Engine not starting

Tiny
ANHONY
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,000 MILES
Shut down while driving, restart in minutes, drive for a couple minutes then shut down again
Tuesday, April 1st, 2014 AT 8:26 AM

22 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.

Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.

2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.

3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.
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Tuesday, April 1st, 2014 AT 8:34 AM
Tiny
STEP
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2007 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 53,000 MILES
I am having the same issues.I got code P0107 and changed the map sencer but I still have a crank no start on the first attempt but will turn over on second try and also getting P0171 and P0172 - lean bank #1 and rich bank#1. Is there some thing more I should be checking? I will be checking the wire harness as per the photos described.
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 9:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Check the harness in the grren wraped tape on the right side of the vehicle under the rgiht kickpanel, and the gray wraped wires on the left side.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_avalanch_1.jpg


Was your master cylinder replaced recently?

This guide can help

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

Please run down this guide and report back.

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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 9:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DON SAMSONITE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thank you for this post I had this problem and had to replace the crankshaft angle sensor cost me $94.00 all fixed I love this site.
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 9:58 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STEPHANIE WIGGINS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2007 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 178,000 MILES
I used my headlights with ignition on and it killed my battery, I am guessing every since no crank no start. I tried different battery tried charging it tried jumping it. It says stabilitrak on my dash and I'm getting code U0140 saying BCM not communicating! I am clueless on what to do, it is stressing me out badly. I have paid for so called mechanics to "fix it" nobody can do anything with it. An another thing the shift gear indicator is not highlighting anything on my dash! Somebody please help me I do not have the money the Chevrolet dealership is asking for. So if anybody has any ideas or been through this before let me know what you know!
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,723 POSTS
This may indeed be a dealer-only problem. The engineers at GM have cleverly designed in a number of things that require trips to the dealer. Some problems can now be handled by independent repair shops, but only once the aftermarket industry develops the very expensive specialized diagnostic equipment. All GM owners go through this. The same is true for BMW, Audi, and VW owners. All of those companies have an abundance of customer-unfriendly business practices such as these.

What you can do is start by checking the fuses inside and under the hood. At first I thought the engine died when the head lights were on while you were driving, (which is another common GM problem), but I think you meant you left the lights and ignition switch on when the engine was not running, and that ran the battery down. If that is correct, it is fairly common for a few fuses to blow simply from connecting jumper cables or a battery charger. That is from the current surges that occur, and there is no other actual problem.

One problem I have been running into is there are a real lot of fuses now, and they are no longer labelled for the circuits they protect. That is because they usually feed computers that run those circuits, so a fuse might be labelled "IPC 3", "TIPM 5", and things like that. You do not know what those mean? Welcome to our world!

Instead of trying to figure out which fuse to test, use a test light to test all of them. If you do not know how to use a test light, get hold of one, then I will explain it. All of the small spade-type fuses have two tiny holes on top for test points. Turn the ignition switch on, then test for voltage on both test points for each fuse that you can. If you find 12 volts on both test points, that fuse is good. If you find 0 volts on both sides, that circuit is currently turned off, and that fuse is not in a circuit related to this problem. You are looking for a fuse that has 12 volts on one side and 0 volts on the other side. Replace any that are blown.

The larger cartridge-type fuses have to be checked visually through their clear plastic covers, but those are much less likely to blow from connecting jumper cables. If all the fuses are good, the dealer may need to unlock some of the computers. Needing to do that after simply replacing an old battery is a trick that's real common on VW vehicles, and GM copied that on some of theirs too. Running the battery dead causes the same problems, if any, that disconnecting the battery to replace it causes. The aftermarket industry has come up with a whole bunch of "memory saver" devices that allow us to replace the car's battery without needing to tow the vehicle to the dealer to have those computers unlocked.
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RENEE L
  • ADMIN
  • 1,257 POSTS
Hello,

Here is a link to an article form this site that features written step by step instructions and pictures explaining how how to use a test light.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

If you need further assistance please come back to the site we are always happy to help.

Thank you for visiting 2CarPros.com.

Kindest regards,

Renee
Admin
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2007WHITE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2007 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
If it has been over 1 hour or so my avalanche will not start the first time and sometimes not even the second attempt. It just cranks like it is not getting gas. But after a few attempts it starts. And after that it runs great until it is off for awhile and starts the process over again.
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,117 POSTS
Based on your description, it sounds like you may have a bad fuel pump. Have you checked fuel pump pressure to see if it is within the manufacturer's specs?
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ARLUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 138,000 MILES
Dual question. I was gone for about five hours and when I returned my truck, which had been parked in the driveway, had its lights on. My fault I guess. I put a charger on it overnight. This morning it will crank fine, but it will not start. Seems like it is not getting fuel. Fuel gauge was at E which makes no sense because it had plenty when I parked it. I went ahead and added about two more gallons and tried again, it made no difference.
Second part: Check engine came on two days ago and I stopped by an auto parts place to run the code. I did not get a code number. The guy asked me check the fuel cap, which we did and then said I have a air leak in the fuel system. He recommend I drop the tank and check. The guy seemed put out and in a hurry. Intentions were to go to a dealer this week.
I had no problem driving or starting it prior to the battery being rundown and then recharged.
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
First thing do not take auto advice from a parts guy they only sell parts and are guessing every ting else. try resetting security system because of battery problem. see picture for instructions GM changed security resets around the time of your truck so it may not work. If not look online for your truck on how to reset it. then check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent that. but sounds like a securtiy problem. which any garage mechanic can scan and find out if it is then if something is messed up he can fix it.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ARLUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the information. After I sent the question I thought I would try disconnecting the cables and leave them off for a couple hours. I then received your reply and went out to try it out. I first connected the cables I took off this morning and gave it a try. It started. I have tried it about three more times and it seems to be starting like it was. Do you feel this is a viable fix similar to your recommendation or should I still be concerned with the truck learning the security test? Thanks again for your help. Is this a great site to ask any type of car related question? I know it was today but I did not know if I would be bombarded with paying for it or with ads. So far things are cool.
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Just to add to this one it sounds like the body control module is going bad. You said it had plenty of gas, but read empty and would not start. Those are common symptoms I used to see when I worked for Saturn and that would happen when the body control module went bad. I have seen them suddenly fail from jump starting the battery. Battery going bad or running the batteries down like you did. So keep an eye for weird things not working or acting strange. The body control module controls a lot different things.
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
FLORIDARON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Engine starts on second try all the time but no start or long start on first try.
If I just turn on key and wait 2 sec. then turn it off and back on it starts every time.
Seems like it will not hold fuel pressure. Or what ever
It looks just like the engine in your video here...https://youtu.be/Z3LDHdS1upo
.... Thanks 2 Guys
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
You're right. The fuel pressure is siphoning back into the tank.
There is a check valve in the fuel pump to prevent that so it likely needs a new fuel pump.
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BIGALLOYMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
  • 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
  • 5.4L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 250,000 MILES
Had an engine code, clogged injectors, clogged fuel filter, bad o2 sensor, weak fuel pump. Left and right bank lean. Fuel pressure is 50 psi at schrader valve, when the key is on you go to start it it fires once then stops fires back up then stalls.
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 10:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
50 PSI is just not enough for that engine. The spec is 60-66 and usually won't even run below 55.
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 10:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BIGALLOYMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
Should I change the filter first, or just go ahead and change the fuel pump
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 10:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
The filter will never be the sole cause of a performance problem, however it can damage the fuel pump by working it too hard so it should always be changed along with the pump.
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 10:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BIGALLOYMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
Thank you for your time and prompt answers
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Thursday, November 14th, 2019 AT 10:00 AM (Merged)

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