Cold start issues

wotexva99 · February 25, 2013

First off, I have a 01 1500hd with 140,xxx miles. Sometimes when I try to start my truck(cold starts) it will crank over but it will go under 500rpm then die. So I will start it back up again and rev up the engine for a 5-10 seconds or so and it will stay running. Once it stays running it will run great, idle great and I never get any codes that pop up on the "message center". this only happens when the truck sits for awhile (cold starts). I just bought some Seafoam spray but have not used it yet

Before I take it to my mechanic I was wondering what is wrong.

Thanks for your help

Svenleven · February 25, 2013

Different trucks (with different motors) that are 10 years apart, but its worth a shot anyways... I had issues with my '12 6.2l doing that exact same thing. It turned out to be Shell brand gas. I had it to GM, they said switch gas brands (I was at various Shell stations in different towns for a few months for an airmiles promotion). As soon as I put gas from a different place in, it all went away. Every place I've tried has given me no problems, except for Shell. Something with their detergents they add extra I believe.

wotexva99 · February 25, 2013

I have been using Chevron gas for years in my truck but maybe when I fill up next time I will try another brand

txab · February 25, 2013

Things to check.

Fuel filter

Fuel pressure

Fuel pressure regulator

Have it scanned for codes

Ever cleaned the throttle body?

Gone Again · February 25, 2013

Check valve in fuel pump not holding. During cold start when vehicle has sat for extended time, fuel/pressure drains back. Once you start it, it's good for rest of day.

demech23 · February 25, 2013

Different trucks (with different motors) that are 10 years apart, but its worth a shot anyways... I had issues with my '12 6.2l doing that exact same thing. It turned out to be Shell brand gas. I had it to GM, they said switch gas brands (I was at various Shell stations in different towns for a few months for an airmiles promotion). As soon as I put gas from a different place in, it all went away. Every place I've tried has given me no problems, except for Shell. Something with their detergents they add extra I believe.

I just experienced that samething. For the last 3 weeks on cold starts when the truck has been sitting for more than 8 hours when I would remote start the truck it would have a long crank, turn on, run rough, surge rmps, and even stall out and die with no check engine lights. The truck somehow calculated that it had 54% ethanol in the tank. In addition, I have been only using Shell gas. Performed the reset learn procedure at the dealership and back to Mobil fuel so far with no issues. Damn Flex Fuel, too bad it isn't that simple for 1500HD Todd.

bossier62guy · February 26, 2013

Things to check.

Fuel filter

Fuel pressure

Fuel pressure regulator

Have it scanned for codes

Ever cleaned the throttle body?

Follow TXAB's advice.....I've been running Chevron for years, nothing at all wrong with it.

wotexva99 · February 26, 2013

I am going to clean in throttle body intake then reset the computer and see if that works.

bossier62guy · February 26, 2013

I think I'd check the regulator and fuel pressure before I even attempted to clean that throttle body.

wotexva99 · February 27, 2013

Today I cleaned the throttle body and changed the fuel filter and the problem still persists.

bossier62guy · February 27, 2013

I think I'd check the regulator and fuel pressure before I even attempted to clean that throttle body.

Now if you do have a fuel pump issue you'll be changing that fuel filter again.

dgrinnell · February 27, 2013

I had this issue with my 2001 5.3 and it ended up being a intake manifold gasket. It would do the same this untill it warmed up a bit and then ran fine.

txab · February 27, 2013

I had this issue with my 2001 5.3 and it ended up being a intake manifold gasket. It would do the same this untill it warmed up a bit and then ran fine.

Which is another problem on these intakes. That's why I wanted to make sure he scanned for codes, since leaky intake gaskets will often throw a code.

Still need to check fuel pressure since it can cause a wide variety driveability issues.

Coalbunny · February 28, 2013

Ok, changing the brand of gas is good, but what octane are you using? My '01 Sierra SLE Z71 5.3 liter had a very similar problem. So I used a heating wand for the oil. That helped some, it really did. But the problem was still there. I eventially went up a notch in octane from 85 to 88. Now it seems the problem is gone. It seems to start much better with the ethanol free 88 octane.