Repair And Fix it

The Chevy Tahoe was introduced in 1995, and it is a relative to the Yukon--the GMC version of the SUV. The Tahoe basically replaced the full-sized Chevy Blazer. Available since 1996 with V8 engines, the Tahoe features four O2 sensors (also known as oxygen sensors). There are two of these sensors located in front of the catalytic converter, and they are designed to monitor the fuel and air ratio mixture in the exhaust. Two more sensors are located near each converter, and serve to monitor their efficiency. One or more of these sensors can become defective and will need replacement.

Locating the Faulty Sensor

When an oxygen sensor fails, the "Service Engine Soon" light will illuminate on the dash. Take your Tahoe to an auto parts store to get the on-board computer scanned. Auto parts stores will perform this service for free, and they can help you determine which sensor(s) have failed. Since there are four sensors on most Tahoes, the scanner will be able to detect which one by reading the "check engine" codes: Bank 1, sensor 1 is the upstream sensor on the cylinder 1 side of the exhaust system; bank 1, sensor 2 is the downstream sensor on the cylinder 1 side; bank 2 sensor 1 is the upstream sensor on the opposite side of cylinder 1; and bank 2, sensor 2 is the downstream sensor on the same side.

Purchase direct-fit sensor(s). Direct-fit sensors integrate the plug-in outlet, therefore no rewiring is required. These sensors cost slightly more than universal sensors. Also, universal sensors require eliminating the male and female plug counterparts from the wire harness. Direct-fit sensors, however, do not require any wire splicing--they simply plug in to the existing wire harness connection.

Replacing the Sensor

Warm the engine up for a couple of minutes before you attempt to replace the sensor. This will expand the metal and make removing the sensor much easier. While the engine is running, spray a large amount of lubricant along the threaded joint of the faulty sensor(s) and allow it to soak in.

Disconnect the wire harness outlet from the sensor. The wire from the sensor runs about seven to eight inches from the sensor, and it is retained by a plastic clip, to prevent it from contacting the hot exhaust system.

Use a 22-mm combination hand wrench or an oxygen sensor socket and ratchet to remove the sensor. If using a wrench, insert the disconnect sensor wire through the box-end side of the combination wrench. If using an O2 sensor socket, insert the wire into the slot on the side of the socket. Turn the sensor counter-clockwise until it is loose. The sensors only have four to five threads, so it wont take much to loosen them enough to be removed by hand.

Apply a very light coat of anti-seize compound to the threaded section of the new sensor. Most direct-fit quality replacement sensors may already have a light coat on the threads. Be sure, if you have to add some on, that you do not get any on the thimble-shaped sensor--only a very light coat on the threads.

Thread the sensor into the port by hand at first, so that you dont cross-thread it. Tighten the sensor snugly with the wrench or socket and ratchet, but be careful not to over-tighten it. Since it only has four to five threads, sensors are very easily stripped out by over-tightening.

Plug the wire harness connection back together and re-secure the wire to the plastic retaining clip.

Resetting the Check Engine Light

Bring the Tahoe back to the parts store that sold you the O2 sensor(s) and scanned the trouble code for you. They will usually offer to reset the "Service Engine Soon" light for you. However, once the sensor(s) have been replaced, the computer will detect the new component and begin running through an inspection and maintenance (IM) self-diagnostic mode. This may take a few driving cycles to perform, as the engine needs to heat up and cool down repeatedly. Once the IM monitors have completed the self-diagnostic and detected that the new replacement sensor is performing its intended task, the on-board computer will turn off the "Service Engine Soon" light.

Todays vehicles use computers to monitor the functions of the vehicle. The 2002 Tahoes computer receives and stores trouble codes that, when read, will help you pinpoint the exact malfunction. After having the codes read and the vehicle serviced or repaired, you will need to reset the codes. If you dont want to spend the money on an OBD-II scan tool, you can make the adjustment from home using and adjustable wrench.

Instructions

1

Park the vehicle and turn off the ignition. Pop up and secure the vehicles hood and find the battery.

2

Loosen the nut on the negative battery cable with the adjustable wrench. The negative cable is black and marked with a "-" sign. Slip the clamp off of the negative battery terminal and do not to let it touch anything metal, especially the positive battery terminal.

3

Wait 30 minutes while the Tahoes computer resets.

4

Put the negative battery cable back in place and tighten the nut with the adjustable wrench.

5

Put the key into the ignition and start the vehicles engine. Verify all warning and service lights have shut off. Drive the vehicle. It will take a few trips for the computer to reset and get in sync with all of the vehicles functions.

The Chevrolet Tahoe has been a reliable seller for General Motors over the years; as of 2009, it even introduced a hybrid model which was one of the first full-size SUV types available. The Chevy Tahoe has had its problems, though, such as recalls for fire hazards and seat issues.

Electrical System

Since 2008, the Chevrolet Tahoe has been recalled for electrical problems that may cause a fire hazard. This recall deals with the circuit board located under the dashboard of the Tahoe. The manufacturer originally installed a fuse to compensate for the overload but recalled the Tahoe again because this correction did not completely fix the problem. The real culprit was not the circuit board but a fuel system control module that was wrapped in adhesive material which separated easily. This caused water to seep into the module, resulting in the fuel system module to short out, thus creating a fire hazard. All Chevy Tahoe owners should take their vehicles into the dealership for this repair if the vehicle is a 2008 or newer model.

Interior Accessories

Many of the problems with the Chevy Tahoe have been focused around the interior accessories, such as rattling noises in the ceiling panel and door panels as well as the inferior quality of the interior trim, dashboard and chrome on the door handles. The most important issue with the interior accessories has been the drivers seat jamming into place.

Check Engine Light

The 2009 and 2010 Chevy Tahoes have experienced problems with the check engine light coming on when the scheduled service is not due or has recently been performed. This problem is attributable to the gas cap. If it is not properly secured or is loose, the check engine light will remain on until the cap is tightened. The gas caps have also been wearing very quickly, preventing them from remaining secure on the vehicle. Tahoe owners need to contact their dealership for a new gas cap to correct this problem if the vehicle is still under warranty.