Tahoe & Suburban The power, space, and brutal towing ability make the Tahoe and its longer sibling, the Suburban, arguably the best full size SUV's on the market today.

2013 Chevrolet Suburban
Platform: GMT 400, 800, 900

2008 Suburban won’t start

Old Oct 29, 2019 | 7:14 PM
  #1  
Nattydrd81's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
Default 2008 Suburban won’t start

2008 Suburban 1500 LT 5.3L
Just finished a long block replacement. Leaving the coils & injectors unplugged and plugs out, I went to turn the motor over to prime the oil system. The first time I turned the key it tried to turn over but battery was too low. After charging I tried again but nothing happened. No click. Nothing. All the usual dash lights come on. Everything inside the cab works (windows, door locks, radio etc). The security light comes on and off in a couple seconds. The check engine light does not ever come on though. I got it to turn over and oil primed by jumping the start relay. It seems the ignition system will not energize with the key anymore.

Is there a problem with the ignition switch at the key? Or is this a BCM problem?

I need help!

Reply
Old Oct 30, 2019 | 1:48 PM
  #2  
oilcanhenry's Avatar
CF Monarch
 
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,605
Likes: 269
From: USA
Default

Originally Posted by Nattydrd81
2008 Suburban 1500 LT 5.3L
Just finished a long block replacement. Leaving the coils & injectors unplugged and plugs out, I went to turn the motor over to prime the oil system. The first time I turned the key it tried to turn over but battery was too low. After charging I tried again but nothing happened. No click. Nothing. All the usual dash lights come on. Everything inside the cab works (windows, door locks, radio etc). The security light comes on and off in a couple seconds. The check engine light does not ever come on though. I got it to turn over and oil primed by jumping the start relay. It seems the ignition system will not energize with the key anymore.

Is there a problem with the ignition switch at the key? Or is this a BCM problem?

I need help!
It has a non-serviceable fuel filter on the fuel pump so it could be clogged or bad fuel pump. Need to check fuel pressure with gauge. Might be a timing issue too or an electrical problem. Are you getting any OBD II codes?
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2019 | 2:04 PM
  #3  
Nattydrd81's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
Default

Fuel system has full pressure. No codes.
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2019 | 5:09 PM
  #4  
oilcanhenry's Avatar
CF Monarch
 
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,605
Likes: 269
From: USA
Default

Originally Posted by Nattydrd81
Fuel system has full pressure. No codes.
Are you getting any spark from the plugs?
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2019 | 6:30 PM
  #5  
Nattydrd81's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
Default

No spark because the ignition circuit will not turn on.
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2019 | 7:50 PM
  #6  
oilcanhenry's Avatar
CF Monarch
 
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 4,605
Likes: 269
From: USA
Default

Originally Posted by Nattydrd81
2008 Suburban 1500 LT 5.3L
Just finished a long block replacement. Leaving the coils & injectors unplugged and plugs out, I went to turn the motor over to prime the oil system. The first time I turned the key it tried to turn over but battery was too low. After charging I tried again but nothing happened. No click. Nothing. All the usual dash lights come on. Everything inside the cab works (windows, door locks, radio etc). The security light comes on and off in a couple seconds. The check engine light does not ever come on though. I got it to turn over and oil primed by jumping the start relay. It seems the ignition system will not energize with the key anymore.

Is there a problem with the ignition switch at the key? Or is this a BCM problem?

I need help!
I think you might have an issue with the camshaft sensor, or possibly the crankshaft sensor. Is the coil getting power? Could be the PCM or the ICM, but not likely.
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2019 | 9:21 PM
  #7  
Irish_alley's Avatar
I'm here for the party
5 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 83
From: Maryland
Default

think im confused. will the engine turn over with the key or will it not just run? are you getting 12v to the starter signal wire on the starter?
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2019 | 11:06 PM
  #8  
Nattydrd81's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
Default

The engine will not turn over with the key. I have checked continuity of all fuses. All good. Fuses that should have 12v when the ignition is on have 0v. I can only make the started work be jumping the start relay. I can’t find any ignition switch wire diagrams for a 2008 anywhere. ???
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2019 | 9:27 AM
  #9  
Irish_alley's Avatar
I'm here for the party
5 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 83
From: Maryland
Default

have you tried starting in neutral?
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2019 | 10:34 AM
  #10  
Nattydrd81's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
Default

Tried in neutral. No difference.
Reply

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 2:59 AM.