2001 GMC Safari Starting Problems

I have 44K and have never had a starting problem before. Last week I went out to start and nothing....it would turn over strong, but not actually start. I let it sit overnight & tried it once more in the morning before calling tow....wa-la it starts with no problem at all...so I drive it for a few hours and go out the next morning to start...it starts no problem...drive to the car wash, sitting in car wash, ready to drive out after wash done....won't start!!! In fact it is sort of sporatically back firing in the rear now & real poppy in the front. I get a push out of the car wash, try it a few more times...still sputtering, won't start....let it sit about 15 minutes....it starts !!!! I drove it straight to a repair facility, it is there waiting for them to open in the morning. Any ideas?????

Could be lots of issues, but the fuel pump may be going bad (typical problem although later in life), or the fuel filter could be plugging up. I'd check the fuel system first. Let us know what they find.

I am now battling the after market extended warranty....no one wants to deal with the after market companies....uggggggggh

BINGO....fuel pump....he is going to replace fuel filter while there also. Estimate is $714.00....how does that sound?

BINGO....fuel pump....he is going to replace fuel filter while there also. Estimate is $714.00....how does that sound?
Curious if the fuel pump was the problem. I have a 2000 safari with the same symptoms. I can hear the pump activate but I get a no start condition.

Yes it was the fuel pump (to the tune of 728.00 for repairs) ugh...he changed the fuel filter while in there.

A trick he told me about- if you have a fuel pump problem & are stuck somewhere & it wont start you can bang the fuel tank with a rubber mallet....repeat rubber mallet and it usually will start so you can get it to a garage. He also told me the fuel tank is made out of plastic...so I am guessing rust at least from your personal tank in no longer an issue.


Curious if the fuel pump was the problem. I have a 2000 safari with the same symptoms. I can hear the pump activate but I get a no start condition.