How to Troubleshoot the 2002 Chevy Tahoe Electrical System

The 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe is a powerful and rugged SUV, but it can fall victim to the same electrical problems as any other car on the road. You can troubleshoot the vehicle's electrical system in your own driveway, without going through the time and trouble of taking it to a mechanic. Although some electrical malfunctions may require professional assistance, you can rule out some of the common causes of electrical problems with a little careful inspection. This will only take about an hour and requires no tools or professional training.

  • Examine the relays and fuses of your 2002 Chevy Tahoe if its interior lights are flickering, fading or failing to come on at all. If the fuses are intact, the problem may be a loose wire nut or a damaged ignition switch.

  • Inspect the vehicle's ground cable running from its firewall to its engine. If you have noticed more than one electrical problem, the ground cable is likely to blame. The cable is especially vulnerable near the firewall.

  • Look over the wiring of your Tahoe if the emergency flashers are turning on when you try to use a turn signal. This may be a sign of electrical problems caused by adding trailer wiring to the vehicle.

  • Replace the Body Control Module (BCM) if your Tahoe is repeatedly plagued by electrical malfunctions. This procedure can only be done at your local Chevy dealer, because they must update the vehicle's computer after replacing the BCM.

  • Let your local Chevrolet dealer know if your Tahoe is experiencing repeated electrical problems. There may be a recall on components of the electrical system, and you may be able to get your vehicle repaired for free.