Starting Problems- 2002 GMC Sierra 1500

[bloc004]

I have a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500. When I start it, it cranks and cranks and cranks and then eventually starts up. Wondering what the issue is and how much it is going to cost me.

[Scott K]

I would check the fuel pressure first.

[Macgyver55]

Sounds like a fuel pressure issue. Its probably the regulator which is an easy fix on this vehicle.

[Jeremy airjer W]

You are describing a classic symptom of "extended crank". I can never remember what year the went away from the CPI unit but if you look at the driver side of the motor and see the injector rail your in luck. The regulator is on the return side about in the middle of the rail and has a single vacuum line running to it. Start up the vehicle, shut it off, pull off the vacuum line and wait to see if gas comes out of the vacuum port. If it does its bad.

I had one the other day that the customer installed his own regulator. Fuel pressure dropped like a rock as soon as the key was turned off. The first thing I did was block the return port with my finger and cycled the fuel pump. It help pressure all day long. I suspect he didn't get all the pieces out when he removed the old one and the new one was not sealing/seated correctly.

[bloc004]

I appreciate the help, I found one at o riley for 46 bucks! I have directions on how to replace it, but are there any good sites with pics?

Thanks!

[Jeremy airjer W]

Have you checked to see if that's the problem?

Pull the clip, pop it out. Look at the new one and compare to the old one. If there are pieces on the new one that you don't see on the old one than they are stuck in the rail and need to be carefully removed with a pick. Typically the screen and small o-ring will stay in the rail. Apply a little dielectric grease to the new o-rings, push the new one in until seated, install the clip (note how the clip is orientated before removing, they only go one one way).

Also be aware that the system can still be under pressure before you remove the old regulator. If you remove the plastic cover on top of the plenum you see the service port on the fuel rail. Press in the schrader valve to relieve the fuel pressure in the line.

[gunmunky]

My 03 was doing the same thing. I replaced the fuel pressure regulator ($50 after taxes) and this fixed it.

[bloc004]

Replaced it last night, cost me $49 and starts perfectly! Mine is an 2002 with 89k miles on it and a buddies is a 2000 has 189k on it and still has the original fuel pressure regulator. Luck of the draw?

Thanks for the help!

[reinhard1]

i have a dodge 2001 4x4 v8 with the same extended crank problem. some guy told me he had a dodge that did the same thing. he told me to turn the key for a couple of seconds and then shut it off and then turn the key to start again and this is how i have been starting the dodge for awhile. well now it wont start at all but i can hear the fuel pump work at the initial turn of the key. is this the fuel pressure regulator as well? if it is where would it be located and could a novice like me install it? thank you.

[Macgyver55]

The regulator is in the pump assembly on that one I believe.

[reinhard1]

i'm talented on only few thing-auto repair is last on the list. could you tell me were the pump assembly is? sorry for asking again. thank you.

[Macgyver55]

The pump unit is in the fuel tank. It requires removal of the tank to replace.

Some guys prefer to unbolt the truck box and slide it back. I've never done it that way but in some cases it may be easier.

Judging from experience of doing 100 or so pumps, its probably not something you'd want to tackle at home on the floor if you can avoid it.

[reinhard1]

thank you. looks like it's got to go to someone who knows what their doing. thanks again good luck.

[BRULEDRIFTER]

Fixed the pressure regulator in my 01' Silverado this AM after the same extended crank symptoms appeared. Just popped up yesterday am completely out of the blue.

I told my wife I have a love/hate relationship with this site.

The hate comes from the fact that on 3 occasions someone has posted an issue with a similar truck....within a month my truck has then had the EXACT same issue.

The love comes from the fact that their has been enough info on here to repair it myself each time.