Engine stalls while driving?

Hi,

The best thing to do at this point is simply check fuel pressure unless the check engine light is staying on while the engine is running. If that's the case, let me know. Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle along with the diagnostics. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

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2001 Chevy Truck C 1500 Truck 2WD V8-5.3L VIN T
Fuel System Diagnosis
Vehicle Powertrain Management Fuel Delivery and Air Induction Fuel Pump Fuel Pressure Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics Fuel System Diagnosis
FUEL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
DESCRIPTION
When the ignition is turned ON, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will turn ON the in-tank fuel pump. The in-tank fuel pump will remain ON as long as the engine is cranking or running and the PCM is receiving ignition reference pulses. If there are no ignition reference pulses, the PCM will turn the in-tank fuel pump OFF 2 seconds after the ignition is turned ON or 2 seconds after the engine stops running.

The in-tank fuel pump is an electric pump attached to the fuel sender assembly. The fuel pump is designed to provide fuel at a pressure above the pressure needed by the fuel injectors. A fuel pressure regulator, attached to the fuel rail, keeps the fuel available to the fuel injectors at a regulated pressure. Unused fuel is returned to the fuel tank by a separate fuel return pipe.

TEST DESCRIPTION

Steps 1-6

pic 1


Steps 7-13

pic 2


Steps 14-19

pic 3


Steps 20-25

pic 4


The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
2. This step verifies that the fuel pump is operating.
4. This step tests for an internal fuel leak. If the fuel pressure drops during this test, then an internal loss of pressure is indicated.
6. This step tests the fuel pressure regulator. The fuel pressure regulator is controlled by the engine vacuum. With the engine vacuum applied, the pressure should drop to the specified value.
9. This step inspects the fuel pressure regulator for a fuel leak from the vacuum port. If fuel leaks from the fuel pressure regulator while the fuel pump is commanded ON, replace the fuel pressure regulator.
10. This step tests for a loss of fuel pressure between the fuel feed pipe shut-off adapter and the fuel pump.
11. This step tests for a leaking fuel injector or for a leaking fuel pressure regulator. If the fuel pressure remains constant during this test, the fuel injectors are not leaking fuel.
14. This step tests for a restricted fuel return pipe. If the fuel pressure is within the specified values, there is a restriction in the fuel return pipe.
16. This step determines if the fuel pressure regulator or the fuel pump is the cause of the low fuel pressure. If the pressure rises above the specified value, the fuel pump is OK.
18. This step verifies that a circuit condition is not the cause of a fuel pressure concern. Thoroughly inspect all fuel electrical circuits.

_________________________________________________

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

I have a 2001 Chevy Silverado with a 4.8L V8 with 208,000 miles. This is a lot of miles but have always used Mobil 1 5W-30 synthetic, and have done all scheduled maintance. One day I go out and get ready to go to college and my truck starts but it's pretty hard to start, and it usually idles at 500 rpm's but when I would come to a stop sign it would go down to around 100-200 rpm's. The rest of the day it started fine. Now it won't stay running at all. I replaced the battery thinking that might be the problem because I had no electronics working at all. I took the alternator to AutoZone and got it tested and it was fine. I start the vehicle it runs for about 2 seconds and dies. I would appreciate all the help yall could give me because I need my truck for my job or I will lose it and then not be able to pay for my school. Thanks alot

[quote:7a2ae68e2f="big_red_chevy123"]I have a 2001 Chevy Silverado with a 4.8L V8 with 208,000 miles. This is a lot of miles but have always used Mobil 1 5W-30 synthetic, and have done all scheduled maintance. One day I go out and get ready to go to college and my truck starts but it's pretty hard to start, and it usually idles at 500 rpm's but when I would come to a stop sign it would go down to around 100-200 rpm's. The rest of the day it started fine. Now it won't stay running at all. I replaced the battery thinking that might be the problem because I had no electronics working at all. I took the alternator to AutoZone and got it tested and it was fine. I start the vehicle it runs for about 2 seconds and dies. I would appreciate all the help yall could give me because I need my truck for my job or I will lose it and then not be able to pay for my school. Thanks alot[/quote:7a2ae68e2f]

First at all: Check the fuel pump:
turn on the ignition and "hear" the "Humming" on the gas Tank (it runs for a few seconds and turns off when the line are pressurized..)
let us Know what do you find...

I own a 2001 Silverado 4.8 v8 it was hard to start and stalls out I checked the fuel pump its working theres pressure. I replaced the fuel filter and the fuel pressure regulator it still stalls out while running. what else could it be. Could it be the tps ?

Hi,

This morning it was fine but when I tried to leave for lunch the engine stalled until it warmed up, about 180deg then it holds idle. Idle is a little low at 500rmp, usually around 700rpm. No noticable performance problems, acceleration is fine and no strange noises. Not sure what to make of it, cold/clogged O2 sensor and clogged injectors.

Do you have a check engine light and when was the last tune-up?

Try cleaning out the idle air control valve and test the throttle position sensor voltages and see what happens-

No engine light and it just hit 3000 miles from the last tune up. I've never missed one, yet. I do live in Minnesota and would not be surprised if some build up got something to stick, I'll check the idle valve. Can I just soak it in some gas or spray with WD40?

Here's how to clean the IAC valve:

Disconnect the air intake ductwork from the throttle body.

Start the engine, then increase and hold the idle speed to 1,000 to 1,500 rpm.

Spray the throttle cleaner or engine cleaner into the throat of the throttle body, aiming for the idle air bypass port (usually located on the side or top of the throttle body opening). Give this area a good dose of cleaner (about 10 second's worth).

Turn the engine off to allow the cleaner to soak into the IAC passageway.

Wait about three minutes.

Restart the engine, rev and hold at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm, and repeat the cleaning process again.

Turn the engine off again, and reattach the air intake ductwork to the throttle body.

Start the engine and rev and hold to 1,500 to 2,000 rpm until no white smoke is coming out of the exhaust pipe.

If this fails to make any difference, you can remove the IAC valve from the throttle body and spray cleaner directly on the tip of the valve and/or into the ports in the throttle body. Let the cleaner soak awhile, repeat as needed, then reinstall the IAC valve, start the engine and run it at 1,500 to 2,000 rpm as before until no white smoke is seen in the exahust.

If the idle speed still surges after this, the IAC valve is defective and needs to be replaced.

The truck dies when driving around 70 mph for 15 or 20 miles. Starts back up in 3-5 miniuts.

Changed the fuel filter and the fuel regulator.

Hello, I'd check fuel pressure and trouble codes. If the vehicle refuses to restart right away, have a helper crank it while you check for spark at the plugs and injector pulse.

my truck stopped running while I was driving it. What could the problem be?

Fuel pumps are the most common cause on that truck. Try spraying some starting fluid or carb cleaner into the intake and see if it fires momentarily. That would indicate a fuel problem. If not, I will give you the whole diagnostic sequence.

when I am driving the engine sputters and shuts off. when I make right turns the engine shuts off, but the radio and lights keep working. I have replaced the crankshaft sensor and the ignition switch. I need some direction. thanks for the help.

Connect a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail on the engine, and clip the gauge under a wiper arm so you can watch it while driving. Many auto parts stores rent or borrow tools. They should have a gauge with a number of adapters.

If you lose fuel pressure when the problem occurs, observe all the conditions you can that affect it. You already found turning right is a factor. That could point to a baffle broken loose in the gas tank. The problem would only occur when the fuel level is low.

Hi. I recenly got caught up in a small flood, and my truck stalled out in approx 3 feet of water (it came up to about the bottom of the driver's door). Now, when I start my truck, it runs for a minute, starts to idle roughly, then dies. If I try to put the truck in gear when it's idling, ikt also stalls. The engine has cold air intake if that helps any. Please Help!
Thanks,
Chris

water can damage alot of stuff.

i would be suspect of a faulty MAF sensor first and foremost.

Thank you for your response ALLPRO, I'll look into that.

My 2001 Silverado has a difficult problem running at idle upon start up. Engine wants to die, I must give it gas the first few minutes on cold mornings. Once engine warms, engine runs great. Also, SERVICE ENGINE SOON light comes on, stays on and then goes out after an hour or two of driving.

First, take the truck to a nationally recognized parts store and have them scan the computer for codes. If the light was on, there should be a code stored in the computer that will identify where the problem is coming from.

Let me know what you find, so I can help with the problem.

Joe

I can start the engine but it spits and sputters when u step on the gas it acts like it's gasping for air. I have replaced the fuel filter and the fuel pump is working.

Could be a lot of things here. Check the fuel filter?
Easy replacement. Spark plugs and wires OK? I just had a similar problem with a 02 camaro v6 - cause was a bad cat converter and ignition coils. Could be other things, but that's where I would start.

I have a 2001, Chevy 3500 dually w/8 liter engine. It has a very random ignition problem. Here are the details. To start the check engine light is not on. The problem is at random times the engine won’t start, the starter turns but it won’t start, if you take the key out and wait a second sometimes it starts again sometime it doesn’t. It has a remote to lock and unlock. I have pushed the remotes unlock button when this has happened and it started, sometimes it doesn’t. I have also shook the ignition switch and it has started, sometimes it doesn’t. I have also just taken the key out and put it back in and it started sometimes it doesn’t. I took it and had it put on a diag w/ no code. When it is running it runs great. Here is the kicker, I was driving it the other day and it stalled at 45 mph, it was the first time this happened. I coasted to the side of the road, turned on my hazards, took the key out, pushed unlock on the remote, and it started. The other thing is the cruise control stop working when I tried to use it right after this. I am getting ready to take my horse on a road trip. I can’t have a truck that won’t start with horse stuck in a trailer. Any help you can give will just make my new year.
Extra details for this truck are as follows:
1. It pulls a 2 horse trailer w/ brakes
2. It is also wire for a 5TH wheel
3. It has 18300 miles on the engine
4. the engine gets regular oil changes and well kept
thanks John

Hi, John. I would start by checking fuel pump pressure to make sure it isn't low. Here is a how to for checking it:

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

Also, when this happens to you, does the security light ever come on?

Let me know.

Joe

[quote:ce76c00131="Jacobandnickolas"]Hi, John. I would start by checking fuel pump pressure to make sure it isn't low. Here is a how to for checking it:

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

Also, when this happens to you, does the security light ever come on?

Let me know.

Joe[/quote:ce76c00131]


the fuel pump is les than 6 months old. last month i had the fuel system checked and fuel filter replace with a complete tune up.

All I can say is when it doesn't start you need to check if you are getting fuel and spark to the engine. One will be missing and I need to know which one it is to help you determine where the problem is.

My 2001 Silverado has a 5.3 liter engine and it stalls or dies for no apparent reason at low idle. This is an intermittent problem where it may not stall for a week and then it may stall 4-5 times in one day. The RPM speed at an idle or stop light sometimes dips too low, under 500 RPM. I have had the truck into the dealer several times and they can not determine the cause. They even put a black box recording device to monitor various parameters of the enging and could not determine a cause. I have asked other dealerships' service departments the same question and no one has an explaination. There is never any engine lights or codes that come up and the engine always restarts with no problems. I have changed the fuel filter with no change in perfomance. This happens most often I have noticed after the engined has been warmed up for the day. Any suggestions on the cause of this problem would be appreciated.

firstly, I would have the throttle body cleaned and then check the idle air control valve, this is what controls your idle when your foot is not on the pedal or when you take it off and start to slow down to a stop. its a very common problem in just about all cars and trucks. thats the first thing I would check.

I have a 2500 HD which stalls while driving, at a stop, and occasionally won't start. This occurs randomly and to start the truck it has to sit a minute and it starts right up and goes. I sometimes have to release the gas cap and replace it and it starts right up. There's no common thing that seems to trigger it. I've taken it in and had numerous parts, sensors and maintenance but it continues to stall. It seems to be a gas problem but I don't know. No codes come up that relate to it.

REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER

5.3 engine?

These had a fuel pressure regulator problem. Sometimes you can smell raw fuel under the hood during a no start.

Check the fuel pressure when it isn't starting.

It has an 8.1 liter engine. I've replaced fuel filter (twice) and the pressure regulator. I haven't notice a gas smell under the hood.

s there anyway you can get a fuel pressure gauge and leave it hooked up to observe the fuel pressure when it stalls

Hi,
I am having a problem with my 01 Chevy Silverado. I bought the truck used in August and a few weeks into having it the truck stalled for no reason. I dismissed it as a freak accident and moved on. Then it started to stall more and more. I began to notice that before it stalls I can hear the engine and see the RPM's go up and down up and down eventually stalling itself out. If I tried to start it RIGHT AFTER it stalls then it has a little trouble, but if I let it sit for a minute or two it starts right back up and runs perfectly normal like nothing even happened. I began to think it might be my air filter sensor or my fuel pump. I got the air filter sensor cleaned and it still stalls. Due to the price I am apprehensive to get the fuel pump changed because I am not experiencing many symptoms of a bad fuel pump. I began to so a little research and found something called he Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS). I looked at all the symptoms and they pretty much match up. It has a little trouble starting but it never had a no-start situation, the exhaust smells a little funny after the stall out, and when I do get it started up after it runs like nothing ever happened to it. I do not experience any backfiring and the check engine light is not on. I believe this is the problem. I just want to make sure an experienced mechanic can tell me if that may be the problem or is there something else I can
check?
Thank you!

Does this only happen at an idle?

Yes only at idle. That's why I don't think its the fuel pump.Although my definition of idle is right when I take my foot off the gas. So Ill be going say 40 MPH then take my foot off the pedal and the RPM's would start going up and down. It usually doesn't just start doing it randomly sitting at a stop sign or something... or at least hasn't yet.

Thanks!

Check to see if there are any vacuum leaks. If there are none, replace the idle air control valve (IAC). It is located on the throttle body and responsible for maintaining idle speed.

2001 SILVERADO, Z714WD.
When the weather is normal the truck runs great. When the weather turns below freezing, the engine will start fine, but stall unless I press the gas. This happens when I go to warm it up in the morning. Also the Heat only works on setting 4 and 5, not 1,2 or 3. Any suggestions on these?

Check and test the coolant temperature sensor and clean out the idle air control valve and throttle position sensor-

Your fan on your heater only working on 4 and 5 speed is the fan resistor needs replacing,eventually it will only work on high if not replaced.

runs great but stalls as soon as you hit brakes.