2000 GMC Safari stalling

DAVEYBOY1967

MEMBER
2000 GMC SAFARI
FWD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

My van stalls when wet and cold, or sometimes just wet, I have spent close to $3000 in repairs, they changed the feul pump, the starter, problem returned when winter returned. This time they changed the wire and spark plugs and told me to add gasline anti-freeze each fill up. This worked for 3 months, and now the problem is back, I stall at stop signs or when originally starting the van, I have to use two feet and keep my foot slightly on the gas and other on the brake, also have to keep slightly on the gas when I start the van to go into gear or into reverse (I also have to start in neutral when I want to go to forward since my foot is on the gas) If I take my foot off the gas, the van stalls. After I drive 10 minutes the stop sign problem goes away, but the next time I start it, it returns for 10 minutes again.

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

This could be a few things. First, has the idle air control valve been checked or replaced? Has anyone checked for vacuum leaks? Also, considering how many miles are on the engine, has anyone checked compression? It could be low when cold and improve as the engine heats up and expands.

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Friday, March 14th, 2014 AT 8:46 AM

KMTECHMAN1

MEMBER
8 POSTS

I have had 7 Astro's and or Safari's. If your ignition has some wear, like burnt cap and rotor, old coil wire, heat broken down ignition coil, you will have this symptom. I have been through this several times. My van is a work van and I carry a cap and rotor.

Here's what happens: These vans have such tremendously high ignition voltage, that the voltage is constantly looking for a path to ground and it will eventually find one. I replace my cap and rotor every year. I get the Autozone 5 year warranty and replace it every year (4 times for free).

If you have wear in the ignition system, this has happened twice to me. A cool night followed by a warm rain caused moisture to condense on the cap, rotor, and coil wire and it sparks to ground instead of to spark plugs. I one time had to pull the glovebox, dry the cap with paper towels and it ran and dried out. Another time, did the same and the old coil wire boots
were "permeated" with moisture even after drying with a paper towel. Stranded at a motel, and after drying the cap, rotor, and coil wire boots, I used the motel hair dryer to bake the boots dry and it started and ran well.

I found out that I can buy at Autozone just a single coil wire and I am careful to route it not near any grounded cross members or supports.

Behind the passenger front wheel is a shroud that in the middle folds straight up over the wheel A frame. If there is any problem with this shroud flap, your tire will spray your ignition coil with water because it is directly above.

I hope this was helpful.

Ken

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Saturday, August 2nd, 2014 AT 1:34 PM