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2008 chevrolet avalanche LTZ


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VLOMBARD
Novice

Aug 23, 2015, 11:05 AM

Post #1 of 8 (1543 views)
2008 chevrolet avalanche LTZ Sign In

I own this vehicle that has the following problem:
Frequently and suddenly, the engine surges coupled with the speedometer swinging back and forth and the chimes ringing.
I bought this vehicle used and I bought an extended warranty. I took it several times to the designated repair shop and after replacing parts, they still couldn't repair it. When the 2 year warranty run out, the vehicle still continuous to act the same. Does anybody have an idea what could be wrong?
Thanks and I would appreciate any help.
Victor A. Lombard


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 23, 2015, 11:37 AM

Post #2 of 8 (1535 views)
Re: 2008 chevrolet avalanche LTZ Sign In

So you brought it in under warranty and it wasn't fixed - better said they blew you off till they could claim they don't want to or couldn't.
NO. If same as when under warranty and not fixed both you should have screamed and or should now.


This seems like somehow ignition is thinking it's not quite in "run" position and wouldn't know without some testing. Chimes you mean like door chime if you leave key or lights on chime? Same deal it thinks door is open with key in it and all come together with key and separate ignition or between the two is screwed up as a guess for now.


They don't want to apparently and understand as it could take some time to nail one thing or know it's lots more,


T



VLOMBARD
Novice

Aug 24, 2015, 6:36 AM

Post #3 of 8 (1501 views)
Re: 2008 chevrolet avalanche LTZ Sign In

Hi Tom:
Thanks for your input. The extended warranty company, LUBRICO which I paid $2000 for 2 years coverage, said they had paid the repair shop, more than the $2000 and still the problem wasn't fixed.
It's weird, as the problem is not showing up all the time. Sometimes the vehicle runs smoothly and all of a sudden it goes bananas!!
What gets to me is, why would the speedometer swing wildly if it was an ignition problem? Have you ever heard about this problem before.
I am completely at a loss with this situation.
Looking forward to hear from you again.
Thanks.
Vic.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 24, 2015, 7:27 AM

Post #4 of 8 (1497 views)
Re: 2008 chevrolet avalanche LTZ Sign In

Things intermittent that leave no strong clues are a nightmare. The speedometer I think on all of these is totally electronic and wouldn't read if ignition was off most likely so guessed at a failure there. Lock cylinder for key knows there's a key in it but if ignition thinks vehicle is OFF plus door or lights on could also trigger the ding/dong warning sounds that key hasn't been removed.


In that it can snap totally out of this my approach other than refusing to take this on which should have been the shops choice as well but don't know what agreement shop and warranty company had would be what or where the likely problem area would be?


Steering column messed up maybe from an accident you are unaware of or partly from a wreck to fix it at some point?


I think many driver's door switches that indicate door is open is grounding a wire to activate lights and tell of chimes that key is still in it but engine not running. This whole mess could be one part bare wire finding ground with worn insulation.


Road speed is also part of adjustments to make drivability functions as well so more than one problem from possibly one item or wire?


It's a problem all around. Mostly time IMO to stumble on the real problem hoping it's visible when found. Techs and insurance isn't really tolerant of wild parts tossing or endless time without fix which leaves YOU with the pickle of a problem.


Just maybe a "wiggle" test on wiring of known wires that could be involved could trigger the problem to stay broken or go away to close in on the exact area. Other than some luck I'm lost for any easier ideas!


T



kev2
Veteran
kev2 profile image

Aug 24, 2015, 11:52 AM

Post #5 of 8 (1486 views)
Re: 2008 chevrolet avalanche LTZ Sign In

SCAN for codes even if the CEL/SES is OFF. POst ALL.
Any added electrical devices?

EASY and inexpensive - speedo swinging has me thinking*- check alternator DIODES - complicated to explain logic, 2 min test long explaniation- BUT a connection (AC ripple) is there.




*Seen a similar issue...


VLOMBARD
Novice

Aug 26, 2015, 1:58 PM

Post #6 of 8 (1442 views)
Re: 2008 chevrolet avalanche LTZ Sign In

Thanks for your comments. I wonder if you have any further ideas? Even if we have to unhook the chimes (temporarily) as it's driving me crazy, hearing the ding, ding, ding while driving along!!!


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 26, 2015, 3:21 PM

Post #7 of 8 (1438 views)
Re: 2008 chevrolet avalanche LTZ Sign In

Kev2 just gave you a suggestion to at least scan for codes. What was the result?


T



Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Aug 26, 2015, 3:52 PM

Post #8 of 8 (1435 views)
Re: 2008 chevrolet avalanche LTZ Sign In

That scan should include the Body Control Module, not just generic PCM codes. I believe the instrument cluster is also capable of storing codes but you won't read them with a bargain basement code reader. You need an enhanced, professional scan tool.



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