2000 Chevy Astro Dies out suddenly!

Another update to this problem - I got the service manual and did some troubleshooting and testing, and it looks like the oil pressure switch could be the problem. It has a switch in it that supplies 12v directly to the fuel pump. The VCM is "supposed" to supply 12v initially at startup, which I was not getting the 12v from the VCM. I jumped 12v directly to the fuel pump relay terminal that feeds the pump and it did run. (thank goodness I don't need to drop the gas tank!). Van then started OK. I disconnected the jumper, it dies out. According to the wiring diagram, no mater what the VCM thinks, does or says, the oil pressure switch is "supposed" to send 12v to the pump, for as long as the engine is running. Which it obviously was not doing. I will replace the pressure sender and see. My auto mechanics days were back in the aircooled VW days, so all these TLA's (three-letter acronyms) are a bit intimidating. Is this a CAR, or is this a GOVERNMENT AGENCY???

[quote:b72f52cbb4="Recordhound"]Engine Performance problem
2000 Chevy Astro 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 220000 miles

Hi - As for this Astro Van - it runs fine and all of a sudden will totally DIE. It will crank fine but acts like it is not geting gas. Seems to do this every hundred miles or so. Starting fluid sprayed into the air filter, engine fires right up and dies in a bit; after 4 or 5 times of this, it will eventually start up and run fine. Also, sometimes it will not start in the morning, same thing. Also - will starting fluid hurt the engine / spark plugs? thanks for your help and if I need parts I will buy them from you! *jimmy in MD[/quote:b72f52cbb4]

Got a new oil pressure switch - it is not the same as what's in there now. What's there, has only one wire. So anyway, I tested it again, jumped the relay, it started right up. I was not getting the output from the VCM. After much struggling, I figured out how to get the big clip out, and got the VCM out. I checked for continuity on the dark green/white stripe wire, that feedsthe fuel relay coil. Checked all 4 connectors on the VCM. Nothing. I then noticed two wires on the BLACK connector that looked cut. One of which was the fuel pump relay wire! Possibly were pinched. I repaired both, and the van is starting and running fine! Did not need a fuel pump, VCM, or any other parts. Just two butt connectors.