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

Convenient start feature moody

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 12, 2008 | 7:32 PM
  #1  
bimmerborn's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
Default Convenient start feature moody

2007 Tahoe has a "Convenient Start" feature, meaning one needs toturn the key to the start position just enough for giving a start signal to the computer to start the engine. Then the computer cranks the starter as long as requiredfor the engine to start. This is regardless of one holding the key in start position or not.
On my Tahoe this "Convenient Start" feature does not work all the time. Specially (I noticed) when the fuel level is too low. In this case, when giving the signal to the computer, the engine cranks one time and then stops. I am not sure if this is done by design or it is a bug. Your feedback is appreciated.
Reply
Old May 12, 2008 | 11:01 PM
  #2  
73shark's Avatar
Administrator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,337
Likes: 194
From: KC, MO area
Default RE: Convenient start feature moody

I use the "twist & release" start and it works even with the "low fuel" lite on.
Reply
Old May 13, 2008 | 4:45 PM
  #3  
ZX1100F1's Avatar
CF Addict
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 4
From:
Default RE: Convenient start feature moody

Quote from GM TSB:
"Some customers may comment that the engine starter will continue to run after the key is released.
For the 2003 through 2008 model years, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the starter relay based on input from the key switch. When the ignition switch is held in the start position for 0.4 seconds, the PCM/ECM start timer is activated. Once the start timer is activated, the PCM/ECM will continue to crank the starter until either the engine starts or a no start time limit is reached.
Occasionally, the fuel pump module will take one or two seconds to build fuel pressure. Often this will occur after the vehicle sits overnight. During some vehicle starts, the customer may release the ignition switch key before the engine actually starts. When this occurs, the engine will then continue to crank until the engine starts or the no start time limit is reached. This is a normal condition and no repairs should be attempted for this condition."
Reply
Old May 13, 2008 | 4:54 PM
  #4  
BMoTahoe's Avatar
CF Active Member
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 145
Likes: 1
From:
Default RE: Convenient start feature moody

I'll just continue to use the "turn the key" or remote start to get my Hoe running. That convenience start feature is something I've never heard of.
Reply
Old May 13, 2008 | 5:54 PM
  #5  
bimmerborn's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
Default RE: Convenient start feature moody

Folks, thank you for feedback. I am not sure if this is an issue of any sort. In fact I think this is another feature designed by smartGM Engineers. When I think about it then it makes sense. So the PCM (or ECM) disables "Convenient Start" feature when the fuel level is low; Therefore the Engine does not crank for long time in the case of insuffecientfuelto start the car. In other words ECM puts driver in charge of cranking time. Smart!
This has happened to me 2-3 times when my "low-fuel" light was on. It did not happen after I filled up the tank. I let the light come on next time and try again. I will let you know. Thank you again.
Reply
Old May 13, 2008 | 8:14 PM
  #6  
ZX1100F1's Avatar
CF Addict
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 4
From:
Default RE: Convenient start feature moody

Low fuel should have no effect on the operation of the Computer-Controlled Cranking System, my best guess is thatyou failed to hold the key over to the START possition for the required .4 seconds and coincidently happened to be low on fuel.

This system also prevents the starter from engaging if the motor is already running or remaining engaged for more than 15 seconds and was implemented to protect the starter motor not necessarily as a convenience device.
Reply
Old May 14, 2008 | 8:32 AM
  #7  
davemec
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default RE: Convenient start feature moody

You also could have a bad fuel pump. I had similar starting problems, and the dealer found that the fuel pump was bad. They replaced it and I haven't had problems since.
Reply
Old May 14, 2008 | 9:42 AM
  #8  
bimmerborn's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
Default RE: Convenient start feature moody

Correct. I am sure I never hold the key in start position for .4 seconds or more. I will keep an eye on the fuel pump. Thank you.
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2008 | 12:58 PM
  #9  
bimmerborn's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
Default RE: Convenient start feature moody

With all respect to all friend and good members of this forum:
I will insist on my posts in this thread. From the original post time I have tried many many times. Here is what I have observed.
- When the fuel level is fine (fine means the low-fuel warning light is off) the convenient start feature works properly. Does not matter how long of a signal you give the starter. My length of the signal is just like when I push a radio station button.
- When the fuel level is low and the warning light is on I have noticed there are 2 cases. In the first case the DIC is still able to show you how many more miles you can travel. In this case the convenient start feature works fine. In the second case, the DIC also displays "Low Fuel Range" and here is where the convenient start feature disables. My conclusion, and it is only my opinion, is this is not a flaw. The fact that convenient start feature does not work at very low fuel levels is a smart design by good engineers in GM. This prevents extra cranking of the engine if there is no fuel. Thank you again GM.

Happy 4th folks.

Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ckent1971
Tahoe & Suburban
3
Jul 22, 2009 4:17 PM
noeleich
Malibu
4
Jan 19, 2009 11:33 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:30 AM.