2003 H2 Intermittently Starts

[Suzie]

Thank you for your replies/help.

I asked my trusted local mechanic about checking the main ground from the battery to the engine block for a loose connection. He instantly said that is not the problem. If that were the problem, the car would not start at all.

Cerritos Hummer is sticking to their story that it is a faulty key ignition switch that is causing the problem. I finally told them to go ahead and replace it at their quoted price of $220. I do not believe this is causing the intermittent start problem. So I figure it will be another couple hundred tossed out the window on this same problem (already in for $700 and not fixed yet).

Update: Just got off the phone with an update. After recieving the okay to put in the not-needed new key ignition switch (I will eat dirt if I'm wrong), the service rep who IS Steve Devry, called to say when he started it to move it to GM down the street (not sure why I'm paying for Hummer and getting GM but he claims it doesn't matter)....the check engine light came on and the "REDUCED ENGINE POWER."

Sure am glad that perhaps they will now believe me, as they did not before. So I will write an update as this unfolds real time.

I also think Steve Devry is a nice enough person. I just wish he would return calls in a timely manner and LISTEN to the customer.

Why can't I take my car to a Hummer dealership and ask them to do the work I want done? I just want them to READ the GM Service Bulletin that states that intermittent starts can be corrected by reprogramming the PCM and TAC modules. I want them to at least consider this could be the problem.

As far as codes prior to today's start of the car, the codes that came up so far were 1518 (which my trusted mechanic already told me about) and 1875.

Devry said the 1518 is for the throttle body, that it is not getting 12 volts.
1875 is saying that the encoder motor is not working, according to Devry.

Does anyone out there know a really good mechanic at a Hummer dealership in southern California? I know someone mentioned a Mike S. at Tustin Hummer, but I am not familiar with any Hummer dealership in Tustin.

Thanks again for the help. I hope this thread hopes other Hummer owners that end up with the same problem.

[HUMTECH]

Subject:Intermittent No Crank, No Start (Clean Battery Side Terminal Stripped Threads, Replace Battery Cable Bolt) #02-06-04-015A - (03/07/2006)

Models:2001-2007 GM Passenger Cars and Light-Duty Trucks (Including Saturn)
2003-2007 HUMMER H2
2006-2007 HUMMER H3
2005-2007 Saab 9-7X
with Side-Mounted Battery Terminals

This bulletin is being revised to update the models and provide a new labor operation number for this repair. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Numbers 02-06-04-015 and 03-06-03-006A (Section 06 -- Engine/Propulsion System).
<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=1777093&psdid=293&evc=sm#ss1-1777093">Condition

Some customers may comment on an intermittent no crank, no start condition.
<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=1777093&psdid=293&evc=sm#ss2-1777093">Cause

This condition may be due to poor battery cable connections. Cross-threaded/stripped battery cable bolts inside the battery side post terminals may cause poor battery cable connections.
<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=1777093&psdid=293&evc=sm#ss3-1777093">Correction

To avoid replacing the battery , do the following steps:

? Clean the threads in the battery side post terminals using a 3/8" (#16) NC bottom tap.
? Replace the battery cable bolt.

The battery cable bolt is serviced separately from the cable and is available from your Parts Department. Be sure to use the correct bolt.
<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=1777093&psdid=293&evc=sm#ss4-1777093">Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time
N9551*
Repair Battery Side Post Terminal Threads and Replace Cable Bolt
0.5 hr
*This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.
<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=1777093&psdid=293&evc=sm#ss5-1777093">Warranty Information (Saab U.S. Models)

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

[Suzie]

Thanks Humtech for that input. I copied it and emailed it to the service rep.

Turns out the key ignition switch was not the problem.

The service rep suggested we just pay for it anyway and leave it in, even though the one in there was not bad. He said they go out all the time so it is a good idea to leave it in.

I believe now they want to put in a new throttle body module...for $460. Not sure if that is the right part and price, getting that verified. Will post tomorrow after I get an update.

Just hope I can get H2 back in time to get south for the Baja 1000. If not, I'll be stuck in a PT Cruiser. But at least it runs.

[tower]

Suzie,
I would try to get all my money back for the "fixes that weren't" and tell them that you will only pay for fixes from here on out that actually solve the problems. I suspect the Mike S to whom you refer is Mike Sabaresse. former Service Manager at Cerritos Hummer. He is the best! Unfortunately for Hummer owners, the H1 National Race Team has elected to pay him enough to race for them full time, so he is no longer at Cerritos Hummer.

[H2Finally]

A couple of days ago, the Tustin Hummer page in Google maps even mentioned the addition of Mike Sabbarese to their service dept. It's not there anymore, but here's a google cache mentioning the same. Again, no idea how Tustin service will do. But if you can get to speak & explain your problems to Mike personally, you'd have a fighting chance of finally fixing the problem, imho. Oh, and I'd keep calling rather than leaving a vm (Mike isn't that great at returning phone calls either).

[tower]

Originally Posted by H2Finally

A couple of days ago, the Tustin Hummer page in Google maps even mentioned the addition of Mike Sabbarese to their service dept. It's not there anymore, but here's a google cache mentioning the same. Again, no idea how Tustin service will do. But if you can get to speak & explain your problems to Mike personally, you'd have a fighting chance of finally fixing the problem, imho. Oh, and I'd keep calling rather than leaving a vm (Mike isn't that great at returning phone calls either).

Good catch, Horace! And to think that I bought that line of crap about him being hired away by the race team. Man, do I feel stupid! But thanks!

[HUMTECH]

I forgot to mention, if you are having an ignition switch problem(which is quite common) the tac module is fed from ign 1 power which feeds through the ign switch. Never seen an ign switch failure cause A reduced engine power problem but anything is possible. Also check that the throttle blade moves freely, remove the air intake hose and check by hand, may just need to be cleaned. If it binds at all it will set that code. Have your trusted mech also check pin grips and wiring to the tac module(remove any tape from harness and inspect harness) Any other questions feel free to ask. Hope it all works out for ya.