'02 tahoe starting hard & SES

Hey everyone.. glad to be here but not for this reason. I have an '02 tahoe. I noticed awhile back that it was starting harder and harder... I changed the plugs thinking that might be it. NOt it. Basically when I get in it in the morning... I have to push the accelerator down a bit to get it to fire otherwise it will just turn over w/out starting then I have to push the accelerator to the floor to get it to "chug".. it still chugs a little when I push the accelerator a little, but goes away quickly. Obviously this is a fuel issue, but where to start? my friend said to watch the pressure regulator by taking vacum hose off and seeing if it's wet around the male end or smells heavy of fuel. I also have a SES light on. I took it to my friends shop and he says it's a flex-fuel issue. Says the truck checks the fuel or something. Just for a little insight.. it has a full air intake (AEM) w/K&N filter. thanx in advance.

eric

Hey everyone.. glad to be here but not for this reason. I have an '02 tahoe. I noticed awhile back that it was starting harder and harder... I changed the plugs thinking that might be it. NOt it. Basically when I get in it in the morning... I have to push the accelerator down a bit to get it to fire otherwise it will just turn over w/out starting then I have to push the accelerator to the floor to get it to "chug".. it still chugs a little when I push the accelerator a little, but goes away quickly. Obviously this is a fuel issue, but where to start? my friend said to watch the pressure regulator by taking vacum hose off and seeing if it's wet around the male end or smells heavy of fuel. I also have a SES light on. I took it to my friends shop and he says it's a flex-fuel issue. Says the truck checks the fuel or something. Just for a little insight.. it has a full air intake (AEM) w/K&N filter. thanx in advance.

eric

Welcome on your first post.
We need a little more info like engine and trans and mileage.
What is the deal on flex-fuel issue?:grinyes:
Is it a flex fuel setup/engine?
What is the code no on check engine light?
If the fuel pressure regulator is sucking fuel threw the vacuum hose replace it first of all and clear codes and see what it does.

Welcome on your first post.
We need a little more info like engine and trans and mileage.
What is the deal on flex-fuel issue?:grinyes:
Is it a flex fuel setup/engine?
What is the code no on check engine light?
If the fuel pressure regulator is sucking fuel threw the vacuum hose replace it first of all and clear codes and see what it does.

thanx for the welcome... it's the 5.3 motor.. trans..???, it has 140,000 miles. my friend that pulled the code said my VIN has the flex-fuel motor. I don't think you can run the "new" flex-fuel, but I can run an ethenol fuel. He did not tell me the code #... I am going to start at the easy spot -> fuel filter, then try the pressure regulator and see what happens. thanx for the input. I will keep you posted.

my 99 chevy pickup has started doing the same thing. I've already tried the fuel filter and a fuel pump regulator/relay. No luck yet. Don't know where to go next...

my 99 chevy pickup has started doing the same thing. I've already tried the fuel filter and a fuel pump regulator/relay. No luck yet. Don't know where to go next...

It is best to start a new thread in the proper forum on your problem.
And give all info on engine make and model and mileage and service history.
MT

thanx for the welcome... it's the 5.3 motor.. trans..???, it has 140,000 miles. my friend that pulled the code said my VIN has the flex-fuel motor. I don't think you can run the "new" flex-fuel, but I can run an ethenol fuel. He did not tell me the code #... I am going to start at the easy spot -> fuel filter, then try the pressure regulator and see what happens. thanx for the input. I will keep you posted.
Flex-fuel refers to an engine that can run on gasoline and any ethenol blend.
Are you using an ethenol blend fuel?

Flex-fuel refers to an engine that can run on gasoline and any ethenol blend.
Are you using an ethenol blend fuel?

I have been using an ethenol based fuel... I live in Iowa so it's readily available.. I filled up with premium but the SES code was still there..