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2002 Chevrolet Suburban ignission controls issue


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Mortyman
New User

Aug 10, 2015, 10:57 AM

Post #1 of 6 (2141 views)
2002 Chevrolet Suburban ignission controls issue Sign In

I have a 2002 suburban 1500 4wd with a 5.3l engine and 225k miles. I have a camp trailer that I pull in the mountains in Utah. 3 weeks ago I was pulling the trailer up a steep mountain pass when it started to misfire, sputter and miss. I noticed the check engine light was on. It went into limp mode as we headed back home. I had the system codes checked and was told it was 02 sensors. I purchased and installed 2 new upstream sensors. It seemed to help. I took the trailer camping again this weekend, and the same thing happened. Check engine light on again, and now it will run unless under a load. It will die and start and run for a few miles. Replaced the speed sensor someone suggested but still running rough. Left trailer in mountains till I figure it out. New plugs and wires. Any suggestions where else to look? Thanks.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Aug 10, 2015, 11:41 AM

Post #2 of 6 (2130 views)
Re: 2002 Chevrolet Suburban ignission controls issue Sign In

You did not have 2 bad 0/2 sensors. What were the exact code numbers?



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Mortyman
New User

Aug 10, 2015, 8:21 PM

Post #3 of 6 (2114 views)
Re: 2002 Chevrolet Suburban ignission controls issue Sign In

P0161


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Aug 10, 2015, 11:21 PM

Post #4 of 6 (2108 views)
Re: 2002 Chevrolet Suburban ignission controls issue Sign In

OP - How heavy is this camper trailer? What real air temperatures, speed you are driving and altitude? This and probably using full blast A/C as well? Overdrive is probably working against you as well. Is OE for towing on the options list for this Suburban? That meaning extra cooling, and gear ratio for rear end (differential) was no doubt optional for intended trailer hauling.
This is a 1/2 ton Suburban with both age and tons of miles operating in mountain in the heat of Summer. Yes codes lead you to think just toss O2 sensors but with that info I suggest the poor thing is way over worked and can't deal with the load and heat in general now. It's going to struggle, strain and up to burn out new sensors or wiring to them. That or take them out of range where they can work.


Defaulting to limp mode I think you are just pushing this beyond limits it can handle with current cooling system in question for efficiency. Possible for weak fuel pressure because of heat up to boiling fuel unseen.
I really think it's being pushed beyond it's capabilities and things in general stressed out.


Congrats on passing the 200K marker. Takes a long history of care all along to stay in great mechanical shape past certain age and mile markers and has both against it.


Possible that if you really want to work a vehicle in extremes like this to go thru this one with upgrades or move on to 3/4 ton rated for towing.


You are probably just overdoing it with this vehicle for what you want and plain breaking things, sensors too dang hot for exhaust anything it can't take it,


T



Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Aug 11, 2015, 2:15 AM

Post #5 of 6 (2104 views)
Re: 2002 Chevrolet Suburban ignission controls issue Sign In


Quote
P0161


That is a code for a bad heater in one of the downstream sensors [bank 2}.

That would have no bearing whatsoever on the performance of the vehicle since it's a downstream sensor although it should be replaced to put the light out..



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Aug 11, 2015, 4:21 AM

Post #6 of 6 (2097 views)
Re: 2002 Chevrolet Suburban ignission controls issue Sign In

HT - as you can see I'm thinking of the insane temps created by just steep mountain passes just anyway never mind the age and miles plus a trailer. Agree that downstream O2 isn't causing it to run poorly but bet things are melted from heat.


Exact drivetrain in a family vehicle, same year but in a Tahoe. 180K +/-, did tow light trailers, packed vehicle and a roof top carrier as well but shorter less stressful mountains at much lower altitude East side of US. Synthetic oils, care in driving mostly like slowing down for extremes.


Their call that it felt like it had enough already at about 170K to work that hard much of which was cool or cold weather.


No O2 sensors ever TMK or exhaust anything.


In this case and need OP to state what the real run is really like but said I think it's working over it's limits.


I'm also discounting much on the code readings as there are probably more waiting. Same run caused it not to run properly twice now. How much can it take?


T







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