2000 GMC Safari No Fuel Delivery

2000 GMC SAFARI
85,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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LOUIE90745
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Hello all I have a question regarding my 2000 GMC Safari. For about a week, we had a hard time getting it started. We would have to prime the fuel system by turning the ignition switch on and off, After several attempts it would fire up. As of last night, it's completely dead, the starter cranks but it will not turn over. If we're lucky we get it to fire once or twice but it dies. Before last night, we were able to hear the fuel pump so I'm assuming the pump is ok. I couldn't hear it after several attempts last night after trying harder than descrined above.

I've done some reading up and I have seen somewhere that the fuel pressure regulator failing could be the problem. Could you please elaborate on finding and testing it and even replacing it.

Thanks in advance.

Louie.
Sep 21, 2009 at 2:41 PM
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LOUIE90745
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Once the van was turned on in the morning and driven for a while, it would fire up with less effort than described later on in the day. If it sat beyond 7-8 hours we would have to "prime" the fuel system again with the ignition procedure I posted earlier.

However once it was running sometimes it seemed to be a little hesitant as far as kicking into overdrive while under way. While parked, if I accelerated too fast it also seem to hesitate a little bit as well.

The fuel filter was replaced last week in hopes that it was just a dirty fuel system. I also ran a fuel system treatment but it didn't actually do much.
Sep 21, 2009 at 2:57 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Based on what you described, it sounds like the fuel pump is bad. Have you tried to see if it will fire up using starting fluid? If it does and runs a few seconds and then dies, it's not getting fuel. Keep in mind, you may hear the fuel pump run, but it may not be producing enough pressure to run the vehicle.

When you mentioned that you would need to prime the fuel by cycling the key, that tells me there is either a leak in the sstem causing it to loose pressure, or the one way valve on the pump is bad.

Here is a "How To" video and directions for checking fuel pressure. You will need a gauge to check it. Most parts stores will lend or rent one to you. Follow the directions to see what you find. Also, pay attention to fuel pressure drop off. That is when the key is turned off and the pump stops. It should hold full pressure for a few minutes before slightly droping.

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

Try this and let me know what you find. Keep in mind, the starter fluid will answer basically the same question, but will not tell you if it is the pump or the regulator. However, it will tell you if it is fuel related.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Sep 21, 2009 at 9:51 PM
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LOUIE90745
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This issue was due to a bad fuel pump.
Oct 29, 2009 at 11:40 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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That's what I thought. Regardless, I'm glad it's fixed. Let us know if you have questions in the future, and thanks for using 2carpros.com.

Joe
Oct 29, 2009 at 12:44 PM