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2002 Tahoe Wont Start With Less Than 1/4 Tank?


wageman

Question

I have a 2002 Tahoe with the 5.3. I can drive the truck until empty or low fuel light comes on, but if I turn the engine off after the tank gets less than 1/4 tank and wait too long, it will not start again. After I put more gas into it to raise level above 1/4 tank it starts fine. This started about 2 1/2 years ago and has not caused me any other problems other than not starting on the rare times I drop below 1/4 tank. The fuel pump seems to be working fine and I can always hear it turn on. Thanks for any thoughts.

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I've heard that even though the fuel pump seems to work fine, (hear it build pressure) it just might be a tell tale sign that it is going to need attention.

 

The only trouble I've had with my truck is the sending unit. I believe so anyways, it just takes a long time to read properly after you fill it up.

 

I had the same issue as you though in a focus I have. The gas light was on but when it started it was idling rough but once I started driving it was fine. Filled up with gas and the trouble went away.

 

Let us know if you end up finding out what the trouble is. I would put my money on the fuel pump itself.

 

Good Luck!

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i've never heard of this issue, but then again everybody i know with GMTs don't run below a quarter of a tank, its bad hard on the pump man don't do it...

My truck's almost 8 years old man...and just about every tank goes to empty...pump has never been changed. You are right...it is bad on pumps, but I live in a pretty temperate climate...usually never higher than 80* and never lower than 30*...now if you tried this in say...Texas, I would be surprised if the pump lasted 3-4 years.

 

That is a weird issue though man....I would have to look through the wiring diagram for the crank cycle. There must be something in there that checks the fuel pump and below 1/4tank that circuit is not being activated.

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I have a 2002 Tahoe with the 5.3. I can drive the truck until empty or low fuel light comes on, but if I turn the engine off after the tank gets less than 1/4 tank and wait too long, it will not start again. After I put more gas into it to raise level above 1/4 tank it starts fine. This started about 2 1/2 years ago and has not caused me any other problems other than not starting on the rare times I drop below 1/4 tank. The fuel pump seems to be working fine and I can always hear it turn on. Thanks for any thoughts.

 

I had the same problem with my fuel pump, I ended up needing to replace the pump assemble because it wasn't creating enough pressure to fuel up the system.

I would suggest checking the tank for sediment, I had about two handfuls in the tank and through the lines, which was what was causing mine to not start under a 1/4 tank, after cleaning it all out it started just fine even after sitting for 3 days with less than a 1/4 tank.

If that doesn't work its probably time for a new pump..Good Luck!

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i've never heard of this issue, but then again everybody i know with GMTs don't run below a quarter of a tank, its bad hard on the pump man don't do it...

My truck's almost 8 years old man...and just about every tank goes to empty...pump has never been changed. You are right...it is bad on pumps, but I live in a pretty temperate climate...usually never higher than 80* and never lower than 30*...now if you tried this in say...Texas, I would be surprised if the pump lasted 3-4 years.

 

That is a weird issue though man....I would have to look through the wiring diagram for the crank cycle. There must be something in there that checks the fuel pump and below 1/4tank that circuit is not being activated.

 

 

i live in a climate thats either ungodly cold or really hot...my buddy does run his colorado low all the time...and it dosen't like starting lol

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Wageman, were you ever able to determine the cause of this? My 2003 Yukon XL started doing the same thing last winter at 1/4 tank. The last couple weeks if it sits overnight with less than half a tank it won't start.

 

THANKS.

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I have a 2002 Tahoe with the 5.3. I can drive the truck until empty or low fuel light comes on, but if I turn the engine off after the tank gets less than 1/4 tank and wait too long, it will not start again. After I put more gas into it to raise level above 1/4 tank it starts fine. This started about 2 1/2 years ago and has not caused me any other problems other than not starting on the rare times I drop below 1/4 tank. The fuel pump seems to be working fine and I can always hear it turn on. Thanks for any thoughts.

Sounds like you hit the tank and bent the pick-up. That's a weird issue.

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Sorry I didn't do this earlier...as an update, it looks like sparkstech was correct. I dropped the tank down and ended up just cleaning the screen. No problems after that. There was no sediment or anything else in the tank, but the screen was dirty. Ended up being a pretty easy fix. I probably should have just replaced the pump since I already had it out (they run about $150), but there are still no problems so I guess I got lucky. Thanks for all of the input.

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This is not my picture, it's just one I grabbed off a quick google search to try and illustrate what is happening here. http://www.allworldautomotive.com/images/u.../8585_14987.jpg

 

This is what your fuel module should look like. Encased in that lower area is the pump. You can not see it in the picture but there is a screen (filter) on the bottom of the module that is connected to the inlet of the pump. This extends down to the bottom of the tank where it picks up fuel.

 

Two things happen here

1)The fuel has been contaminated and the screen is clogged.

2) The pump is weak and can not pull the volume needed to start once shut off.

 

I am going to go with #2 since it will run below 1/4 tank till shut off. Once the fuel goes under the point on the module where it is spilling into the pump cavity it has to be pulled through the screen. Either issue will cause it. If you don't want to spend the money now then wait till it dies. This does usually indicate imminent failure, if this one has lasted 2 years you have been pretty lucky.

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