1997 GMC Safari Starting problems

RFLIP1

MEMBER
1997 GMC SAFARI
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
240,000 MILES

WHEN MY 6 CYL. 1997 SITS FOR A LONG TIME IT IS HARD TO START. IT FIRES BUT WONT KEEP GOING. IT WILL USUALLY START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BUT FAILED ALL TOGETHER TODAY. I SHOT A SMALL AMOUNT OF STARTING FLUID INTO THE FILTER AND IT STARTED LIKE BRAND NEW. IT SEEMS TO BE OK ONCE IT HEATS UP. I HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM WHEN THE VAN WAS ONE MONTH OLD AND THE DEALER SAID THEY HAD TO CHANGE SOME RELAY THAT GIVES THE ENGINE A SHOT OF GAS TO GET IT STARTED? IS THERE A RELAY THAT PRIMES THE ENGINE? I REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER ABOUT 40,000 MILES AGO.
THANKS

updated 5/4/09

You suggested that I turn the key off & on a few times to see if the prime shot would be better. I had already done that and sometimes it would seem to help & other times the car would still not start. It would pop but not start unless I gave it a shot of either. Is there any type of test I can run? I am pretty good with cars and could try anything suggested.

7 Replies

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,395 POSTS

The "prime shot" when the key hits on is only 1 to 2 seconds long. This prime uses the same relay that's used for regular pump running. The length of "prime is controlled by the ECM and is non-adjustable. As components get older and a little worn, ie. Injector seats, fuel regulator valve seat, and pump check valve, the short shot isn't long enough.
Try a little experiment. Turn the key on/off, on/off 2 or 3 times before you hit start and see what happens. This should give the engine a little "extra" prime. Let me know what you find.