have an 08 Tahoe Hybrid which in the last week has developed a strange habit.
When I first get in the truck it starts fine, drive for a few miles stop, do some business get in and drive some more. At the third time of asking the truck won't start. There is no power to the starter motor at all. All the other electrics work but it doesn't even turn over.
I see that the interior lights are still on.
The lights go out, and hey presto the truck starts, but the check engine light is illuminated on the dash!
The truck appears to be running fine despite this reluctance to start.
I decided to experiment and the remote start works, which led me to the theory it had something to do with the interior lights.
I then switched OFF the dome lights, and tried starting it. Hey presto the truck started normally and the check engine light didn't come on.
Any thoughts on what could be the problem? I'm a bit bemused by the whole thing its just very odd.

Rob Mck

 

Is this the original 12V battery? Most wierd problems like this go away with a new battery.

 

Yes its the original 12V battery.
I am a bit annoyed if i have to replace it after just 4000 miles - six months!!!!

Rob

 

I don't know much, but maybe there's a short circuit or a bad ground in regard to the dome lights? I remember someone else had a similar problem recently with another type of car, but I tried a search and can't find that thread. Maybe I was reading it over at cleanmpg.com.

 

Check the connections to the 12v battery.

 

Search elsewhere on this board for battery issues. There have been reported issues with the original 12V batteries on some of the 08's. Sounds like the 12V battery isn't holding enough charge to light up the domes AND start the engine. Most have reported that changing the battery out solves a lot the electrical related issues. Sounds silly but it' possible even on a "regular" car. When the dealer changes the battery out make sure they replace it with the Hybrid specific one, there's supposedly a specific model number for the battery in the Hybrid. Good luck ...

 

Search the threads. There's a technical bulletin out on the battery replacement. Bring it to your dealer and they should replace the battery under warranty. Mine was replaced in the first week of ownership and I haven't had any problems since (except when my wife leaves the radio on for hours!).

 

its new technology, you have an 8 year 100,000 mile warranty. big deal....they had a batch of batteries that were measured by their manufacturer (GM doesn't build EVERYTHING on the car) and incorrectly labeled. These were then installed in some 08's. Then they found the problem and corrected it.

end of story

 

Jet 1 ..
Because I am in Europe and DO NOT have the same warranty as purchasers in the US. I also don't have a dealer just around the corner.
Yes it is my choice to purchase a new tech vehicle, but a battery is very old tech and not something which should hinder the new tech working.

All the best
Rob

 

Rob,
what is the warranty on your vehicle pls, I also don't live in the US, and the warranty issued by the dealer is only 3years/60K KM