'99 Blazer not starting
#1
'99 Blazer not starting
I have a '99 Blazer that I've owned for 10 years. Normally when I have a problem the check engine light comes on and I have an idea where to start, unless it's something simple like a dead alternator or water pump then the problem is pretty obvious. This problem has me stumped.
When the truck has been sitting for a long time, long enough to completely cool down, it doesn't want to start. The check engine light does not come. It turns over but never quite fires.
If I spray some engine starter fluid (a.k.a. ether) into the intake the truck starts up and runs fine. I can shut it off for a short period of time and it will start up again no problem. If I let it cool completely I have to resort to using the ether again.
While running it runs fine.
I replaced the fuel filter and air filter, but that made no difference. Didn't think it would since I'm pretty good about changing my filters.
I thought I might have gotten some bad gas, I ran the rest of the existing tank out and put some good fuel in along with a bottle of injector cleaner. That didn't help either.
A clerk at AutoZone suggested replacing the temperature sensor which I did but that hasn't helped either.
I don't know what else to try and since my pick-up got smashed in a accident this is the only vehicle I have to drive. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Tom
When the truck has been sitting for a long time, long enough to completely cool down, it doesn't want to start. The check engine light does not come. It turns over but never quite fires.
If I spray some engine starter fluid (a.k.a. ether) into the intake the truck starts up and runs fine. I can shut it off for a short period of time and it will start up again no problem. If I let it cool completely I have to resort to using the ether again.
While running it runs fine.
I replaced the fuel filter and air filter, but that made no difference. Didn't think it would since I'm pretty good about changing my filters.
I thought I might have gotten some bad gas, I ran the rest of the existing tank out and put some good fuel in along with a bottle of injector cleaner. That didn't help either.
A clerk at AutoZone suggested replacing the temperature sensor which I did but that hasn't helped either.
I don't know what else to try and since my pick-up got smashed in a accident this is the only vehicle I have to drive. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Tom
#2
when you turn the ignition to run do you hear the fuel pump kick on? also when you turn the ignition to run do all your dash lights come on?
#3
#4
Yes, the fuel pump kicks on and yes the dash lights up fine. It even runs fine once it's started. This is a cold start problem.
I looked at the 98+ No-Start - Engine Cranks OK and this seems to focus on a number of things that I think are good.
For starters, there are no engine codes to look at. They're all clear.
The spark plug wires are good and I'm getting spark. I do not believe this to be an electrical problem, rather some functionality like a choke. Which is probably and inaccurate description since this is all computer controlled now.
I read at another site to try cleaning the EGR valve with carb cleaner. I'm going to try that in the morning.
I looked at the 98+ No-Start - Engine Cranks OK and this seems to focus on a number of things that I think are good.
For starters, there are no engine codes to look at. They're all clear.
The spark plug wires are good and I'm getting spark. I do not believe this to be an electrical problem, rather some functionality like a choke. Which is probably and inaccurate description since this is all computer controlled now.
I read at another site to try cleaning the EGR valve with carb cleaner. I'm going to try that in the morning.
#5
Did you do the fuel pressure test? It sounds like you have a low fuel pressure issue. These engines require a bit more pressure to start than they do to run.
The EGR cleaning is a good idea. I would also recommend a MAF sensor and throttle body cleaning (including the IAC bore). Here are some threads that can help with those tasks:
MAF Sensor Cleaning
EGR Valve Cleaning
How to remove Throttle Body 2nd Gen 4.3
The EGR cleaning is a good idea. I would also recommend a MAF sensor and throttle body cleaning (including the IAC bore). Here are some threads that can help with those tasks:
MAF Sensor Cleaning
EGR Valve Cleaning
How to remove Throttle Body 2nd Gen 4.3
#6
Well, I cleaned the EGR valve and intake manifold. But it didn't help. I did find that I was missing the gasket for the EGR valve luckily I had already bought a new one when I decided to clean it. I checked the mass air flow sensor and it was pretty clean so I didn't mess with it.
I have not checked the fuel pressure since I don't have a gauge. I may take it to the base auto hobby shop to test it. I'm still not really convinced that it's a fuel pressure problem since once I've gotten it started and ran it for 5 mins it starts again just fine.
Does anyone one know what the truck is actually doing when it starts cold? Want sensors are involved?
I have not checked the fuel pressure since I don't have a gauge. I may take it to the base auto hobby shop to test it. I'm still not really convinced that it's a fuel pressure problem since once I've gotten it started and ran it for 5 mins it starts again just fine.
Does anyone one know what the truck is actually doing when it starts cold? Want sensors are involved?
#7
Yep, next step, check your fuel pressure.
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