1997 GMC Safari Starting problems

Tiny
RFLIP1
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 GMC SAFARI
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 240,000 MILES
WHEN MY 6 CYL. 1997 SITS FOR A LONG TIME IT IS HARD TO START. IT FIRES BUT WONT KEEP GOING. IT WILL USUALLY START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BUT FAILED ALL TOGETHER TODAY. I SHOT A SMALL AMOUNT OF STARTING FLUID INTO THE FILTER AND IT STARTED LIKE BRAND NEW. IT SEEMS TO BE OK ONCE IT HEATS UP. I HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM WHEN THE VAN WAS ONE MONTH OLD AND THE DEALER SAID THEY HAD TO CHANGE SOME RELAY THAT GIVES THE ENGINE A SHOT OF GAS TO GET IT STARTED? IS THERE A RELAY THAT PRIMES THE ENGINE? I REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER ABOUT 40,000 MILES AGO.
THANKS

updated 5/4/09

You suggested that I turn the key off & on a few times to see if the prime shot would be better. I had already done that and sometimes it would seem to help & other times the car would still not start. It would pop but not start unless I gave it a shot of either. Is there any type of test I can run? I am pretty good with cars and could try anything suggested.
Thursday, April 16th, 2009 AT 10:15 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,394 POSTS
The "prime shot" when the key hits on is only 1 to 2 seconds long. This prime uses the same relay that's used for regular pump running. The length of "prime is controlled by the ECM and is non-adjustable. As components get older and a little worn, ie. Injector seats, fuel regulator valve seat, and pump check valve, the short shot isn't long enough.
Try a little experiment. Turn the key on/off, on/off 2 or 3 times before you hit start and see what happens. This should give the engine a little "extra" prime. Let me know what you find.
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Thursday, April 16th, 2009 AT 10:47 PM
Tiny
RFLIP1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I already knew about the prime shot and turning the key on and off. I tried it a few more cycles and I don't think it helped any. Are there some tests I can make or a part I should try changing?
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Sunday, May 17th, 2009 AT 8:10 PM
Tiny
LOUIE90745
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Was this ever resolved? I'm experiencing the same issues.
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Monday, September 21st, 2009 AT 3:43 PM
Tiny
RFLIP1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I TALKEDTO A FEW GUYS AROUND HERE AND THEY TOLD ME TO FIRST THING--CHECK THE FUEL PUMP PRESSURE. AUTO ZONE GAVE ME A TESTER AND THE THE PRESSURE WAS WAY BELOW STANDARD. REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND STARTS LIKE NEW.
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+1
Monday, September 21st, 2009 AT 7:57 PM
Tiny
LOUIE90745
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thanks. That will be the first thing I check.
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Monday, September 21st, 2009 AT 8:02 PM
Tiny
RFLIP1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
IF YOU DON'T HAVE OVER 60# WHEN YOU TURN THE KEY ON--THE MOTOR WONT START. IT TAKES 60# TO PRIME THE ENGINE FOR A COLD START.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 AT 10:07 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Definitly sounds like a weak fuel pump. With tester on it, see how fast it bleeds pressure off after the key is turned off. If pressure drops pump is most likely bad
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 AT 1:50 PM

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