2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check

9/8/2012 8:19:39 AM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
uwishuhadthiz Columbus, OH 40, joined Feb. 2012	Ya know, it is a damn shame when you have 2 mechanics look at yer vehicle. Hook computers up to it and get error codes, check all sorts of crap and still literally scratch their heads and say "um maybe this" "um maybe that" did ya ever this and have you ever that. GEEZ 2004 Silverado, automatic, 4.3L V6, classic, base model with 56,350 miles. Fuel system flush, clean, and filters at 55,000. Transmission serviced at 50,000. New outer brake lines, calipers, pads, and rotors at about 54,000. New relay switch for blower at 45,000. Regular oil changes and maintenance. New battery as of Thursday. Will not start, won't do a damn thing at all, not click, nothing, just turn the key and the only noise she makes is "ding ding". Check engine light is on computer says P0740 (torque converter clutch circuit malfunction), P0785 (shift solenoid malfunction), andP2761 (TCC PCS control open). Brake warning lights are on (both ABS and park brake ones, and the park brake is NOT engaged, however the back brakes ARE LOCKED on driver side. One thing should have absolutely nothing to do with the other and they all happened at the same time thus the "Umm uh, I don't know what it could be" crap from the mechanics. Fuses, check. Filters, check. All fluid levels, check. Probably something ridiculously simple. No indication of problems until all this happened at once for no apparent reason. "EHCU "probably" problem with brakes" Alternator and starter supposedly are good, new battery.... NO explanation on not starting. Cluster comes on, headlights, check engine light, abs, and park brake light are on. Nothing else, radio maybe, fan/blower no! "is she misfiring?" Yes, only at driving speed, only started recently. "Sometimes that can happen with a "P0740" code because the computer doesn't diagnose properly, but that doesn't explain the other 2 codes" "Can't just be the computer because all systems are controlled by separate units" "Could be a faulty ground somewhere causing a short, but I can't find one" "You sure you got it serviced right" "Could be vacuum or compression issues, oh no wait that can't be it because that doesn't explain the nothing upon turning key." "Could be the PCM because it receives signals from all systems you are having problems with." Well forum posts that I included below indicates that this is not the issue. Found this: http://www.truckforums.com/forum/chevy-silverado-gmc-sierra-forum-11/2004-silverado-4-3-ran-rough-now-no-start-10156/ Maybe? Doesn’t explain everything else though. Can you please please give me some guidance on what I may be able to check myself? My truck is now at home in my driveway acting like a very expensive paper weight. I am losing faith real quick with the "pros." Meet singles at DateHookup.dating, we're 100% free! Join now!
9/8/2012 10:37:50 AM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
alwaysfishin878 Waubun, MN 51, joined Apr. 2006	i would ck the ign swith for main power going to it and power coming out with key at start mode,, seen a few chevys melt there wires at the switch.
9/8/2012 4:45:14 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
mierze6140 Middletown, CT 31, joined Mar. 2008	Make sure your anti theft system hasn't disabled the vehicle!
9/8/2012 10:09:31 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
pk0357 Eastlake, OH 39, joined Jan. 2010	It could be a faulty PCM or TCM. It does sound more like a grounding issue though. Good luck Op. drivabilities and electrical problems are the worst to track down. You never know what you are going to find.
9/8/2012 10:37:25 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
wildkard9 Junction City, KS 33, joined Aug. 2009	Its a known issue with Chevy's. Replace the ignition switch. Trouble codes P0740, P0753, P0758, P0785 and P2761. Can not communicate with the transfer case module. TSB - 01-07-30-002D and yes I am a professional, but I use my resources correctly.
9/8/2012 11:26:54 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
dnote Los Angeles, CA 40, joined Dec. 2007	listen to pam P0785 (shift solenoid malfunction) = ignition sw. prolly needs replacing and can be checked by competent mechanic. to start, just follow schematic to make sure circuits get power in each of the positions. back brakes ARE LOCKED on driver side = how do you know? was it by being towed you found out? course that could only explain abs and brake warning lights. any aftermarket alarms?
9/8/2012 11:57:55 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
truckergeo Las Vegas, NV 50, joined May. 2011	Smells like aftermarket wireing.....Alarm or remote start burn...Ck wireing out side (Starter) as well as in side look for aftermarket wire`s...
9/9/2012 8:26:10 AM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
uwishuhadthiz Columbus, OH 40, joined Feb. 2012	Truck is all stock, the only after market item ever installed is a reese hitch that was put on 2 years ago.
9/9/2012 8:30:30 AM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
wildkard9 Junction City, KS 33, joined Aug. 2009	The transmission will lock into 2nd/3rd when the switch fails. Which can give the appearance that the brakes locked up.
9/9/2012 10:45:24 AM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
uwishuhadthiz Columbus, OH 40, joined Feb. 2012	this part? http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/search/Ignition+Switch/02018/C0039.oap?keyword=ignition&year=2004&make=Chevrolet&model=Silverado%2B1500&vi=1424089
9/9/2012 10:01:06 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
karrpilot Oswego, IL 51, joined Jul. 2009	If there is a TSB listed, do NOT go to a discount auto parts store for said part. Go to the dealer, open up your wallet, and be done with it. All to often, the cheapy auto parts stores sell the original, problematic, part you are dealing with now. The updated, new and improved, part is more than likely sitting on the shelf at the GM store.
9/9/2012 10:56:51 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
dougporter Grove City, OH 54, joined Apr. 2011	Honey you need a new computer honey i hate to tell you that if you wish to contact me honey feel free to do so ive work on cars and deasel for 30yrs hon 1614 9370680
9/9/2012 10:57:42 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
alwaysfishin878 Waubun, MN 51, joined Apr. 2006	Quote from uwishuhadthiz: Truck is all stock, the only after market item ever installed is a reese hitch that was put on 2 years ago. was the wiring for the trailer you are pulling factory on the truck,? or did some one wire it in??
9/9/2012 11:59:34 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
wildkard9 Junction City, KS 33, joined Aug. 2009	Quote from alwaysfishin878: was the wiring for the trailer you are pulling factory on the truck,? or did some one wire it in?? Even if that wiring was botched, the only system to possibly short out is the turn signal module and relay. Nor would it stop the vehicle from starting up. Or prevent a wheel from turning. And while Im sure the OP appreciates the offer of assistance. I really have to reiterate this. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OVER THE PROBLEM SHE IS HAVING. Could a botched install of an aftermarket alarm do this? yes. Viper had issues for years about electrical drains and faults with ECM's and BCM's on select GM models. Could there be additional issues? yes. But remember this, the ABS system still had to read and adjust to what the transmission is doing. If it locks into a specific gear, or believes that there is slippage in the drivetrain, the ABS will activate. And since most GM's do have a 3 or 4 channel ABS, it's quite possible for the ABS solenoid to lock one wheel thinking its correcting the issue of slippage. The no start issue can be the fact that the PCM doesn't see the transmission in a neutral or parked status. It can also be a crossed or shorted wire in the switch which is common to various vehicles with the rotary dial switch. But she obviously gets the vehicle into the on position for the computers to read so that codes could be pulled from the system. For the record, I'm not trying to be rude to those that have offered suggestions. Those suggestions would be my knee jerk reaction to specific issues were they the only ones. But when multiple codes pop up, and it just seems there is no reason. We have to revert back to basics. All roads lead to Rome. One thing is generally the cause. While those mechanics may be inept or under experienced on such a issue. Its clear they tried. But just didnt stand back and look at the whole picture. They attempted to solve each problem seperately. **PPS: I used Identifix which sourced the TSB and the most common fix for the issue at hand. Resources are your friend
9/10/2012 8:19:57 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
alwaysfishin878 Waubun, MN 51, joined Apr. 2006	Quote from wildkard9: Even if that wiring was botched, the only system to possibly short out is the turn signal module and relay. Nor would it stop the vehicle from starting up. Or prevent a wheel from turning. And while Im sure the OP appreciates the offer of assistance. I really have to reiterate this. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OVER THE PROBLEM SHE IS HAVING. Could a botched install of an aftermarket alarm do this? yes. Viper had issues for years about electrical drains and faults with ECM's and BCM's on select GM models. Could there be additional issues? yes. But remember this, the ABS system still had to read and adjust to what the transmission is doing. If it locks into a specific gear, or believes that there is slippage in the drivetrain, the ABS will activate. And since most GM's do have a 3 or 4 channel ABS, it's quite possible for the ABS solenoid to lock one wheel thinking its correcting the issue of slippage. The no start issue can be the fact that the PCM doesn't see the transmission in a neutral or parked status. It can also be a crossed or shorted wire in the switch which is common to various vehicles with the rotary dial switch. But she obviously gets the vehicle into the on position for the computers to read so that codes could be pulled from the system. For the record, I'm not trying to be rude to those that have offered suggestions. Those suggestions would be my knee jerk reaction to specific issues were they the only ones. But when multiple codes pop up, and it just seems there is no reason. We have to revert back to basics. All roads lead to Rome. One thing is generally the cause. While those mechanics may be inept or under experienced on such a issue. Its clear they tried. But just didnt stand back and look at the whole picture. They attempted to solve each problem seperately. **PPS: I used Identifix which sourced the TSB and the most common fix for the issue at hand. Resources are your friend well i live in upper mn with lots of salt on the roads in the winter. and most the time things get rusted..99% of the time its after market wiring to the trailer brakes,,just think for a moment ,you have live power back there,,ground,turn signales,,back up lights.brake lights..third light,for a camper,,any of them connect to each other and what do you have,,down time..was just asking if it was after market wiring to the rear.and if you dont think them wires getting together and shorting out will screw every thing up then you need to come to a mn shop for a winter and pull your hair out..
9/10/2012 10:14:44 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
wildkard9 Junction City, KS 33, joined Aug. 2009	Yes but how many times have you seen a Transmission issue connected trailer wiring. How many times has a bad or corroded ground on trailer wiring stopped a vehicle from even starting? Especially during this time of year. Were it just one or two symtopms I would agree with wiring. But there was too many different things to just say a corroded ground. And especially for it to go this fast. Corrosion generally causes issues over time. Longer cranks, increased draws. Fuses blow. You know the drill. And I pull my hair out daily. I work in a shop thats located in a college town, and just a few minutes from a army base. I deal with cars from florida to alaska. Even from Germany and Japan.
9/10/2012 10:46:29 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
uwishuhadthiz Columbus, OH 40, joined Feb. 2012	Wow, didn't say anything about trailer wiring (was installed per manufacturer) JUST HITCH!!! Not to mention after 2 years I would have noticed a prob by now towing a lowly pop-up! Anywho, got new ignition switch installed today (by professional, oddly enough Ford Tech) Still no. Was quoted $200 to $2500 for repairs and no definitive answer on the problem. So, posting a 2004 Chevy Silverado extended cab, 4 door, classic, base model, 4.3L V6 for sale! vin code X! Tired, so tired of being d*cked around. Seen 4 "pro" mech and 2 home mech, and NOBODY can tell me what is wrong! Installed new battery and ignition switch (cylinder and relay) today and NOPE! Checked the Park/Neutral switch attached to the driver side of the front of the transmission bell housing, NOPE!!!
9/11/2012 10:55:27 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
alwaysfishin878 Waubun, MN 51, joined Apr. 2006	has anyone ever tried to crank it over by jumping the starter with the key on?? .
9/11/2012 11:22:59 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
dnote Los Angeles, CA 40, joined Dec. 2007	@wildkard9 do 2004 trucks still use fusible links? maybe the fusible to the starter took a dive? how about neutral safety sw? loose connections at starter or junction block? @uwishuhadthiz so you say that the only thing you hear is the chime when you insert the ignition key? blower does not work...but dash works. do guages function same as when you normally start the truck? do cabin lights dim when you try to start the truck? tried to remove all fuses and breakers not ignition related yet? does fuel pump flow when you turn key to ign?
9/11/2012 11:31:26 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
truckergeo Las Vegas, NV 50, joined May. 2011	Way back in the day 1983 I was in a auto class at a COMMUNITY COLLEGE...Try and see if they can get your truck in to fix it..the cost was a lot lower at ours we had a grant from Gm and the latest tools.......
9/11/2012 11:44:05 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
wildkard9 Junction City, KS 33, joined Aug. 2009	Quote from uwishuhadthiz: Wow, didn't say anything about trailer wiring (was installed per manufacturer) JUST HITCH!!! Not to mention after 2 years I would have noticed a prob by now towing a lowly pop-up! Anywho, got new ignition switch installed today (by professional, oddly enough Ford Tech) Still no. Was quoted $200 to $2500 for repairs and no definitive answer on the problem. So, posting a 2004 Chevy Silverado extended cab, 4 door, classic, base model, 4.3L V6 for sale! vin code X! Tired, so tired of being d*cked around. Seen 4 "pro" mech and 2 home mech, and NOBODY can tell me what is wrong! Installed new battery and ignition switch (cylinder and relay) today and NOPE! Checked the Park/Neutral switch attached to the driver side of the front of the transmission bell housing, NOPE!!! You replaced the cylinder? Or did you replace the switch behind that? The part you found should be the one that I recommended be replaced. The relay is easy enough to test out vs just replacing it. As for the fusible link. There wouldn't be one to the starter. The entire point of them is to blow up prior to a overload. The starter is the highest electrical load in a vehicle. And as such has a direct feed from the battery down to it. The relay commands the starter. Fusible links are still used in low current situations like instrument panels. As for the jumping of the starter. If that truck is locked in a gear, those wheels best be in the air. I can just see bad idea written all over this one! But I'd lay wager that it would turn over
9/12/2012 6:32:30 AM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
uwishuhadthiz Columbus, OH 40, joined Feb. 2012	So, yesterday I went to a local shop to talk to yet another guy by recommendation of a neighbor who is a friend of the mechanic. They guy came over to my house to look at my truck after he got off work and scratched his head about the whole thing and he didn't charge me. He gave me a phone number of a guy "the mechanics mechanic" of all people. He is a GM and FORD authorized instructor for diagnostics and electrical he has certification through all the newest models. He has his own shop and teaches at 2 vocational schools. So I called him up and talked to him. He told me not to tell him what "the other guys" said or checked, just stick to what is and isn't it doing. From the front to the back. Then he asked me the oddest question. He right in the middle of the conversation when I am telling him about what it is and is not doing he says "do you have squirrels?" I was like "WHAT!?" He said "Is there a squirrel problem in your neighborhood?" I said yea. He said in all the years he has been an instructor and electrical tech he has seen stranger things happen. And that is the only explanation he can come up with without seeing it first hand is something was chewed, one or more wires and said that that can sometimes cause off the wall seemingly unrelated codes to be generated and disable the vehicle (now keep in mind he didn't let me tell him about any codes, just what is going on now, but yea I got that). Because the truck is so young and such low miles it isn't a wear and tear issue. But at least he has an idea of where to start just from a phone call. Now to get my truck to him.... His rates are less than dealers by far, and if he or his students can't find the problem they do not charge for diagnostics or inspection. I'll keep ya posted on what comes up. Gonna be at least Friday before I can it over to him. Who knows, maybe you guys learned from this situation too.
9/12/2012 8:02:06 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
alwaysfishin878 Waubun, MN 51, joined Apr. 2006	man i just hate trying to give advice to any one with car problems. anything you suggest you have some snot nose punk kid think they have seen it all.. asc certified here have been since 1982,been through the points and condenser years and the start of fuel injection into what we have now days(junk if it dont work).. as a old school technition,,ok wont crank over..ck bat for full power,,if good,ck for power to starter,,ok good,,then with key on jump starter to see if it cranks(and it cant be locked in gear if its a automatic in park..tard...)if it cranks you have a power problem to the starter,,could be rats,,mice,,other fury critters or rust..but you cant just throw parts at it and hope for the right one,,it gets expensive.. just had one today,,left lights on,,dead bat,,they jump started it and wouldnt do any thing..burned out the main fuse under the hood,,darn how did i find thet out,couldnt jump start the starter,,no power,but had power from the swith,and wow came to the main fuse,,hope this helps..will not ever post here again and give any kind of advice..
9/12/2012 10:16:13 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
wildkard9 Junction City, KS 33, joined Aug. 2009	Quote from alwaysfishin878: man i just hate trying to give advice to any one with car problems. anything you suggest you have some snot nose punk kid think they have seen it all.. asc certified here have been since 1982,been through the points and condenser years and the start of fuel injection into what we have now days(junk if it dont work).. as a old school technition,,ok wont crank over..ck bat for full power,,if good,ck for power to starter,,ok good,,then with key on jump starter to see if it cranks(and it cant be locked in gear if its a automatic in park..tard...)if it cranks you have a power problem to the starter,,could be rats,,mice,,other fury critters or rust..but you cant just throw parts at it and hope for the right one,,it gets expensive.. just had one today,,left lights on,,dead bat,,they jump started it and wouldnt do any thing..burned out the main fuse under the hood,,darn how did i find thet out,couldnt jump start the starter,,no power,but had power from the swith,and wow came to the main fuse,,hope this helps..will not ever post here again and give any kind of advice.. I didnt shoot down the idea of jumping the starter. But come on. With the electronic shift control in todays transmissions. Can you, 100% tell her or me that should she jump the starter that there is no chance in hell of that truck moving forward? I did talk like a d*ck about lifting the tires, but with safety in mind. And while I haven't seen it all. I've seen most of the technology in TODAYS vehicles. You just said yourself that stuff today is junk if it doesn't work. Too many things are drive by wire now. And listening to the lady specifically say that the fuses, relays, and wiring have been checked out, twice even, would have me making a checklist of other possible things but keeping in mind still a broken wire. I respect wisdom as old techs and old school ways are dying off. But a lot of cars are no longer one trick ponies to fix. Too many FREDS (Freaking Redundant Electronic Device), too much stuff to keep track of. And while I disagree with you in regards to this ordeal, I look forward to hearing how it pans out. PS: in my entire response and even prior ones, I never called you or any other person a name. That is also with respect to others, which despite both of us having the same accreditation, you felt no need to give it in return. Thanks.
9/14/2012 10:49:44 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
alwaysfishin878 Waubun, MN 51, joined Apr. 2006	ok just venting,,give you young guys a lot of credit to jump in the auto motive field ,its good money if you keep up with computer part of it.... hope you get your chevy running.
9/19/2012 3:46:54 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
uwishuhadthiz Columbus, OH 40, joined Feb. 2012	Just dropped it off this afternoon and got it back after only 3 hours. The wiring along the steering column was loose. Under the inside of the fuse box under the hood the wires had corroded. They rewired my fuse box and repaired the wiring in my steering column and all for a lowly sum of $240.19. I love these guys they are honest, professional, and the best rates around! If any of you guys are around Columbus OH and need them, let me know! Thanks for the insightful input from (a couple of) you guys, I do appreciate it.
9/19/2012 4:04:27 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
wildkard9 Junction City, KS 33, joined Aug. 2009	Glad to see it was something a fair bit easier than what I would consider. Its strange how things work for so long then just fail in odd places like that!
9/19/2012 5:53:01 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
truckergeo Las Vegas, NV 50, joined May. 2011
9/19/2012 9:49:47 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
alwaysfishin878 Waubun, MN 51, joined Apr. 2006	Quote from alwaysfishin878: i would ck the ign swith for main power going to it and power coming out with key at start mode,, seen a few chevys melt there wires at the switch. this may have solved your problem right away.ok it wasnt burned wires but there was no connection..
9/20/2012 9:04:58 AM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
dnote Los Angeles, CA 40, joined Dec. 2007	hey alright! glad its runnin again! wow...insane how corrosion will do things like that.
9/21/2012 3:07:19 AM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
21stcent South Prairie, WA 63, joined Nov. 2007	Thanks for coming back and telling of the solution. Glad it was minor! Question: Have you had it long? With corrosion on the fuse block, could it have been in a flood with saltwater?
9/21/2012 1:02:32 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
uwishuhadthiz Columbus, OH 40, joined Feb. 2012	Quote from 21stcent: Thanks for coming back and telling of the solution. Glad it was minor! Question: Have you had it long? With corrosion on the fuse block, could it have been in a flood with saltwater? Had it since 07 only had 1 owner from Indiana before me. He traded it in on a new model, the dealership told me he is the kind of customer that buys a new truck EVERY 3-4 years. Wish I had that kind of money. If there was any kind of flooding I don't know where or how that could have happened, nothing was on the carfax. It only had 21,590 miles when I bought it. I was told that some models of trucks do not have an adequate cover across the bottom of the fuse box which opens everything up to being exposed to whatever you drive trough and splash up into your engine compartment. So, any ideas on what I can do to protect it and keep it from happening again? Regular plastic would melt, rubber too soft, hmmm duct tape degrades, have wires to work around as well. When it was rewired they said there wasn't much I can do to protect the bottom and keep crap out because of the way it is designed, but I know how creative people can be too. [Edited 9/21/2012 1:03:31 PM ]
9/21/2012 10:07:59 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
21stcent South Prairie, WA 63, joined Nov. 2007	So I'm guessing it was road salt that seeped in. I'm still stuck on salt Just a thought of how to seal it. Spray on truck liner? Anybody think that would work?
9/29/2012 6:36:25 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
uwishuhadthiz Columbus, OH 40, joined Feb. 2012	Do you think I could use sidewalls from an old tire cut to fit the bottom and around wires to seal it? [Edited 9/29/2012 6:39:27 PM ]
9/29/2012 6:41:58 PM	2004 Silverado issues - advise on what to check
uwishuhadthiz Columbus, OH 40, joined Feb. 2012	Bed coating may be an option too, but what about all the curves? Is bed coating designed for flat surfaces?

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