I have a 2003 Chevy Tahoe with the 5.3 liter. It has approx 85,000 miles on it. It has been behaving fine until yesterday. It now has a problem with the idle dropping very low when sitting at a stop with the brakes on and the vehicle in drive. The idle will drop below 500 rpm on the tach, the lights will dim (due to the reduced rpm I would guess) and I can hear a "ticking" type of sound from the engine. The vehicle feels like it even starts to shudder from not being able to handle the load of just sitting there with the brakes holding it. When you do let off the brakes in order to start moving, it takes a moment to recover and the rpms come up once you accelerate. There are no fault codes being set. What should I look at in order to figure out what's going on with my wife's Tahoe?
Optional Information: 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 4wd 5.3 Liter Already Tried: Just checked the oil level so far...it only started doing this yesterday
#05-06-01-006: Engine Vibration/Noise at Idle, Vibration Felt in Steering Wheel/Seat (Reprogram PCM) - (Feb 9, 2005)
Some customers may comment on an engine vibration or noise while the vehicle is in gear at idle. This vibration can be felt in the steering wheel or seat and may intensify if the A/C is turned on. It should be noted that if the engine speed is raised or lowered approximately 50 RPMs, the vibration/noise will be reduced or go away.
A new service calibration has been released to lower the engine idle speed to 538 RPM in park/neutral and 525 RPM in gear. Before installing the new calibration, use the Tech 2® and go into Powertrain/Special Functions/TAC System/Engine Speed Control and when the condition is duplicated (engine running, in gear, foot on the brake, A/C on), command the idle down to 525 RPM. If the condition greatly improves or goes away, reprogram the PCM with the updated software calibration. This new calibration was released with TIS satellite data update version 1.75 available January 26, 2005. As always, make sure your Tech 2® is updated with the latest software version.
Also, if the vehicle is a 2004 model, Corporate Bulletin Number 04-06-01-023 may need to be performed.
#04-06-04-040: Idle Instability, Low or Rough Idle with Electronic Throttle Control (Clean Throttle Body) - (Jun 14, 2004)
Condition
Some owners may comment on an idle instability, low idle speed or rough idle.
Cause
Condition may be caused by deposits in the throttle body bore.
Correction
Clean throttle body bore and throttle valve plate of carbon using a shop rag and an appropriate cleaner. Refer to Engine Controls Repair Procedures - Throttle Body Cleaning Procedure. This procedure may be performed at any mileage necessary. Check to determine if the PCM calibration has been previously updated to one that includes the update for throttle body coking. For 2003 model year vehicles, look in the operating system portion of the calibration. For 2000-2002 model year vehicles, look in the engine portion of the calibration. If not, then update the PCM calibration to the latest calibration.
Experience: GM Mark of Excellence/ Service Guild Participant with 13 years experience, ASE Master Certified
So I can try to "clean the throttle body bore and throttle valve plate of carbon using a shop rag and an appropriate cleaner" before I go to a dealership to see if "PCM calibration has been previuosly updated". What would be an "appropiate cleaner" for the throttle body bore and throttle valve plate? Are you refering to good old carb cleaner stuff? After doing so would it help to run some type of "fuel system cleaner" in the vehicle also? Is there any particular products that you prefer for this procedure? Thanks so far...
I removed the throttle body and I cleaned those parts all up with some carb and throttle body cleaner, I even usd a "scuffy" pad on the throttle blade itself until everything actually shined. There was alot of carbon buildup, especially where the blade would seal against the housing in the closed/idle position. It seems to have completely fixed the rough idling issue! My wife even said its so smooth now that its hard to tell if it's still running! Thanks for the advice on how to help with this problem!
You are very welcome and thanks for using JA.