97-3500 Bad morning start

[JusGene]

New to AF and really enjoy and appreciate.

My 97-3500 5.7 10k/GVWR Vin R is a recent acquisition. Prev-owner reported that it probably needed new trans; he started one day, put it in gear, and it wouldn't move but added fluid anyway. Now, after 4 mo. of sitting, we try to start and it just cranks (slow). I put a jumper on it and a small squirt of ether and it fires up and runs, though slightly erratic. I thought it was due to sitting over winter in Chicago area.

Anyway, I bought it and slowly drove it home. I was cautious of trans. warning but all went smooth after sitting so long. Parked at home, next morning I decided to explore more in case there were lingering problems. Had to use starting fluid again, but ran great except for very erratic idle while warming.

Drove 1+ miles to AutoZone for Scanner check (MIL on). Reported 2 upstream O2s bad. Bought 2; and air filter, oil and filter, fuel filter, frt & rr pads/shoes. I'm not a mechanic but am *driven* to try to fix my own car. Economics plays a role, plus rewarding feeling.

New to this vehicle, I learned how cramped access is. Popped inside cover to see more of engine compartment. Changed air filter, re-plugged some obvious sensor plugs (ignition off) which later generated temp. codes. Changed O2s and found ice in 1 of the plugs. (Found dirty fluid in CTS receptacle later.) Again to AutoZone and now MAF (disturbed during my exploration and air filter change) and CTS codes. Good that they didn't have the expensive MAF; replugging it after new CTS must have 'made it right'.

Forgot to mention that during these and a few side trips, 'drive' felt different each time. Anti-Lock light now on. Sound of rear brakes worsening; front pads replaced. Thought some of sounds and vibration were going to be the trans kicking me in the butt. Took it to reputable Trans shop who gave positive report on trans and since speedo was erratic he checked codes and said not to pay to much attention to errors with speedo and that it might improve. After clearing codes, knock sensor kept reporting. Found one a Murray's.(Diff.color than existing)

At this point car is running better but after reading posts here, esp. by GMMerlin, I think other problems exist. When I changed fuel filter, there was almost no fuel loss from either connector (after sitting overnight; does that tie into possible weak fuel filter and bad morning start?).

Last thing last night was change knock sensor. Car started right away this a.m.(Hooray) I still have to check to see if I have the bogging problem on accel. that I was getting unless eng. was fully warmed. (Gauge never seems to reach 200)

Anybody know which tool I need to do rear brakes on a full-floating axle? (Not part nr. but perhaps description.) And should/would I have to/ deal with bearings, etc?

Sure would appreciate some MasterTech help!

Thanks in advance,


P.S.
Went to AutoZone: Batt check okay and now cables freshly clean 'n tight. MIL (SES) goes on and off over time. Van seems to run fine, except if I park a few moments - on re-start, it need to 'run' a while or it will bog on accel.

[Gooseneck]

Hi Gene, looks like you got yourself a fix-er-up-er too. One thing to remember when troubleshooting, don't just blame senders and sensors when there sending a code. This vehicle has set for awhile make sure you have fresh fuel, have you changed the spark plugs. I would suggest a complete tuneup and service. Looks like the more you run it and work on it things are improving and thats what it takes. There are special tools for rear brakes mostly that deal with the springs but not a must. Disassemble and reassemble one side at a time, using the opposite side as a reference. And yes it is a very rewarding feeling when a repair job as gone well and you can say to yourself "good job"

[JusGene]

I did replace o2 sensors (upstream), Knock sensor, Coolant sensor and checked others incl. VSSs on trans. Didn't check IAC.

Van to dealer for recall and they said Fuel Pump was running a few pounds low (58psi) and that it should be changed. Changing that today. Fuel gauge does read incorrect!

Forgot to mention; Engine starts fine now. After a short warm-up runs great. BUT, during warm up van idles rough, RPMs up and down. When I first start to drive, you'd think I had a bad trans. Anti-Lock MIL still 'on and off' intermittently. SES MIL goes off now and then.

From reading posts here and elsewhere, I'm thinking that I get the SESs from a brief fuel-starving period after startup.

Would greatly appreciate tech confirmation about these issues.

Thanks

[JusGene]

No more SES lights (anti-lock still on). Van starts quick but still suffers short 'period of adjustment' before I can drive. Then during beginning mile, it would appear that the trans is shot! After short while, all is well. VERY frustrating and inconvenient! Still looking for an answer.....

[Jeremy-WI]

Might want to clean up the battery connections.

Then during beginning mile, it would appear that the trans is shot!

Why? Does it not shift? Does your PRNDL indicator go out or flicker?

[JusGene]

Went to AutoZone for a deeptest of the battery 4 days ago and cleaned all connections then but no improvement. Thanks for suggestions.
Gene

[JusGene]

Jeremy,


On a cold start, there is a loud 'rough' sound on accelleration and accell is slow, and slow to shift. Sounds like slipping. Sounds and feels like brakes are engaged. ABS light is on all the time.

Thanks