Please help...2001 Tahoe Fuel Pump Issues?

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dawgfan83

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Okay, here goes: I have a 2001 2WD Tahoe with 5.3L and 182K. I was driving a couple days ago and upon pulling up to a red light, the vehicle began idling rough and surging/not responding to acceleration attempts. As I pulled away from the light, I spit/sputtered as if it was struggling for fuel. At times it would shut off, I switch to neutral, crank again and the same sputtering/poor acceleration and poor responsiveness. I limp to my destination and let it sit for a few hours. I attempt to crank again and nothing after several attempts. After finally getting it started, I limp home with same starving fuel symptoms/surging/rough idling. As I near home, the vehicle seems to clear up and run relatively smooth. I cleaned the throttle body, MAF sensor, and replaced the fuel filter. It ran smooth for 5 miles and began the same symptoms again! Now after several attempts I can't get it to crank. Turns over fine, but won't crank. ECM B fuse is good, not sure that I hear the fuel pump priming when the ignition is turned on. What is going on with my Tahoe? Is it something other than the fuel pump? What are my options/next actions? Help. Thanks in advance.

Paul B
2001 Chevy Tahoe 2WD 4Door 5.3L
 

angrysam

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Let's make sure we are both on the same page- I never liked the term "turn over". It means different things to different people. Turn over to me means the bottom of my tires are getting some sun and I need to call insurance.

So- the engine cranks but does not fire? Or the engine does not crank at all?

If it cranks but does not fire see if you can either buy, borrow or rent a fuel pressure gauge kit. See if you have at least 55psi key on, engine off.

If it doesn't crank-

89302150_zps5f837437.gif
 
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dawgfan83

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Thanks for the response and sorry for the poor choice of words. The engine cranks but does not fire. If I have 55psi what then? If I don't have 55psi what's my next step? Thanks in advance.

Paul
 

angrysam

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Don't worry about it. I get picky after years of trying to pull info out of customers. That's just the best way I have found to get a description.

If you don't have over 55 I would suggest a fuel pump. If you have less it would be hard to tell without seeing live data. Could be a lot of things.
 
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dawgfan83

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Got a fuel pressure gauge, hooked it up, turned the ignition to the "on" position and the needle didn't move from 0. I tried a couple more times and nothing still. I attempted to crank and during the cranking process no movement of the needle. Did I do something wrong or do I just have 0 psi. What are my next steps? Any other possibilities or things I can check?

Paul
 

angrysam

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If you are sure you have a good gauge and it is hooked up correctly then either your pump is toast, pump is not getting power or pump has a bad ground.

Here is your fuel pump circuit. You can double check for power and ground but I would bet on the pump

PUMP_zps3703d5d0.gif
 

M Hankel

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If it is a fuel pump, save yourself future troubles and go for a quality fuel pump. I replaced mine with a cheapy because I was tight on money and ended up pulling the tank again 4 months later. Luckily it was under warranty but it isn't fun pulling the tank with 3/4 full of fuel.

Good luck man.

Mike
 

dwmmatt23

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Ever get it figured out? mine did the exact same to me fri, im 99% sure its the pump, gonna pressure test tonight and if it is no pressure dropping tank tomorrow. Anybody know where to check the pump ground?
 
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