2002 Chevy Tahoe Engine sputtering while accelerating

A572257

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET TAHOE
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
142,000 MILES

I Just bought this Tahoe about 3 months ago. It ran fine and smooth for the first 2 1/2 months. It randomly started sputtering as if it was having a problem getting fuel one day at a stop light. I pulled over to feel out the situation. It sat idleing, struggling to stay running. I then decided to drive it home slowly, in which it actually made it halfway home (5 or so miles) and remarkebly it started to run smoothly like nothing had happened. About a week later the same problem occured and the Check Engine Light came on and started sputtering again. Two days later it ran smooth again. Then about 3 days later, it completely shut off while driving and would not start up. I had it towed. 4 days later I replaced the fuel filter and it started right up. The fuel pressure is right at 48 or so. But, the day after I replaced the filter, it started sputtering again. I havent driven it since, which is today when I am posting this question. So the question is what could the problem possibly be? (Im guessing the fuel pump?)

1 Reply

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

The fuel pressure should be at least 58 to 66 PSI. Your problems indicate a failing fuel pump. But before you replace the pump, check and clean up the fuel pump ground. It connects to the frame cross member just before the fuel tank. This ground corrodes and should be cut off, cleaned up and re-terminated. If that does not work, do the following tests. Pinch off the return fuel line, turn the key on, and check the pressure. It should be around 78 PSI or higher and hold for about 3 minutes (with the key off). If not then replace the fuel pump and module.