2001 Chevy S-10 engine dies

SKAAMORGAN

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET S-10
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
16,100 MILES

I have 2001 Chevy s-10 4 cyl manual trans. For about a week my truck once driven for about 20 minutes will lose all power and when you push in the clutch it will die. You can then let out the clutch and the engine will attempt to start but will not. If I cut the key off and back on the engine will then start again and run again for about 10 or 15 miles and do the same thing all over again. It seems to get worse with this issue when the gas level in the tank starts to get lower and lower and then I fill up and it doesn't do it as often until I start getting low on fuel again. I just noticed today the engine is harder to start (it takes it longer than usual to start). If I turn the key on for a couple of seconds and then start it it cranks up fine but still dies later on. Is this a failing fuel pump or a computer problem. I thought when a fuel pump quits it is dead. Please let me know.

Scott

3 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

If a fuel pump fails it usually quits but not always. Try replaceing the fuel filter and look on the fuel tank vent line to see if it's kinked or partially plugged. It goes up your filler neck and is easy to see. Check your fuel pressure it should be at least 40p.S.I. It could still be the fuel pump or a bad relay as well though. The relay is in the undrhood electrical center.

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Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 AT 7:03 PM

SKAAMORGAN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I have replaced the relay in the fuse panel but it still happens. I did not drive this truck for two years I may have cranked it once every two months. I will check the vent line. To me it sounds like a computer problem because I have to turn the key off and back on the get it to start again, but I could be wrong. Should I have a tune up done and what should be involved in a tune up. Any more help would be appreciated. I just hate taking it to a shop because I do not know of any good ones in my area and I do not want just give them a "blank check"

Scott

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Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010 AT 8:11 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

A tune up would involve changien the spark plugs, and filters mostly. That would mean air and fuel filter. You could also change the wires if they look bad, but on your truck you have the pug wire/connected to the coil. Alot of shops out there are pretty honest, they want your work back. You dont' need to go to a dealer for that. If your service engine light is on then it has to be scanned to see what it is. I could also be a converter that is doing this, but a mechanic should check that out. Ifyou go on the site here and look under tune up it wil pretty much go through what to do. If you have somehand tools you should be able to do that. Also one other thing check all your grounds and make sure they are clean as that can cause this too.

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Thursday, September 23rd, 2010 AT 8:32 AM