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Chevy Express/GMC Savana Starting/Stalling Problems

105 messages,  Last post on Feb 26, 2013 at 11:21 PM

You are in the Chevy Express & GMC Savana Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, GMC Savana Cargo, Van

Messages Page 11 of 11

#96 of 105 Re: STARTING PROBLEM ON "WE/RAINYT" SITUATIONS [mip3] by robsta90rs

Dec 27, 2011 (8:29 pm)

Replying to: mip3 (Dec 23, 2011 5:15 pm)
Having the same exact problem. Every time it rains. I cannot get it to turn over for squat. I initially had a problem with a severe lack of power. Having just bought my 3500 express (short bus) I was working my way through the vehicle. found a spark plug wire completely off. That fixed my power problem. replaced distributer cap all plugs and wires. Also found a bolt on the exhaust manifold completely missing. I am in the process of tracking that down.
 
Bigger issue is the darn rain. as soon as it dries up, the thing turns right over with no hesitation. I found the rain guard over the fuse box on the drivers side a little loose. I have just realigned it. I also saw water on some of the connections. Hopefully it is that simple. I heard replacing the fuel pressure regulator works, but can't imagine thats the case here. It seems purely electrical and due to wetness. Any input would be helpful if anyone has a definite fix for this issue.

#97 of 105 Re: Won't Stay Started [gqintx] by docholiday69

Jan 14, 2012 (10:31 am)

Replying to: gqintx (Jun 20, 2011 6:24 pm)
I have an issue I've never had before. I have had the moisture problem and fixed it with the new distributor cap. Two days ago I was driving on the thruway in NY it was raining and the van stalled but then started right back up. Without turning the motor over to start it?
This happened about 4 times until it stalled and didn't start. I was pulling off the thruway and put it into to neutral and turned the key and it started. I drove about 20 miles and it stalled again, this time it didn't start. I tried several times to start it but no luck. I started my call to AAA and tried one more time and it started. I then drove from Rochester to Syracuse without incident about 70 miles. However this morning we have about 12" of snow and it will not start. Sorry for the long post but thought I'd have to tell the whole story for someone to diagnose it.
 
Thanks
Dan

#98 of 105 Re: Won't Stay Started [docholiday69] by van3500

Jan 14, 2012 (6:26 pm)

Replying to: docholiday69 (Jan 14, 2012 10:31 am)
When the engine cuts out and resumes running are there any indicating lights flashing? It could be fuel pump, electrical, ignition, or the Power Train Control Module could be developing a problem. If the engine will not start that helps in trouble shooting.
 
If you are going to trouble shoot this yourself, I would recommend you have a manual like a Chilton's or Haynes for the van.
 
You can check for fuel pressure with a fuel pressure tester, the manual will have detailed information.
 
Check for spark at a plug or at the coil. There is a spark plug tester with a clip to secure the test plug to the engine.
 
An OBDII Tester may show a fault code or help with the trouble shooting.
 
Good luck.
 
I take it you live on the north side of the city with that much snow. We got about 4 inches of snow, I live about 18 miles south of Market Place Mall.

#99 of 105 Re: Won't Stay Started [van3500] by docholiday69

Jan 15, 2012 (7:01 am)

Replying to: van3500 (Jan 14, 2012 6:26 pm)
When it stalled and started the speedometer fell to 0 and the check gauges light came on. My abs brake light is always on so that didn't change.
 
I just had my plugs and wires changed about a month ago.
 
Aside from the 3 time change of the computer in this vehicle{bad design with water shield it dumps on the computer} and the distributor cap it's been a good vehicle.
 
I've had it since 1998. I didn't know it was possible for an auto tranny to restart like that, without turning the key? I had it on a charger most of the day yesterday and it just wont start.
 
Thanks
Dan

#100 of 105 Re: Won't Stay Started [docholiday69] by van3500

Jan 16, 2012 (6:49 am)

Replying to: docholiday69 (Jan 15, 2012 7:01 am)
I had a similar problem after I changed the intake manifold gaskets. I had a loose ground wire that completed the circuit for the computer. My indicating lights acted funny and when the OBDII Tester was plugged in it completed the grounding and everything worked fine.
 
If you check spark on the coil wire and it appears to be intermittent, it could be the crank position sensor or the module in the distributor. With intermittent spark the engine will sound like it wants to start. If it just spins over and there is no attempt to start you need to verify fuel pressure and spark.
 
Good luck.
 
Don, from Livonia,NY

#101 of 105 Re: Won't Stay Started [van3500] by docholiday69

Jan 16, 2012 (6:59 am)

Replying to: van3500 (Jan 16, 2012 6:49 am)
It's making no attempt to start at all. Thanks for the help everyone. I will keep you posted as to what it is.
 
Thanks
Dan

#102 of 105 Re: Results of my tests on 2000 GMC [magna82] by roadracermario

Sep 22, 2012 (7:36 am)

Replying to: magna82 (Apr 09, 2011 7:04 pm)
i have an 02 express 3500 5.7 since it was new after running park it and it doesn't start. subsequently changed the fuel injection system (standard f504) fuel pressure regulator evap purge valve fuel line o-rings at manifold cap rotor and wires plugs fuel pump. I still have after all that loss of power rough idle bad gas mileage. I was told that the original cats were clogged i cut them out and inspected but they were fine. I read about your split connector c301 how would this stop the truck from running intermittenly there is no corrosion heat damage etc. At a loss where to go next

#104 of 105 Re: 96 express starting trouble [maddmattt] by 3rdsavana

Dec 28, 2012 (7:50 pm)

Replying to: maddmattt (Oct 13, 2011 1:47 pm)
Check your coil. A lot times you replace a part and the part goes bad because of another malfunctioning part. The spark can look good, but under load Its not enough. Problem is in the ignition somewhere.

#105 of 105 van won;t crank by electra2

Feb 26, 2013 (11:21 pm)

we bought an 03, 3500 express 6.0 yesterday and drove it home. today it won't crank. when i first started trying to start it, the gauges would do a little dance and then register, then the needles would do a little dance and not register and the radio quit coming on. when i turn the key i can hear the fuel pump working but the starter doesn't click or nothing. we changed the batt, checked the fusses and ohm'd the relay. any ideas ?

Messages Page 11 of 11

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