Engine stopped running?

Tiny
ASTROSERV11
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET VAN
  • 6.5L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 85,000 MILES
Gauges started randomly dropping ( about two weeks) then after refueling, the van would not start or idle. Pulled power to reset and after ten minutes it started and ran. I cleaned most grounds and tried cleaning and spraying connectors on sensors and computer s. It seemed fine but the gauges still dropped a few times and next fueling it would not idle up at all, very slow and rough then stalls.
Friday, November 14th, 2014 AT 8:32 PM

21 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
The gauge problem sounds like a bad earth or a voltage problem, what is the alternator output and have you done a load test on the battery? The idle issue may be related but I would also check the IAC (idle air control motor) this may be dirty or faulty.

When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Friday, November 14th, 2014 AT 8:52 PM
Tiny
ASTROSERV11
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  • 2 POSTS
Checked battery and alternator at auto parts store, they didn't even try to sell me anything!
Suggested testing ignition switch? Do you know which leads should energise on key "on"?
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Saturday, November 15th, 2014 AT 8:54 AM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
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Should be a heavy gauge red wire for battery feed to the ignition switch.
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Saturday, November 15th, 2014 AT 1:48 PM
Tiny
ECHO720
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 CHEVROLET VAN
I have an 02 astro van. 4.3l v6. Went in for cel. Mechanic replaced distriutor gear and then it wouldn't start. Sent to another Mechanic. He fixed the distributor gear as it was 180 out. I then got it back still won't start. Has Compression. The timing is dead on now. Has good spark. And it is getting fuel, So in theory it should start. But it still won't fire. ANY IDEAS are appreciated, I have never had an engine fight me like this one.

Usually something dumb. I always check the basics,

compression, fuel, spark, timing.

Thank You.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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If you haven't check the fuel pressure do so and comeback with the readings.

My question is how did you check the ignition timing without it running, are you refering to static timing.

Better check into the valve and ignition timing something don't jive here. You got fuel and spark-all you need now is cranking speed and compression and it will fire up.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ECHO720
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Well I will have to get a fuel pressure tester which I will do asap. But on the timing question. I rolled the motor over to TDC on #1 by timing marks on crankshaft top and bottom acording to the book. And reset the distributor on the correct mark, due to it being off about 1/2 inch. Got that timing right on. So fuel may be the issue. Its funny though that it ran before but just had a CEL. The distributor gear replaced and now it won't start.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Get that fuel pressure check-The EFI's are very picky on their pressures and comeback with your findings.

BTW did you put this engine on TDC compression stroke on No.1 meaning feeling or gauging the pressure BTDC no.1 compression stroke.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LORIDARLIN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 CHEVROLET VAN
  • 213,000 MILES
Going down the road the oil pressure light came on it started spitting and sputtering and would not start back. I checked the oil it had plenty in it and there are no leaks. What could this be when you try to turn it over it sounds like all the rods are knocking. Thank you in advance:)
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
Tow this car!
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LORIDARLIN
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  • 2 POSTS
Really tow the car? The car is home I'm not that stupid. I just wanted to know what might cause it.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
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Check the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge-the oil pump could have failed
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LINEZEE CHARGE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 CHEVROLET VAN
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Have fuel pressure of 60 psi/with manual bleed down. Have spark to firing. Will start/run on fuel/starting fluid spray in intake.

Injectors and regulator not showing great pressure drop in bleed off. Injectors not operating. Checking injector wiring at injectors pack main wire connection, 6 pink wires one for each 6 injector. Has 12 volt positive side power for all 6 pink wires.

Where do I test the ground current and what is the way to do this with a volt/ohm meter? Thank you, in advance for your help with that and anything else you can do to tell me about. God bless you.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Good morning,

You will need a scan tool capable of reading live data.

Below are the description and the flow chart for testing. The PCM is what controls the firing of the injectors.

Roy

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
The Vehicle Control Module (VCM) has integrated circuits that are fault protected, therefore, if a circuit has failed, the integrated circuits may not be damaged. If this is the case, the Ignition Control (IC) will keep the circuit open until you have corrected the fault in the circuit. When you have corrected the fault, reinstall the VCM. Check the circuit. Replace the VCM only if the circuit is still inoperative.

TEST DESCRIPTION
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
2. This step determines if the ignition feed circuit to the injectors are OK.
6. This step determines if the injector control circuits are OK.
8. This step determines if there is an internal VCM short to ground for an injector control circuit.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOE MANN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2000 CHEVROLET VAN
Engine Performance problem
2000 Chevy Van 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 80;000 miles

the engine wont start unless I use starting fluid.I recently replaced the maf sensor unit and at first it took a few tries before it would start. Then it got worse to the point where it wont siart at all exept wirh starting fluid.I dont know were to begin.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
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Welcome to the forum. My info shows you have that spider fuel system, they are noted for problems. I'd use a gage and check fuel pressure, first.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOE MANN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Is my vans fuel presure 13 to 17 or 40 to 50 its a 4.3 ltr an the fuel pump is 25000 miles old?
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Express 1500, 4.3, key on engine off, 60--66 psi
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOE MANN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Omg no way I have that now what ! Is my fuel pump no good or could it be filters?
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
What is the actual fuel pressure? You can try a new filter. Make sure you have good voltage and ground at the pump.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,542 POSTS
  • 2000 CHEVROLET VAN
  • 19,500 MILES
I turned the ignition swtch to start chevy van. Didnt let completly start before releasing switch. Now it wont start. Could it have jumped timing?
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)

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