S10 Sputtering at Idle and Check Engine Light Flashing

[djpardi]

I found this thread on this site that seems the closest to my issue but I wanted to get a few other comments before I start:

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=62425\

 

 

I have an Chevy S10 4x4 '02 6 cylinder crew and I have a very similar issue (as seen in above thread). Last I started the S10 there were no issues. This morning I started it and at idle it is sputtering and hesitant when gas is applied. The check engine light is flashing.

 

I shut the truck off to see if it would solve the problem and the engine turned but did not start up right away. I waited about 2 minutes and it started again but still sputtering. I had to get to work (~6 miles highway driving) and noticed there were no issues at high speeds (~55 mph). The sputtering resumed when i was off the highway.

 

I read one forum saying the pistons could be running into the valves causing the sputtering and I am very worried that the engine may get damaged beyond repair if i drive home if it hasn't already.

 

I also read it could be any of the following problems:

-Fuel sensor

-Vacuum leak

-ignition or fuel injector

-oxygen sensor

-and now the Vent screens

 

Can you give me any suggestions. I know the first thing I have to do is get the codes from a local garage I'm just a little afraid to drive the vehicle in its current condition

 

One last note that may or may not be of relavance. Over the weekend Snow Storm I noticed a large accumulation of snow under the entire truck when i backed it out of its parking spot. The truck was not sputtering at this point it i noticed it the next day

[Jsdirt]

My first thought is a loose connection. The problem happened the next day because the road salt got up in there & worked it's way into whatever is failing.

 

Could be 1000 things, some of which you listed. The spider on those engines is an epic pile of s*** - could be that as well .... but since we just had a massive storm, the first thing I would be checking is battery connections, and the rest of the under hood wiring and connectors. Salt ALWAYS finds poor connections.

 

I just had a similar issue with a '00 Ford Focus. Severe misfire on #3. Without even testing anything, I replaced the ignitor, due to the giant crack in it, and the fact that it ran fine up until the first storm of the season. Haven't had a problem in 4k miles since.

[djpardi]

Thanks for the response Jsdirt. Actually the truck had not left the yard over the weekend and when i started it on monday it had the issue, so im not sure that salt was the problem.

 

Last night when i left work the sputtering issue seemed to go away. Only a slight amount of sputtering was barely noticeable. THis morning the truck seems to run just as before the issue. Possible some snow was lodge in a place where it didnt belong blocking a passage and is now clear (snow melted?).

 

Either way I think I will give the truck an overhaul in the spring and change out all of these little things in my list. It wont hurt!

[burnettw]

Sounds like a fuel delivery system problem. Could be a weak fuel pump or leaking fuel pressure regulator. Do a fuel pressure and leakdown test.

[Duelin]

Hope he hasn't been waiting since February for that answer. On the other hand maybe he is more patient than I am.