'04 Suburban won't start - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**53burb** · 11-23-2008, 12:07 PM

Guys,
I know this is going to sound vague, but I will tell you what I know so far. The Suburban is an '04 with 87,000 miles, 2WD, 5.3/4L60E. It ran fine when we parked it a couple of days ago. Last night, my wife went to start it, & it didn't start. Tried to start it today & no luck. It's not showing any errors on the message board. I pulled a spark plug & it is getting spark. I also checked for fuel at the Schrader valve. Fuel does come out, but does not come out under pressure. I don't have a gauge to test it, but shouldn't it being coming out at around 75psi?? Any suggestions and/or ideas??

Chris

retodd7711 · 11-23-2008, 12:14 PM

Try to start it with a little shot of ether, if it starts you'll know you got a fuel issue.
Can't help you with the p.s.i.

**53burb** · 11-23-2008, 12:37 PM

Thanks for the tip, I forgot I had starting fluid, but where would you try that on this engine for future reference?? Anyways, its definately a fuel pump issue. I hit the fuel tank near the pump about 10-15 times with a hammer & it started right up. So, I guess the fuel pump is going out, right??

Underpowered · 11-23-2008, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 53burb

Thanks for the tip, I forgot I had starting fluid, but where would you try that on this engine for future reference?? Anyways, its definately a fuel pump issue. I hit the fuel tank near the pump about 10-15 times with a hammer & it started right up. So, I guess the fuel pump is going out, right??

guess my other post was a little late lol. fuel pump for sure.

but to ether it, through the throttle body works fine.

**53burb** · 11-23-2008, 12:50 PM

Thanks, i was thinking thru the throttle body, but I didn't think it would make it down to the injectors. So you think it has a very limited time left on this pump?? It only has 87,000 miles on it & since we have had it at 82,000 miles, I don't think we have ran it with less than 1/4 to 1/3 tank of gas. That helps to keep the pump cool, right?? Maybe the PO ran it lower on a cosistent basis.

Underpowered · 11-23-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 53burb

Thanks, i was thinking thru the throttle body, but I didn't think it would make it down to the injectors. So you think it has a very limited time left on this pump?? It only has 87,000 miles on it & since we have had it at 82,000 miles, I don't think we have ran it with less than 1/4 to 1/3 tank of gas. That helps to keep the pump cool, right?? Maybe the PO ran it lower on a cosistent basis.

it does not matter if the starting fluid actually makes it to the injectors. going through the TB t will follow the path of the incoming air.

and i would not trust that pump for long. different fuel systems work different ways. some systems the pump is cooled by the return fuel, so as long as excess fuel is going back into the tank the pump is beign cooled no matter how much fuel is actually in the tank itself. my silverado, has 135k on the original pump, and i run it down to 1/8 tank on a regular basis.

Underpowered · 11-23-2008, 12:39 PM

PSI should not be 75. upper 30's to low 40s is more what it takes.

as retodd said, shoot a little shot of ether int eh throttle body itsleft and see it it will hit.

when you turn the key on, can you hear teh fuel pump? the pump should run a few seconds whenever the key is turned from the off to on position. if you don't hear the pump. smack the bottom of the fuel tank a few time. sometimes this will jar the pump enough to allow it to run, but is a one shot wonder though as it usually will only work like that one or two times.

**truckdude239** · 11-23-2008, 04:14 PM

i'll tell you after going though 5 pumps from advance auto i will only install a dealer pump from now on. get a good quality part

oomag12 · 11-23-2008, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckdude239

i'll tell you after going though 5 pumps from advance auto i will only install a dealer pump from now on. get a good quality part

The Carter unit is made by Federal Mogul out of MI, so the jury is out on it so to speak on its longevity. They do have an OE line for GM. They built carbs since the model a days i think. I stay away from Bosch on GM products, got stuck with Bosch plugs and wires on an Oldsmobile with HEI distributorless ignition system few years back. Put GM plugs and wires(bought at the dealer) and corrected the dead miss.

retodd7711 · 11-23-2008, 04:33 PM

I can't believe I forgot this.
When using ether---ALWAYS have a fire extinguisher ready.
If you have a no-start because of a jumped timing belt, a spark can jump back into the intake.
Learn from my mistakes, don't repeat them.

Underpowered · 11-23-2008, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retodd7711

I can't believe I forgot this.
When using ether---ALWAYS have a fire extinguisher ready.
If you have a no-start because of a jumped timing belt, a spark can jump back into the intake.
Learn from my mistakes, don't repeat them.

Keep cranking in the case of a a back fire through the carb/throttle body. the engine will suck the fire back down.

msgross · 11-23-2008, 04:52 PM

Couldn't it be a clog or another issue within the fuel tank? Did you take the fuel cap off and try it? clogged vent line would yeild a pressure lock on the tank....

Just some ideas.

**53burb** · 11-24-2008, 01:11 AM

I haven't tried anything else. Since it has started, I have turned off & on a couple of times w/o any problems, but have only moved the Burb out of the driveway.

dailydragger03 · 11-24-2008, 03:13 AM

If the eighth digit of your vin is a T then the delphi unit from napa is probably a DFP FG0273. I can try to get some more info on tuesday when I go back to work.

**53burb** · 11-24-2008, 03:16 AM

thanks, i'll check it tomorrow....i do know that it is a "flex-fuel" system....

**53burb** · 11-24-2008, 12:37 PM

I just checked the VIN, it's a Z.

msgross · 11-24-2008, 07:33 PM

be careful with the sending unit. My mom truck (95) just got a new pump and the sending units break when they are old... hopefully yours won't//

**truckdude239** · 12-01-2008, 11:17 PM

well it probley will Cause the check engine light because it is part of the emission system

**53burb** · 12-01-2008, 11:48 PM

Wll, the "check engine" light hasn't come on. I figure it is for emissions & that maybe I should plug it so that it doesn't fail the part of the emission's test where they test the gas tank , or at least I think that's what they do.

chooch406 · 12-02-2008, 04:59 PM

That black box is an evap canister. How's it run now? My 03 Yukon won't start with less than 3/8s of a tank. Still haven't got a good answer on what the problem is. Pump, pressure sensor, corrosion on a fitting. I do know that after many tries with key on and no pressure at fuel rail a sharp whack on the bottom of the tank kicked the pump on. Don't really want to buy a $300 pump thats not needed.
Mike Go Dawgs

**53burb** · 12-02-2008, 06:41 PM

It runs great now, but it ran great right before it happened, too. When it first happened, I hit the tank a few times near the front of the tank, for whatever reason I was thinking this was where the pump was. It's not. It's in the middle. Once it did start, I turned it off & on a few times just to move the suburban around. I never had to do it again. So, I'm not sure if it was close to failing or not. I started it up before & after I replaced it when the tank was only 1/8 full. No problems. So, any ideas if I can get by w/o the line hooked up to the evap cannister or if it will pass emissions??

**53burb** · 12-18-2008, 05:46 PM

I plugged the port (what's left of it) on the evap cannister & also the hose that is supposed to plug into it. I disconnected the negative cable from the battery for about 20-30 minutes. The code still shows up right away. I have 2 questions: 1 ) How do you reset the computer on an '04 Suburban??
2) What signal does the computer look for on the cannister?? Does the other line (of the same diameter) need to be connected to the disconnected line so that it forms a continous loop??

11-23-2008, 12:07 PM	#1
53burb Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 1,004	'04 Suburban won't start Guys, I know this is going to sound vague, but I will tell you what I know so far. The Suburban is an '04 with 87,000 miles, 2WD, 5.3/4L60E. It ran fine when we parked it a couple of days ago. Last night, my wife went to start it, & it didn't start. Tried to start it today & no luck. It's not showing any errors on the message board. I pulled a spark plug & it is getting spark. I also checked for fuel at the Schrader valve. Fuel does come out, but does not come out under pressure. I don't have a gauge to test it, but shouldn't it being coming out at around 75psi?? Any suggestions and/or ideas?? Chris

11-23-2008, 12:14 PM	#2
retodd7711 chrome makes it go FASTER! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cleveland Tennessee Posts: 2,884	Re: '04 Suburban won't start Try to start it with a little shot of ether, if it starts you'll know you got a fuel issue. Can't help you with the p.s.i. __________________ She can't cook and she won't clean. But she looks good in a skirt and she brings me beer. She can stay for now. EDIT:: But she left me anyway, So forget her. 1962 GMC Stepside V6 4 speed My rolling resto thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=324226 My old farm truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3465005

11-23-2008, 12:37 PM	#3
53burb Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 1,004	Re: '04 Suburban won't start Thanks for the tip, I forgot I had starting fluid, but where would you try that on this engine for future reference?? Anyways, its definately a fuel pump issue. I hit the fuel tank near the pump about 10-15 times with a hammer & it started right up. So, I guess the fuel pump is going out, right??

11-23-2008, 12:50 PM	#5
53burb Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 1,004	Re: '04 Suburban won't start Thanks, i was thinking thru the throttle body, but I didn't think it would make it down to the injectors. So you think it has a very limited time left on this pump?? It only has 87,000 miles on it & since we have had it at 82,000 miles, I don't think we have ran it with less than 1/4 to 1/3 tank of gas. That helps to keep the pump cool, right?? Maybe the PO ran it lower on a cosistent basis.

11-23-2008, 12:39 PM	#7
Underpowered Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Independence, KY Posts: 28	Re: '04 Suburban won't start PSI should not be 75. upper 30's to low 40s is more what it takes. as retodd said, shoot a little shot of ether int eh throttle body itsleft and see it it will hit. when you turn the key on, can you hear teh fuel pump? the pump should run a few seconds whenever the key is turned from the off to on position. if you don't hear the pump. smack the bottom of the fuel tank a few time. sometimes this will jar the pump enough to allow it to run, but is a one shot wonder though as it usually will only work like that one or two times. __________________ 2003 Z71. 305/70-15 MT ATZ's wrapped around 16x10 AR diamondbacks. OBX long tube headers, Blackbear Tune, a few other bolt on goodies. 1995 Jeep ZJ aka "the Heep"

11-23-2008, 04:14 PM	#8
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,228	Re: '04 Suburban won't start i'll tell you after going though 5 pumps from advance auto i will only install a dealer pump from now on. get a good quality part __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

11-23-2008, 04:33 PM	#10
retodd7711 chrome makes it go FASTER! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cleveland Tennessee Posts: 2,884	Re: '04 Suburban won't start I can't believe I forgot this. When using ether---ALWAYS have a fire extinguisher ready. If you have a no-start because of a jumped timing belt, a spark can jump back into the intake. Learn from my mistakes, don't repeat them. __________________ She can't cook and she won't clean. But she looks good in a skirt and she brings me beer. She can stay for now. EDIT:: But she left me anyway, So forget her. 1962 GMC Stepside V6 4 speed My rolling resto thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=324226 My old farm truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3465005

11-23-2008, 04:52 PM	#12
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: '04 Suburban won't start Couldn't it be a clog or another issue within the fuel tank? Did you take the fuel cap off and try it? clogged vent line would yeild a pressure lock on the tank.... Just some ideas. __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

11-24-2008, 01:11 AM	#13
53burb Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 1,004	Re: '04 Suburban won't start I haven't tried anything else. Since it has started, I have turned off & on a couple of times w/o any problems, but have only moved the Burb out of the driveway.

11-24-2008, 03:13 AM	#14
dailydragger03 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sevierville/Cookeville TN Posts: 138	Re: '04 Suburban won't start If the eighth digit of your vin is a T then the delphi unit from napa is probably a DFP FG0273. I can try to get some more info on tuesday when I go back to work. __________________ 03 ext cab stepside silverado bagged on 20's with some other cool stuff (daily driver) 1970 c10 short step just gettin started on it (project)

11-24-2008, 03:16 AM	#15
53burb Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 1,004	Re: '04 Suburban won't start thanks, i'll check it tomorrow....i do know that it is a "flex-fuel" system....

11-24-2008, 12:37 PM	#16
53burb Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 1,004	Re: '04 Suburban won't start I just checked the VIN, it's a Z.

11-24-2008, 07:33 PM	#17
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: '04 Suburban won't start be careful with the sending unit. My mom truck (95) just got a new pump and the sending units break when they are old... hopefully yours won't// __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

12-01-2008, 11:17 PM	#18
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,228	Re: '04 Suburban won't start well it probley will Cause the check engine light because it is part of the emission system __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

12-01-2008, 11:48 PM	#19
53burb Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 1,004	Re: '04 Suburban won't start Wll, the "check engine" light hasn't come on. I figure it is for emissions & that maybe I should plug it so that it doesn't fail the part of the emission's test where they test the gas tank , or at least I think that's what they do.



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12-02-2008, 04:59 PM	#20
chooch406 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: swamps of jersey Posts: 28	Re: '04 Suburban won't start That black box is an evap canister. How's it run now? My 03 Yukon won't start with less than 3/8s of a tank. Still haven't got a good answer on what the problem is. Pump, pressure sensor, corrosion on a fitting. I do know that after many tries with key on and no pressure at fuel rail a sharp whack on the bottom of the tank kicked the pump on. Don't really want to buy a $300 pump thats not needed. Mike Go Dawgs __________________ 68 Gmc 1/2 ton pickup 66 Malibu 87 GN 85 Sub parting out 03 Yukon

12-02-2008, 06:41 PM	#21
53burb Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 1,004	Re: '04 Suburban won't start It runs great now, but it ran great right before it happened, too. When it first happened, I hit the tank a few times near the front of the tank, for whatever reason I was thinking this was where the pump was. It's not. It's in the middle. Once it did start, I turned it off & on a few times just to move the suburban around. I never had to do it again. So, I'm not sure if it was close to failing or not. I started it up before & after I replaced it when the tank was only 1/8 full. No problems. So, any ideas if I can get by w/o the line hooked up to the evap cannister or if it will pass emissions??

12-18-2008, 05:46 PM	#22
53burb Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 1,004	Re: '04 Suburban won't start I plugged the port (what's left of it) on the evap cannister & also the hose that is supposed to plug into it. I disconnected the negative cable from the battery for about 20-30 minutes. The code still shows up right away. I have 2 questions: 1 ) How do you reset the computer on an '04 Suburban?? 2) What signal does the computer look for on the cannister?? Does the other line (of the same diameter) need to be connected to the disconnected line so that it forms a continous loop??

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