2003 H2 Intermittently Starts

[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!

[Suzie]

Wow, what do you know? Mike Sabaresse at Tustin Hummer is having the PCM module replaced. And it appears to be under the emissions warrantee. I will update again when results are in. I am still shell shocked at what it took to get a Hummer dealership to finally consider what my local mechanic said was the problem all along.

As far as a new ignition switch....well, it never needed one. Now it has it's third one in 77,500 miles.

And that throttle body cleaning....well, it doesn't appear to have needed that. But at least it is clean now.

It will be interesting to see how many problems will clear up after the PCM module is replaced.

Oh, and Mike Sabaresse said he will be racing a white H1 in the Baja 1000, which I will watch for from a housetop in BOLA. (Now that it looks like my Hummer will be fixed in time.)

[dochummer]

I still don't get why you paid for all the xtras. I'd be pissed, and asking for my money back. Sounds like the mechanics were just giving you the run-around and milking you because they knew you'd pay...

[mdoyle]

I've been following this thread since I have a 2003 with very similar problems. Starting is intermittant and sometimes takes 3 tries. It doesn't matter how long you let it crank, it won't start until you cycle the switch again.

I'm going to investigate the emissions warranty on the PCM Module, but I just turned 100K so it might be too late.

[tower]

Suzie,

I'm glad it will all work out fo you. I knew Mike would hook you up!

[HUMTECH]

General Motors Warranty Coverage:

? For trucks with light duty or medium duty emissions:
- For 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first: If your vehicle fails a smog check inspection, GM will make all necessary repairs and adjustments to ensure that your vehicle passes the inspection. This is your vehicle emission control system performance warranty. If any emission related part on your vehicle is defective, GM will repair or replace it. This is your short-term emission defects warranty.
- For 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first: If an emission related part listed in this booklet specially noted with coverage for 7 years or 70,000 miles is defective, GM will repair or replace it. This is your long-term emission control system defects warranty.
- For 8 years or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first: If the catalytic converter or vehicle (powertrain) control module is found to be defective, GM will repair or replace it under the Federal Emission Control Warranty.
? For heavy duty gasoline engine vehicles, the emission warranty period is 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Any authorized HUMMER dealer will, as necessary under these warranties, replace, repair, or adjust to General Motors specifications any genuine GM parts that affect emissions.
The applicable warranty period shall begin on the date the vehicle is delivered to the first retail purchaser or, if the vehicle is first placed in service as a demonstrator or company vehicle prior to sale at retail, on the date the vehicle is placed in such service.