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Intermittent no start issue

Tiny
NORM.S
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT
  • 6.2L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Vehicle usually fires immediately when cranked but occasionally will just turn over and not fire. It does however always start after turning the ignition off and then re-cranking.
Tuesday, February 25th, 2020 AT 4:21 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Are there any specific conditions that cause it? For example, does it only happen after the vehicle has sat for some time? Or, does it only do it in the morning or when engine is hot?

Based on your description, I suspect it is a fuel pressure related issue. If you can, follow the following link to see what fuel pressure and fuel drop off is. I realize most people don't own a fuel pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend you one. Do this and let me know the results.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, February 25th, 2020 AT 7:02 PM
Tiny
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It has done this when engine is both hot and cold, and sometimes only minutes after it had been running. But it has never failed to fire on the second try. Only on one occasion I noticed what seemed like it fired just as I turned the switch off after trying to start it.
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Tuesday, February 25th, 2020 AT 10:17 PM
Tiny
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  • 10 POSTS
Is there any chance that it could be the ignition switch causing this issue?
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Tuesday, February 25th, 2020 AT 10:24 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Anything is possible, but the symptoms seem to mirror low fuel pressure until you turn the key off and the cycle it back on. At that point, the pump will run a couple seconds to prime the system again. If that happens, it has two chances to prime the system. That is why I am thinking it is related to pressure from the pump or excessive drop off in the system.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, February 26th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM
Tiny
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Have been cycling ignition on and off over the past couple days and have noticed inconsistent rate of pressure climb rate. Although it always reaches 50 psi it sometimes takes 2-3 times longer to get there. When started the pressure will usually jump to 60 psi rapidly and stays there till turned off. Pressure will then drop back down to 50 and usually stay there for hours. Are these normal operating pressures for this vehicle?
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Thursday, March 5th, 2020 AT 2:07 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Fuel pressure should be between 50 and 60 with the key on and the engine off. Since it has a delay building pressure, I suspect the fuel pump is weak, something or something is restricted. Interestingly, it holds pressure for an extended time. However, I bet if you check pressure cold before cycling the key, it's very low.

By any chance, do you have access to a scanner that can actuate the fuel pump on so we don't have to cycle it?

Also, there is a fuel strainer and filter in the tank and part of the fuel pump assembly. Something could be partially plugged at that point.

Let me know about the scanner.

Joe
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Thursday, March 5th, 2020 AT 6:41 PM
Tiny
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  • 10 POSTS
Started engine to move vehicle and it stalled after only a few seconds. Tried to start again and have no gauges working no power to starter wont even click. Where do I look now?
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Tuesday, March 17th, 2020 AT 1:09 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Since it started and then stalled, we have to assume the battery it charged. Have you checked to make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight? Also, check the mega fuse in the under hood power distribution box. See picture 1.

Here are a few links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, March 17th, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
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Switched out start relay and everything stared to work. Switched it back to see what would happen and it still is working.
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Saturday, March 21st, 2020 AT 12:40 PM
Tiny
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Remove the relay and check the conditions of the pins in the box. One may be pushed in and not making good contact or there could be corrosion.

Let me know.
Joe
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Saturday, March 21st, 2020 AT 6:06 PM
Tiny
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Interesting, since switching the relays I have had no more issues with starting.
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Monday, April 27th, 2020 AT 9:03 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Chances are there was a poor connection. I'm glad to hear the problem has been resolved.

Let me know if things change.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, April 27th, 2020 AT 9:18 PM

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