Posted on 11/13/2011 5:23:05 PM PST by Kevin in California
Since FR has alot of smart and knowledgable people, I thought I pose this question in hopes of getting a few answers.
I have a 1996 Chevy S10 4X4 (automatic tran) with the Vortec 4.3L engine.
Yesterday I went away on an all day trip that's 1.5hrs each way and the only thing I noticed a couple while cruising the highway was it felt like the truck jerked a couple times but I wasn't really sure. Well, I got home last night, parked my truck, and went inside for the night. Well, woke up this morning to go grab a cup of coffee and the truck wouldn't start. It would crank no problem but wouldn't turn over and start. Keep in mind the battery is new and I have 3/4 tank of gas. Well, I tried starting it over the course of the next 2-3 hrs and still, wouln't start. Well, just went outside to try again and it started. WTH??? There's no "check engiine" light on and all the gauges are normal as they were last night. Now, my question.
If I take it into a shop tomorrow to put it on a puter, will they be able to tell me if there's a problem or maybe something like a switch, relay, etc. going out and need of replacement?
I hate to take it on a long trip then have this no starting problem again.
Thanks all!
Fuel injector computer.
I had a 90s model S10 that started bucking like a mad mule when I got over a certain speed.
Managed to make the thirty or forty miles in, thinking fuel filter or fuel pump...what it turned out to be was a ‘module,” you know the catch-all term, a kind of stop-watch sized black unit attached up near the top of the engine block...at any rate there was a 50K warranty on that particular piece and my hometown dealer stuck on a new one for free even though I had just barely passed 50,000....few months later my clutch went out & they got my money anyway...
Oh yes btw...they had to hook it up to the computer to confirm that it was the module....
Nope, no security system on the truck.
First of all, you are confused. You said it would crank but not turn over. When it cranks, it turns over.
Since it cranks, the battery is good.
Was it damp or wet last night? If so, you probably need new plugs and wires. This is a common problem when they get old.
That thing is haunted !! Sell it NOW!!
Take a rubber mallet and hit the bottom of the fuel tank. If it’s the fuel pump, that will often get it running. That won’t work too many times.
That engine has a fuel delivery spider that sometimes leaks. That’s probably not your problem but keep an eye on that too. Check your oil and the engine compartment for a gasoline smell.
The fuel pump is going out most likely.
Make sure they replace the regulator when they put a new pump in and make sure they use a high quality pump preferable OEM not some cheap chinese junk.
My bet is a faulty crank positioning sensor.
Hard to find, easy to repair.
Actually in 96 they used OBD2 diagnostics so putting it on a scanner could provide some information relative to his problem, however if the light did not come on it sounds like the fuel pump as most other common problems should show a fault and light the check engine indicator.
I’m thinking it may be a fuel filter, starter (can’t remember if I’ve ever replaced it), or a sensor or relay of some sort.
Was the truck on level ground when started?
Since you said it’s a ‘96 that’s about 15 years old. How many miles on it? If it’s well over 150,000 as far as routine maintenance when were the plugs last changed? Also how about fuel filters? These are two things that come to mind on high mileage vehicles that wear and could explain starting problems. You can also look for an OBD II (Onboard Diagnostic) scan tool where you can read the codes yourself. All cars manufactured from ‘96 on should have a port close to the steering wheel. Depending on the type of plugin tool you get they can run from about $50 on up. Some of the tools can be left plugged in and they help you drive more economically plus they help monitor a whole list of things like transmission temperature, fuel pressure etc. Good luck.
IT’S THE STARTER!
Whenever it won’t start just turn the key a few times until the connectors line up in the starter....then it starts...you need a new starter.
Yes, level ground.
Breezy, you may be correct. I was thinking it was the starter or maybe something in the fuel delivery system like a filter, sensor, relay, switch, etc.
I had this in a Dodge Minivan a while back, and I kept thinking the engine was missing, but it was the transmission slipping, and of course it finally slipped for good.
My money is that an engine ground cable fell off, or is in bad contact.
Grab some jumper cables, and cable the negative terminal to the engine block.
If you’re in the colder climates, I’ve had to do this to 2 trucks this year. Finding these cables and sanding them / replacing them is part of my winterization procedure.
I second the fuel pump or maybe a clogged fuel filter. You maybe bought bad gas at a place you normally don’t go to?
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