2001 Chevy Tahoe Cold Weather Starting Problem

[noclarky58]

I have a 2001 Chevy Tahoe with a 5.3L engine. Has 137,000 Miles on it. I have it a tune up in August with 133,000 Miles on it (Plugs, plug wires, air filter, coolant check). The problem started this winter when it dips below 35 degree's. The truck won't start. It cranks, and the cranks sound normal speed, and not slipping on the flywheel. I try to start about 10 or so times, and sometimes it will start, but shut right off. If I wait a couple of minutes and go to start again, it will start right up with no problems. The problem starts every time it sits all night, and I go to start up in the morning. I changed the fuel pump in August of 2007, and the fuel filter at the same time since it started stalling on the freeway. Any suggestions would be helpful! I can't take it to a mechanic since I'm a statistic with the unemployed!

Also, the use of starting fluid does not help this problem!

[discnik]

Pull the vacuum line off your fuel pressure regulator and see if there is fuel present. If there is replace the regulator.

Also check and clean your IAC valve and ports.

Just some thoughts.

[brcidd]

Does the security light stay on when it starts and shuts off right away? I've seen two that had security issues that act like yours.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by noclarky58

I have a 2001 Chevy Tahoe with a 5.3L engine. Has 137,000 Miles on it. I have it a tune up in August with 133,000 Miles on it (Plugs, plug wires, air filter, coolant check). The problem started this winter when it dips below 35 degree's. The truck won't start. It cranks, and the cranks sound normal speed, and not slipping on the flywheel. I try to start about 10 or so times, and sometimes it will start, but shut right off. If I wait a couple of minutes and go to start again, it will start right up with no problems. The problem starts every time it sits all night, and I go to start up in the morning. I changed the fuel pump in August of 2007, and the fuel filter at the same time since it started stalling on the freeway. Any suggestions would be helpful! I can't take it to a mechanic since I'm a statistic with the unemployed!

Also, the use of starting fluid does not help this problem!

Pitch the starting fluid unless you want to blow the dip stick threw the hood.
Only use carb cleaner in spray can for starting aid.
Check for good hot blue spark to all plugs.
Give it a shot of carb cleaner to check for fuel delivery problems.
If it fires on carb cleaner.
Check out fuel pressure.

[noclarky58]

When it does this, and I try to start, if I crank it for more than 10 seconds, then let go of the key, the security light will come on. This morning it was 38, and it had a little bit of a hard time starting, but after two tries and 30 seconds, it started.

[brcidd]

With the key on ,whether the engine is running or not- the security light should come on and go off within 5 seconds- if it stays on then the engine will soon die- because the security system is shutting down the injectors. This is a big hint. The Passlock II system will need attention- or bypassed.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by noclarky58

When it does this, and I try to start, if I crank it for more than 10 seconds, then let go of the key, the security light will come on. This morning it was 38, and it had a little bit of a hard time starting, but after two tries and 30 seconds, it started.

you must check fuel pressure, and it must be 60psi or more...

what was the fuel pump replacement..? if it was airtex then you need a fuel pump...

if you need a fuel pump use only the delphi pump..
do not crank for more than 5 sec. then wait 1-2minutes..before trying again...if you crank too long you WILL damage the starter...



if the fuel pressure is correct it is possible the ECT is telling the computer is warm out...disconnect the MAF sensor and see if it starts...

get the dtc pulled to see if the computer has something to say...

don't forget the fuel filter....got gas in tank? driving on empty will cook a fuel pump fast...

[old_master]

Originally Posted by j cAT

...driving on empty will cook a fuel pump fast...

???? please explain.

[roadrunner2]

HA ha ha,
I think he got on a roll there.

Good trick to run on an empty tank.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by roadrunner2

HA ha ha,
I think he got on a roll there.

Good trick to run on an empty tank.

their are many females that do drive on gas fumes....my sister is one of them...