2000 Dies when going uphill

[PieceOCrapCar]

This has happened 3 times now...all with the same "coincidences". Since May 3 times I've gotten gas at the same place, have been driving for no more than an hour highway/town combo, go uphill at 65-68 mph and.... when it shifts into "passing gear" it dies...all lights come on (service engine, check oil, etc...) and the locks start going crazy...locking, unlocking. Car won't start again until you get it level and beat the
*$%& outta the gas tank with a mallet or wrench...whatever's handy. Mechanic uncle thinks its the fuel pump...what's everyone else's opinion?

[PieceOCrapCar]

Also...gas tank is over 1/2 full all 3 times this has happened.... Have had a few instances when it's really cold (20-30 degrees) and gas is under 1/2 tank that it wont start...again beat gas tank, starts fine.???

[Madcat455]

I'd say:

1: Fuel pump....
2: could be loose wire connection (beating helps re connect it)
3: Alot of gunk, sook, crap in the bottom of the tank that slides back and clogs the pickup screen starving it for fuel.... then beating the tank helps settle it enough untill you go uphill again.

Either way, I'd drop the tank.... remove the pump (inside the tank). You'll be able to check all three at once.

Good Luck, That's definatley a wierd problem.

On a lighter note.... you could allways put an air pump & shocks or hydraulics on the rear... then jack up the rear so it is more level up hill....lol.