Possible fuel pump/starting problem-need help
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 306
Likes: 82
Possible fuel pump/starting problem-need help
2004 stock
This is an intermittant problem where the car will start and then shut down immediately. It has happened first thing in the morning during cold start, but mostly it happens after driving then sitting for a short time. When it does not happen, the car starts fine and runs great.
The battery has been checked and is putting out well over the rated cca's.
I have used techron fuel additive.
A mechanic has suggested that it is a malfunction of the fuel pump, where the gas is draining from the pump instead of being held for starting.
Any help would be appreciated.
This is an intermittant problem where the car will start and then shut down immediately. It has happened first thing in the morning during cold start, but mostly it happens after driving then sitting for a short time. When it does not happen, the car starts fine and runs great.
The battery has been checked and is putting out well over the rated cca's.
I have used techron fuel additive.
A mechanic has suggested that it is a malfunction of the fuel pump, where the gas is draining from the pump instead of being held for starting.
Any help would be appreciated.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 452
Likes: 2
From: Lynnfield MA
If it's fairly reproducible, it might be worth getting a fuel
pressure gauge to test this theory.
There are a goodly number of electrical items that could also
command or cause a shutdown, so I wouldn't jump to a fuel
pump without seeing the pressure fall off, particularly if it's
not making any noise.
Any codes?
pressure gauge to test this theory.
There are a goodly number of electrical items that could also
command or cause a shutdown, so I wouldn't jump to a fuel
pump without seeing the pressure fall off, particularly if it's
not making any noise.
Any codes?
Vettaholic
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Wherever I drive my vette
Car starting up and then dying immediatly could be due to the VATS system. The small pellet on the key gets dirty (or the cylinder is bad) and the BCM can't read it, does not send the auth code to the PCM and PCM shuts down the car right away. This pellet on the key is a resistor of known value that the BCM checks for. Try cleaning it with a proper solvent and try again.
I don't believe really the fuel pressure theory, but it is easy to check. Get at Autozone and buy a pressure sensor to hook to the Schrader valve on your fuel rail. You should get at least 58 psi. Anything lower than that is an issue.
Note that you can install the gauge when the car is off, then turn it on, then shut it down, all the while with the gauge on. Check pressure variations.
Good luck.
I don't believe really the fuel pressure theory, but it is easy to check. Get at Autozone and buy a pressure sensor to hook to the Schrader valve on your fuel rail. You should get at least 58 psi. Anything lower than that is an issue.
Note that you can install the gauge when the car is off, then turn it on, then shut it down, all the while with the gauge on. Check pressure variations.
Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,370
Likes: 8
From: Slave to the evil empire
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04
Car starting up and then dying immediatly could be due to the VATS system. The small pellet on the key gets dirty (or the cylinder is bad) and the BCM can't read it, does not send the auth code to the PCM and PCM shuts down the car right away. This pellet on the key is a resistor of known value that the BCM checks for. Try cleaning it with a proper solvent and try again.
I don't believe really the fuel pressure theory, but it is easy to check. Get at Autozone and buy a pressure sensor to hook to the Schrader valve on your fuel rail. You should get at least 58 psi. Anything lower than that is an issue.
Note that you can install the gauge when the car is off, then turn it on, then shut it down, all the while with the gauge on. Check pressure variations.
Good luck.
I don't believe really the fuel pressure theory, but it is easy to check. Get at Autozone and buy a pressure sensor to hook to the Schrader valve on your fuel rail. You should get at least 58 psi. Anything lower than that is an issue.
Note that you can install the gauge when the car is off, then turn it on, then shut it down, all the while with the gauge on. Check pressure variations.
Good luck.
The pressure will not hold 58 psi with the key turned off but it should take a while (more than 20 minutes) for it to slowly bleed down.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 306
Likes: 82
Thanks for the help everyone, but I should add the following information:
2004/auto/stock
thanks to this forum I have tried all the recommended tips before posting....tried both keys, cleaned the keys with alcohol, different gas, techron additive, codes(none), battery is strong, connections are tight.
I have heard from another forum member with the same problem and no solution.
Anyone else have any ideas?
Thanks, Dave
2004/auto/stock
thanks to this forum I have tried all the recommended tips before posting....tried both keys, cleaned the keys with alcohol, different gas, techron additive, codes(none), battery is strong, connections are tight.
I have heard from another forum member with the same problem and no solution.
Anyone else have any ideas?
Thanks, Dave
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 452
Likes: 2
From: Lynnfield MA
If you don't see any untoward behavior from the electrical
system, and there are no codes, then it's time for the fuel
pressure gauge.
If it looks OK at idle, then the trick is to get an extension
long enough that you can duct tape the gauge to the
windshield while you take a drive. Make sure the fittings
are well seated, as you can imagine the result of a fuel
leak while the engine is hot.
We have found odd fuel pump problems this way.
If the car shuts down but the pressure is good, then
we're back to the electrical realm.
system, and there are no codes, then it's time for the fuel
pressure gauge.
If it looks OK at idle, then the trick is to get an extension
long enough that you can duct tape the gauge to the
windshield while you take a drive. Make sure the fittings
are well seated, as you can imagine the result of a fuel
leak while the engine is hot.
We have found odd fuel pump problems this way.
If the car shuts down but the pressure is good, then
we're back to the electrical realm.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 306
Likes: 82
If you don't see any untoward behavior from the electrical
system, and there are no codes, then it's time for the fuel
pressure gauge.
If it looks OK at idle, then the trick is to get an extension
long enough that you can duct tape the gauge to the
windshield while you take a drive. Make sure the fittings
are well seated, as you can imagine the result of a fuel
leak while the engine is hot.
We have found odd fuel pump problems this way.
If the car shuts down but the pressure is good, then
we're back to the electrical realm.
system, and there are no codes, then it's time for the fuel
pressure gauge.
If it looks OK at idle, then the trick is to get an extension
long enough that you can duct tape the gauge to the
windshield while you take a drive. Make sure the fittings
are well seated, as you can imagine the result of a fuel
leak while the engine is hot.
We have found odd fuel pump problems this way.
If the car shuts down but the pressure is good, then
we're back to the electrical realm.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
