Will not start after shutting off while driving?

Tiny
GVARDOS23
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 192,000 MILES
The car listed above an SS model Supercharged. I was driving for about 2-3 hours with no issues then car just shut off and was coasting just battery light was on. I was able to restart and drive a few more blocks then shut off again. Then got it started again, made it to the garage and it shut off. Was able to start it up a couple more times and it started surging and shut off. Let it sit. Starts fine when cold runs for about 8 minutes then surges and shuts off. It can start up again a few more times then it shuts off in under a minute until it won’t start again just crank.
Thursday, September 12th, 2024 AT 10:32 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, this sounds like a classic fuel pump problem, but to be sure please go over this video which can help confirm the issue:

https://youtu.be/lXLJbuAZ4CE?si=-r2bluAtXZCh3_8A

We should run the codes in case any are stored.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

See if it starts with starting fluid to help confirm the fuel pump issue, here is how to change the fuel pump out. Also, if you turn the key on without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump hum for about 5 seconds? Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

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Friday, September 13th, 2024 AT 9:48 AM
Tiny
GVARDOS23
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Does not have codes. Pump hums when the key is turned on. Has spark. Has injector pulse. So can rule out crankshaft sensor. And only had brake cleaner squirted in throttle, and it did try to start. With key on fuel pump pressure is 40-45 PSI. Unless PSI is too low?
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Friday, September 13th, 2024 AT 10:26 AM
Tiny
GVARDOS23
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Also removed vacuum hose from fuel pressure regulator while car was running, and fuel pump pressure went up to 50 PSI and the car stayed running for 20 minutes until I plugged the vacuum hose back on and the pressure on the fuel pressure gauge went back to 40 and the car shut off in a couple minutes. Also, no fuel leaking out of the regulator.
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Friday, September 13th, 2024 AT 11:50 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Hmm, when the engine was running did you drive it, did the engine have good power? The fuel pressure sounds okay.
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Saturday, September 14th, 2024 AT 9:06 AM
Tiny
GVARDOS23
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
It had great power when I was first driving it, and it shut off. I haven’t driven it since just been starting it and runs good until it doesn’t.
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Saturday, September 14th, 2024 AT 9:10 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
When it shuts down and will crank but not start, we need to check for spark because the crankshaft angle sensor can cause this problem. Please go over this video to help us find the problem:

https://youtu.be/lXLJbuAZ4CE?si=DJajZE5zfJX8mdL1

Here is the location of the crankshaft sensor so you can check it out. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
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Sunday, September 15th, 2024 AT 9:11 AM
Tiny
GVARDOS23
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Has spark and injector pulse.
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Sunday, September 15th, 2024 AT 9:20 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 54,137 POSTS
So, it has fuel and spark, and it will not run? Let's do a compression test to see if the engine is hurt or not, or you can just load a short video of the engine cranking over and I can tell by listening to it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Sunday, September 15th, 2024 AT 9:51 AM
Tiny
GVARDOS23
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I replaced the fuel pump with a new one from the dealer and it ended up being bad would not hold pressure. So, I bought a Delphi from AutoZone and it’s good now. Chevy needs more fuel pressure to run. At 40 where it was at was no good now it’s around 50 psi and is running great. Thanks for your time.
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Monday, November 4th, 2024 AT 10:55 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Thanks for letting us know, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.
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Tuesday, November 5th, 2024 AT 9:40 AM

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