Stalled. Fuel Pump?

[BackToBlack]

Was driving the other night and my 2006 Chevy Tahoe lost power steering and ability to accelerate. While sitting on the side of the road, it wouldn't turn over. Would crank, but would not start. Got towed home and next morning it started right up but wouldn't make it around the block without dying on me again. Tried starting it after that, would crank and have a really rough start then shut off immediately.
It's now been at the dealership for 3 days, they "can't find anything wrong"
I'm getting -evap emissions system leak detected code- with my engine light.
They say that code would not cause the Tahoe to fail while driving.

PS- have noticed a popping noise coming from gas tank for the past year after the truck is sitting for a few minutes after driving. Sounds like a paint thinner can popping.


They claimed to have checked "everything"


Any thoughts?


I initially suspected the fuel pump but after much reading, I'm now thinking it could be anything from the fuel pump, fuel filter, vacuum lines, MAF sensor, o2 sensor, relays, fuses, ground connection for pump, etc.

Any help is greatly appreciated as I am at a complete loss for what is going on and have been racking my brain trying to figure out what the hell is wrong.

Thank you !

 

[bottomline2000]

They checked fuel pressure at the rail? Make sure your temp sensor is plugged in. That thing can wreak havoc on drivability. Sounds like a fuel pump issue.

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[Chip18]

Hmm, well the dealer has had it three days and can't find anything wrong??? Did they happen to add in "They all do that."

But on a serious note ... did you happen to take note of the fuel level in the tank when the issue happens?? 1'2 a tank or more and could be vapor lock??? I've never had that happen but I've never had a vehicle doing the "popping thing" from the gas tank either??

If it's at the dealer and has a low fuel level in the tank?? Then giving them the benefit of the doubt ... maybe the issue won't show up?? In anycase take a look at these clips and see what you think.

 

[BackToBlack]

Hmm, well the dealer has had it three days and can't find anything wrong??? Did they happen to add in "They all do that."

But on a serious note ... did you happen to take note of the fuel level in the tank when the issue happens?? 1'2 a tank or more and could be vapor lock??? I've never had that happen but I've never had a vehicle doing the "popping thing" from the gas tank either??

If it's at the dealer and has a low fuel level in the tank?? Then giving them the benefit of the doubt ... maybe the issue won't show up?? In anycase take a look at these clips and see what you think.

First of all thank you for the speedy reply!
That second video is interesting. I'm definitely leaning toward purge solenoid after seeing that info...

The Tahoe has 3/4 of a tank when I dropped it off. It just started having the issues.

And as for the popping noise, I'm guessing that's something with the emissions system's inability to vent properly, possibly what's causing the stalling. Again, crazy theories don't seem so irrational when all the basics have been covered...

 

[BackToBlack]

They checked fuel pressure at the rail? Make sure your temp sensor is plugged in. That thing can wreak havoc on drivability. Sounds like a fuel pump issue.

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They did not say if they checked it or not. I'm going there tomorrow to deal with it so I will be sure to ask about the fuel pressure and the temp sensor as well.
Can you please explain what the temp sensor is and how it would be effecting my vehicle in this manner?
Thanks in advance!

 

[BackToBlack]

Some more possible useful info-

The gas cap is actually loose. Has been for a long time now. Additionally, i tend to "top off" my tank when I fill up most of the time.

1. In regards to the fuel cap- any way this faulty seal could've allowed enough moisture in to the fuel system to get water in my tank/lines? (Far fetched, I know, but I'll try anything at this point...)

2. I read that topping off the tank can allow gas to get into some of the vent lines or vacuum lines? Could I have somehow ruined the vent valve by doing this time and time again?


This is my first thread here and you guys have been great. Thanks again!

 

[Chip18]

I'll defer to the clip on the Evap system I linked! One of those "Black Box" mysteries for me, that as long as it works ... I don't care.

But that said the "Popping noise" and you say you always fill it up ... it sounds like an "issue/failure" with that system (Evap) to me???

 

[BackToBlack]

Chip, I am thinking the same thing. I asked about the codes and the service tech I'm working with said "yeah we saw them but they would have no relevance in why it is stalling out"
Sounds like they might not know what they're talking about....or am I gravely mistaken?

 

[BackToBlack]

I'll defer to the clip on the Evap system I linked! One of those "Black Box" mysteries for me, that as long as it works ... I don't care.

Exactly- if it's fixed, it's fixed. No questions asked

 

[Chip18]

Chip, I am thinking the same thing. I asked about the codes and the service tech I'm working with said "yeah we saw them but they would have no relevance in why it is stalling out"
Sounds like they might not know what they're talking about....or am I gravely mistaken?

Most likely ... they have never seen a "Vapor Lock" situation before???

To be fair seen I have been dealing with FI motors ... I have not seen that issue either??? But the "popping sound" from the rear?? The only thing that makes sense is an "Evap Issue" and the vehical "said" that was the issues! It sounds like you don't have emissions testing where you are?? I was a smog tech a very long time ago and I'm gonna guess your not in Ca???

If you were and "speculating" as I was a smog tech back in the day. I would suspect that your vehical would fail and high HC's (unburnt Hydrocarbons) would be the issue??

The "fuel vapors" just aren't being dealt with properly in my "opinion." That is just my "opinion" based on the "popping sound" because ... "No ... in fact ... they don't all do that.

 

[BackToBlack]

Most likely ... they have never seen a "Vapor Lock" situation before???

To be fair seen I have been dealing with FI motors ... I have not seen that issue either??? But the "popping sound" from the rear?? The only thing that makes sense is an "Evap Issue" and the vehical "said" that was the issues! It sounds like you don't have emissions testing where you are?? I was a smog tech a very long time ago and I'm gonna guess your not in Ca???

If you were and "speculating" as I was a smog tech back in the day. I would suspect that your vehical would fail and high HC's (unburnt Hydrocarbons) would be the issue??

The "fuel vapors" just aren't being dealt with properly in my "opinion." That is just my "opinion" based on the "popping sound" because ... "No ... in fact ... they don't all do that.

I'm in the greater Detroit area of Michigan.
I don't even know what a vapor lock situation is...?
And I didn't think they all did that haha...
What do you guys think I should ask the service manager tomorrow morning?

I plan to ask if they tested the fuel pump.
What about the emissions system should I ask?

Thanks again guys!!!

 

[bottomline2000]

They did not say if they checked it or not. I'm going there tomorrow to deal with it so I will be sure to ask about the fuel pressure and the temp sensor as well.
Can you please explain what the temp sensor is and how it would be effecting my vehicle in this manner?
Thanks in advance!

I made the mistake of unplugging mine once and trying to start the truck. It backfired and would barely start. Ran like hell. The sensor seems to be critical to proper ecm operation. It is located on the drivers side head in front of #1 cylinder. It's right in front of the spark plug. It's a long shot but u never know..

My stock muffler popped after I turned the truck off. It was corroded to hell and must have been expanding and contracting.

Other than that check the cats make sure they aren't clogged and properly test that damn fuel pump. These trucks are fairly simple and shouldn't be hard for a dealer to properly diagnose.

Oh and topping off the tanks seem to cause evap issues so I wouldn't do that going fwd. A bad gas cap can cause a check engine due to emissions but shouldn't make it stall.

Hopefully they figure it out.

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[BackToBlack]

I'm thinking it's not vapor lock simply based on what I've read about what that is. The vehicle turns off after I turn the ignition back to me and only stalls out and fails when I accelerate in traffic.
Am I missing something about what vapor lock is?

 

[bottomline2000]

Vapor lock is more of a carb issue. Doesn't seem possible with an electronic fuel pump. We don't have a choke, it primes itself. A simple test of pressure at the fuel rail will tell you if the injectors are getting sufficient pressure.

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[07HOE4x4]

I'm thinking it's not vapor lock simply based on what I've read about what that is. The vehicle turns off after I turn the ignition back to me and only stalls out and fails when I accelerate in traffic.
Am I missing something about what vapor lock is?

Hi b2b, I had to replace the fuel pump, mine is a 5.3L v8 flex fuel engine. Expensive. Fyi-the fuel filter is IN the pump assembly. U can find my post at

 

[07HOE4x4]

I'm thinking it's not vapor lock simply based on what I've read about what that is. The vehicle turns off after I turn the ignition back to me and only stalls out and fails when I accelerate in traffic.
Am I missing something about what vapor lock is?

Oops! Sorry
http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/conversations/gas-leak-above-tank.71386/
anyway. I'm not a mechanic, but learning about the truck. If you haven't replaced a pump yet, that might be the trouble. BUT I WOULD BUY A GAS CAP And put it on the truck and see if it starts and then drive it, if possible. Unlikely to fix your problem, but maybe that tank popping is related to the cap... A good cap will create a vacuum in the fuel system. (though you would think the dealer would try or know if this was the problem) But I've found nobody knows my truck like me. I might have the tools to fix it, but I have realized I am not as ignorant as I once thought I was. And there are some outstanding minds on this forum! Me Excluded! Lol. The conventional wisdom is that the fuel pump(at least for my vehicle design) is put in a poor place on the truck.

The in and out tubes rot out due to corrosion. I spent $850 total. That includes an ac Delco gm oem pump, $350—which I bought through autozone. This was a 250 savings over the dealer part. Exact match. Hope this helps. Best of luck, 07

 

[07HOE4x4]

You might try this guy from the forum. He is 100 times more knowledgeable then I am :fiatdale
Houstons Best. And he is on the forum all the time. Again, good luck with your truck!, 07HOE

 

[BackToBlack]

07hoe-
Thanks for the info! I'm with you, I think it's the fuel pump but we will see!

Update from today:

Pulled it from the dealership because they're absolute morons. Had it towed to a mechanic that my family used back in the day. He's a seasoned vet, so I'm hoping he gets it in and can debunk this one. He'll check it over in the morning and hopefully have some good news for me!

I'm slowly learning that the mom and pop places are the way to go. They were incredibly helpful and personable and are even willing to pull some strings with my warranty company in the case that the needed repairs are not necessarily covered by my aftermarket warranty, he said they can possibly reword the diagnosis to make it something under warranty so I don't have to pay 100% out of pocket.

Wish me luck! I'll post back when I have answers, hopefully tomorrow!

 

[07HOE4x4]

07hoe-
Thanks for the info! I'm with you, I think it's the fuel pump but we will see!

Update from today:

Pulled it from the dealership because they're absolute morons. Had it towed to a mechanic that my family used back in the day. He's a seasoned vet, so I'm hoping he gets it in and can debunk this one. He'll check it over in the morning and hopefully have some good news for me!

I'm slowly learning that the mom and pop places are the way to go. They were incredibly helpful and personable and are even willing to pull some strings with my warranty company in the case that the needed repairs are not necessarily covered by my aftermarket warranty, he said they can possibly reword the diagnosis to make it something under warranty so I don't have to pay 100% out of pocket.

Wish me luck! I'll post back when I have answers, hopefully tomorrow!

...have you already replaced the fuel pump? What part or parts, are you going /trying to get covered by the warranty? And yes, I used a local guy to...who's wife owned a Tahoe - he says most of them work up until you fill up the tank and then bam, the pump dies. Good luck!

 

[BackToBlack]

Update for you guys:

The thing apparently runs great...They had it fail twice but both times was off the diagnostics reader. The mechanic isn't sure what it is.

I am completely clueless on this. If anyone has suggestions please share.

I have not replaced the fuel pump but he thinks that could be a potential cause. It's at 91k miles, so should probably get done right?