2003 H2 Intermittently Starts

[Suzie]

Thanks Humtech for that input. I copied it and emailed it to the service rep.

Turns out the key ignition switch was not the problem.

The service rep suggested we just pay for it anyway and leave it in, even though the one in there was not bad. He said they go out all the time so it is a good idea to leave it in.

I believe now they want to put in a new throttle body module...for $460. Not sure if that is the right part and price, getting that verified. Will post tomorrow after I get an update.

Just hope I can get H2 back in time to get south for the Baja 1000. If not, I'll be stuck in a PT Cruiser. But at least it runs.

[tower]

Suzie,
I would try to get all my money back for the "fixes that weren't" and tell them that you will only pay for fixes from here on out that actually solve the problems. I suspect the Mike S to whom you refer is Mike Sabaresse. former Service Manager at Cerritos Hummer. He is the best! Unfortunately for Hummer owners, the H1 National Race Team has elected to pay him enough to race for them full time, so he is no longer at Cerritos Hummer.

[H2Finally]

A couple of days ago, the Tustin Hummer page in Google maps even mentioned the addition of Mike Sabbarese to their service dept. It's not there anymore, but here's a google cache mentioning the same. Again, no idea how Tustin service will do. But if you can get to speak & explain your problems to Mike personally, you'd have a fighting chance of finally fixing the problem, imho. Oh, and I'd keep calling rather than leaving a vm (Mike isn't that great at returning phone calls either).

[tower]

Originally Posted by H2Finally

A couple of days ago, the Tustin Hummer page in Google maps even mentioned the addition of Mike Sabbarese to their service dept. It's not there anymore, but here's a google cache mentioning the same. Again, no idea how Tustin service will do. But if you can get to speak & explain your problems to Mike personally, you'd have a fighting chance of finally fixing the problem, imho. Oh, and I'd keep calling rather than leaving a vm (Mike isn't that great at returning phone calls either).

Good catch, Horace! And to think that I bought that line of crap about him being hired away by the race team. Man, do I feel stupid! But thanks!

[HUMTECH]

I forgot to mention, if you are having an ignition switch problem(which is quite common) the tac module is fed from ign 1 power which feeds through the ign switch. Never seen an ign switch failure cause A reduced engine power problem but anything is possible. Also check that the throttle blade moves freely, remove the air intake hose and check by hand, may just need to be cleaned. If it binds at all it will set that code. Have your trusted mech also check pin grips and wiring to the tac module(remove any tape from harness and inspect harness) Any other questions feel free to ask. Hope it all works out for ya.

[Suzie]

Thanks so much for that google link! I was able to call Tustin Buick Pontaic GMC Hummer and verify that Mike Sabbarese is their Hummer specialist.

Thanks also for the other advice. I am going to pass it along to the Hummer service writer.

No updates today on service, the service writer said he will not be at work so I guess that means the mechanic can't do anything today either.

[Suzie]

Update: I located Mike Sabarese at Tustin Hummer (Calif). After just a few moments to talking with him, he said the problem is likely the same thing my trusted local mechanic said--a bad PCM module. He reiterated that it could not be the key ignition switch.

I am removing my vehicle from Cerritos Hummer today and taking it to Tustin to be repaired. As the dealers charge a minimum hour's labor for each item they check out whether you have them repair anything or not, I was told my charge would be around $200. That minimum charge gets applied to any work they do.

As they already replaced the ignition switch, despite my repeatedly, strongly telling them it was most likely not the problem, and the charge for that was $220, I told them to just leave it in. Might as well get something for my money. Told them I want the switch they took out, as nothing was wrong with it. Said I could use it if the new switch goes bad (ha, ha, ha).

The service writer called back and said the final charge would be $265. They are adding on one half hour of checking out the throttle body. Whatever. I am just glad to be getting it out of there for under a grand.
They still think the throttle body module is bad.

So now it will be off to the Tustin dealership, where I have faith that Mike S. will solve the true problem. I will update so stay tuned, especially if you having the same kind of intermittent problems/battery drains/reduced engine power message. 2003 Hummer H2. Oh, and THANKS for all the help and suggestions!