1998 Jimmy with cold starting issue

I have a 1998 Jimmy which is stored in a heated garage during winter. I suddenly started having cold weather starting problems over the last two weeks as the temperatures started dropping during daytime here in Northeast.

I went in to work without incident one morning, then it would not start when I came out at night. I tried putting in some gas line antifreeze and left it, but still would not start the next day so had it towed back home.

Took the relay off, cleaned and checked it. All looks good. After it was in the garage overnight, I put the relay back on and it started right away.

Took the Jimmy out of garage and down to Home Depot today about 10 miles from home. Was in for 15-20 minutes and come back out. Motor will crank but wont start. Just had to have it towed again.

My GM dealer is none too impressive here in my area and they have been basically hit or miss on swapping parts in and out for the last couple times and it gets expensive.

Just wondering if anyone else experienced something like this. To me, it looks like it is not the fuel pump, probably not the relay, and don't think the gas line is freezing up in the short time I had it out. I'm suspecting a loose contact somewhere due to expansion, contraction in cold weather...any ideas?


Thx in Advance,

Jimmy Saturn
Montreal

Next time it does it, try using a little starting fluid to see if it will start. There is a common issue of hard cold weather starts caused by low fuel pressure as a result of the battery voltage (battery power is lower in cold weather) dropping while attempting to start. Basically, these engine are very anal about the amount of fuel pressure they need. If your fuel pressure is at the bottom of the spec range, the voltage drop caused by the starter won't let the fuel pump get enough power to supply the correct pressure. This issue can be caused by a weak pump, a partially clogged fuel filter, or a weak battery.

Next time it does it, try using a little starting fluid to see if it will start. There is a common issue of hard cold weather starts caused by low fuel pressure as a result of the battery voltage (battery power is lower in cold weather) dropping while attempting to start. Basically, these engine are very anal about the amount of fuel pressure they need. If your fuel pressure is at the bottom of the spec range, the voltage drop caused by the starter won't let the fuel pump get enough power to supply the correct pressure. This issue can be caused by a weak pump, a partially clogged fuel filter, or a weak battery.

Thanks for the suggestion Blazee. It looks like it may have been a weak or faulty fuel pump after all. I was able to drive around to various stores no problem. Then suddenly one time the truck won't start.

I saw another post here about a guy who used to tap with a hammer or piece of wood on the fuel tank, and suddenly the intermittent failing fuel pump would kick back in and would go. It seems like that did the trick. So I went and had the fuel pump changed, and now the truck is running smoothly again. Of course, it cost $800 to replace here in Canada (parts and labor) which is why I had been delaying to make sure that was the problem in the first place :)

Thanks for all the help.

I'm glad to hear that you're up and running again. :)