2004 Tahoe rough start up

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Tannerb

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I have a 2004 z71 Tahoe with the 5.3, I'm having issues with it starting in the morning when it's below 60 Fahrenheit. If I try starting it just turns over, the only way I can get it to start is if I mash the pedal down all the way. It idles rough for about 30 seconds at most. Threw out the day it cranks fine it's just that one cold start after sitting for more than 6 hours at minimum. I just replaced all spark plugs and wires not to long ago, if any of y'all have an idea of what it might be I'd appreciate any help possible!
 

cmc76

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Check for codes.
Try a throttle position re learn
 

cmc76

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I thought the delayed start was the issue.
Slow crank. Start with the battery
 

Z28TWITCH

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How long after the new plugs and wires did it start doing this? Make sure all the boots are on securely with no cracks or splits. May even want to make sure the porcelain on the plugs isn't damaged.
Check engine light on? If so pull the codes. How does it run once it starts?
I can't remember which years have it and which dont. Do you have a fuel pressure regulator on the drivers side fuel rail? If so, before your first start of the day, pull the vacuum line off it, if there's gas in the line, your regulator is bad. Start with the easy stuff and work up.
 

corvette744

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Does it belch out the tailpipe when it starts? Almost sounds like flooding. Fuel regulator is my guess.
I am no expert- but i was taught when you have to push the pedal to the floor to start a fuel injected vehicle.That its almost always flooded and by flooring it it shuts off the injectors from opening,Their bye letting you start the engine without additional fuel going down.So even though you have new plugs they are fouled and you should show some type of dark smoke out the tailpipe on cold start up???????? So fuel regulator is a prime suspect or something temp related like a sensor
 
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Tannerb

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I am no expert- but i was taught when you have to push the pedal to the floor to start a fuel injected vehicle.That its almost always flooded and by flooring it it shuts off the injectors from opening,Their bye letting you start the engine without additional fuel going down.So even though you have new plugs they are fouled and you should show some type of dark smoke out the tailpipe on cold start up???????? So fuel regulator is a prime suspect or something temp related like a sensor
It blows thick white smoke once it starts if I have to floor it to start. I checked the fuel pressure line the other morning and there was none in it but it also started just fine. It seems to only do it when it's cold. Tomorrow morning is supposed to be cold so I will check it in the morning again. If it's not the fuel pressure regulator what would you suspect it to be?
 

corvette744

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It blows thick white smoke once it starts if I have to floor it to start. I checked the fuel pressure line the other morning and there was none in it but it also started just fine. It seems to only do it when it's cold. Tomorrow morning is supposed to be cold so I will check it in the morning again. If it's not the fuel pressure regulator what would you suspect it to be?
I would not guess and throw parts at it-at least pay some one to diagnose it and you can fix your self most likely.Unless you have a tech 2 and a fuel pressure guage to see what it is cold-your going to waste your time and get stranded.
 

Timbers

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Have you checked your fuel pressure? Put a pressure gauge on the schrader valve and turn your key to ignition to get the fuel pump to prime. You should have 60PSI. Hard starts can mean low fuel pressure due to old fuel filter that hasn't been replaced in forever.
 

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