2002 suburban wont start on 1/4 tank

[tmoney333]

I just bought this 2002 suburban 5.3L 2wd, and about two days into my ownership the suburban wouldn't start, i tried to jump it and still no help i was getting desperate so i put a couple of gallons in it and then it started right up, and now i have noticed that everytime the guage goes below 1/4 of a tank the truck won't start, so i have been keeping it full for the most part. The weird thing is that if i start driving the truck and the guage goes below 1/4 of a tank it will still drive until the low fuel light comes on then i go fill it up. I have no idea why it is doing this, i have been reading the forums and some other poeple were having similar problems, they have been atributing this to the fuel pump. But i used own a F150 and when the fuel pump would go out on it, it would studder then die, not just fail to start. Please help

[84fiero123]

fuel pump is gone and the guage is not right, maybe

[Fireplug]

You have to remember that your truck has a very large fuel tank and if you run the tank low on fuel(thats the worst thing that you can do to a in tank pump) and park on any type of grade the fuel will flow to the low spot and uncover the pump pick up tube. Running the tank that low on fuel will cause the pump to go bad fast because it uses the fuel to lube the pump and to keep it cool. Remember that the fuel pump is a motor and produces heat and the only way to remove that heat is to keep it covered in gas

[fourwheeler001]

I am having the same problem with my '03 suburban. I have replaced the fuel filter (myself) and the sending unit in the tank (dealer). I still have the problem though, especially after it sits awhile. Mine has the "Flex fuel system" where it can run on different fuels, i don't know if that makes a difference?

[gtcali]

I posted on another thread. I have a 2000 Suburban 4x4 with the newer body style.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=450851

[gstoy1]

Just went thru the same problem. The fix is simple. replace the fuel pressure regulator located on the drivers side of the fuel rail.

I replaced the fuel filter, the dealer replaced the fuel pump/sender unit out of warrenty after i complained to chevrolet customer care. still had a problem of hard starting. They found that the fuel pressure regulator was bleeding down after awile.

Steve

[tmoney333]

thank u soooo much

[shadysicilian]

[Mine does the exact same thing once the fuel gauge gets below quarter tank it goes nuts. i just keep it above half and it never happens. plus i know i get 600 miles to the tank so i reset the trip meter after filling up.

[hawaiilifesaver]

mine will start but on the highway at 1/4 tank and give it gas it will die. any suggestions?

[chaz123]

I just went thru this problem with my 2002, and after changing everything mentioned, it turned out to be the fuel pump that was causing the problem