Engine no start, no check engine light on?

Tiny
SBKMIKE
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET VAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 87,000 MILES
Van came into the shop with a crank no run condition. No codes found fuel pump not turning on when key is on. Replace fuel pump with a new one. It ran for a bit then stalled and now has a crank no start. Fuel pump doent turn on, no spark when cranking, and the check engine doent come on. Check fuses, power and ground curcuits all ok. Grounded cel circuit at pcm light turns on ok. Replace with new pcm and all symptoms still pressent. What am I missing?
Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 AT 1:32 PM

50 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
If fuel pump is not energizing when key is on and pump is new, check fuel pump relay. When ign. is turned on, FP relay should click, if not then relay or fuse.

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.

If relay and fuse are OK, then it may be a wiring issue, the wiring/ground to the FP.

Start by checking fuel pressure with a mechanical gauge, if no fuel pressure, then fuel issue.
If no gauge is available, spray some starting fluid into throttle body, if car runs for a few seconds, it is the fuel system.
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Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 AT 7:24 AM
Tiny
SPRING PIERCE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 CHEVROLET VAN
We know that the original problem was the relay but now it won't start at all. Do we need to just replace the fuel pump?
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if okay-check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,cap and rotor,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it and keep testing
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+1
Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Have you checked to see if your getting power and ground to the fuel pump while your cranking the engine to start it?
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+2
Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KZICKEFO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 CHEVROLET VAN
1997 Chevy Mark III Van
90,000 miles
305 Cu in

My van was running fine till the other day.
Now when I try to start it, it wont start unless I give a shot of ether. It then starts right up and runs fine.

I can then shut it off and it will start right back up. But, if I let it sit a while, it will just crank over and not start unless I give another shot of ether.

I can also hear the fuel pump build pressure and stop.

Any ideas?
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the fuel system residual pressure-hook up a fuel pressure gauge and time it 5-10mins. It should hold the specified pressure if it drops quick-check the fuel pressure regulator/injector/pump check valve your leaking pressure.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TWO66MHZ
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
  • 1997 CHEVROLET VAN
Electrical problem
1997 Chevy Van V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic? Miles

I have a Chevy 2500 Van with a 5.7L engine that cranks but not start. I confirmed spark and compression. I found no power to the fuel pump and had no pressure (obviously), I measured the voltage at the fuel pump relay found 12v on pin 87 (Org/B1), I have 0v on pin 86 (Green/White wire) the Fuel Pump Relay Feed from the VCM. I have good grounds at the relay. I tried jumping 12v battery power to 87a (GRY/A3) wasn't able to confirm fuel flow from the pump (I couldn't hear it pumping). I did test the relay and all checked out. Any ideas I still have to look at the oil pressure sender. Until tonight when I have the proper tools to get to it.
Any ideas?
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Power the fuel pump connector gray wire from the battery, did the fuel pump come on?
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TWO66MHZ
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
I could not confirm the pump at that time. I tried to start the vehicle and it wouldn't. Going to be back at the vehicle later tonight to take the doghouse off. I figure I should've been able to hear the pump. I will repost tonight once I know for sure that the pump wasn't turning on.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TWO66MHZ
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
Okay, so I made a connection to the fuel pump with a 10 amp jumper wire I made, I confirmed that the voltage is getting to the pump. I had the fuel filter lines disconnected when I energized the circuit and to no avail I had no fuel flow. I confirmed the ground which had 3-4 ohms of resistance. Also confirmed the 2 sec feed from the ECM/VCM. So I'm thinking I should possibly be replacing the pump. But I would like a second opinion, there is still something in the back of my head thinking that the oil pressure sender could be causing this. But after jumper`n the fuel pump and not getting anything, ARGG. I would just like to be sure in my head. I'm thinking too much.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
You got battery voltage and a good ground it should fire up w/o the oil pressure switch when direct battery voltage being applied
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TWO66MHZ
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
That is what I thought or at least puymp fuel all over the ground which it didn't do that either. I guess I just didn't wish the pump to be bad @ $528+tax. Thanks for helping.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHARMED1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 CHEVROLET VAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 109,000 MILES
My van will not start in the mornings or if it sit for more than 2 hours the only way that I can get it to start is if I use staring fluid
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Check fuel pressure and let me know what do you have for pressure
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TWO66MHZ
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
When was the last time your vehicle had any induction services?
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DWBUTTS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 CHEVROLET VAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 171,000 MILES
I have a 19997 Chevy Conversion van with approx. 171,000. Runs great, however when it rains or a dew/heavy humidity occur, it will not fire. Suspect electrical. I have taken to 3 shops. Once I was able to start drove to Chevy dealer, they put on dyno, no problem found. Twice had towed however both times whe shops were able to look at vehicle, it started. No problem found. As you can see it usally starts after 2 to 3 hours moisture leaves area I have got no suggestions from any trust worthy mechanics in K.C. Area. Can you help?
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MID617
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I know when I had that problam mine was as simple as a cracked cap when the water got under the cap will not fire untill cap was somewhat dry agin. Hopfully that helps
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Its time for a tune up
replace cap and rotor
check coil and relpace ignition wires too
good luck
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SKIPKINNAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 CHEVROLET VAN
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 14,567 MILES
Good fuel pressure and good spark. Turns over fine will try to run on starting fluid
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge 60-66 psi if below that won't run. Check fuses underhood box and check pcm connectors for corrosion if they have it, cleanit off and use dielectric grease at connections.
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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)

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