Performance Issue.....HELP!!

[sesmith3]

Hello Gents...

 

I am currently having an issue with my '02 k1500.. 60K miles. Engine light is on (periodically it flashes too). Basic drivability and gauges all report normal for the most part but the power seems to have gone away radically.. I'm wondering if it might be a fuel injector issue or something... I have the 5.3L . Any ideas would be greatly appreciated as I don't want to submit to the mercy of a mechanic just yet.... Thanks.

[BishopZ71]

Take it to Auto Zone and they can read it for free.

[az'03Silverado]

First off, good idea to take it in and have the codes read. But, the only thing I can think of off hand is that when the truck senses a trans overtemp (either due to a faulty sensor or real overtemp) the engine will go in to 'safe' mode and de-rate the power. I'm not saying that your trans is really overheating but if there is a faulty sensor the computer may think so. I think there are other sensors that, if triggered, will cause the engine to de-rate in power. If everything seems fine, I'd say that one of them is faulty. Just my $0.02.

[02 Silverado Z71]

There most likely is NOTHING wrong with his trans...

 

When you have your SES light flashing while you are driving, that means you have a misfire that will damage your cat. converter.

 

WHENEVER you have the SES flashing it IS DAMAGING your cat converter.

 

Most likely a bad fuel injector or a weak ignition coil.

 

Stop by AutoZone and have them scan it. Will probably give you a P0300 misfire code and another P030- code. That will tell you which cylinder is faulty.

[71GMC_3/4T]

Could also be a bad O2 sensor.

Is there a way to pull the codes on these newer machines like I used to on my '83 S-10? For it, all I needed was a loop of wire to short out two specific pins on the test connector. It would flash the light in the dash to tell you the code.

[budhayes3]

02 Silverado Z71 hit the nail right on the head with the flashing lt. If the check engine lt is flashing, the PCM has detected a % misfire big enough to cause cat damage. (it may not actually be causing cat damage, but potentially). I have heard of a few experiencing injector failures...something about oxidation in the end of the injector.

[sesmith3]

Dudes, you are all awesome... Service Shop in my 'hood says I got three bad injectors... Want's to replace'em all @ 128.00 aapiece and another cnote for labor.. ARRRGH!!!!

[Kgry]

$128 a piece sounds pricey to me. Labor cost isn't that bad though, average.

[sesmith3]

Guys, I am pretty handy w/ the wrenches.. I have access to Alldata docs... Should I attempt to to the Fuel Injectors myself? Should I try some Techron/SeaFoam/GM Top End first? Whadaya think?

[Bish]

Guys, I am pretty handy w/ the wrenches..  I have access to Alldata docs...  Should I attempt to to the Fuel Injectors myself?  Should I try some Techron/SeaFoam/GM Top End first?  Whadaya think?

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I would definitely try a seafoam treatment and run a couple bottles of techron through a tank before spending $$$$. I have also used Berrybans B-12 because I thought it was a little too harsh but it might be the ticket for your plugged injectors. Carbon buildup in the combustion chamber can also cause pinging and misfire. Just don't drive with a flashing SES light if you can avoid it or you do risk damage.

[budhayes3]

If cleaning them doesn't work, they're pretty easy to replace if you have some skills. You can probably find em cheaper online too...I bought a set of 8 that a guy removed from a crate engine when he installed a supercharger on it. Paid less than $200 for the set if I remember correctly. (I replaced mine because my 99 has 21lb injectors and 00 and up have 24.7lb injectors...nice, easy upgrade after reflashing the PCM to accomodate)

[jhm]

Just out of curiosity, have you put any cleaners in the tank or engine in the past?

[GLOCKM22]

why would is injectors be bad so soon?

[jhm]

why would is injectors be bad so soon?

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Probably not changing fuel filter or cheap fuel.

[sesmith3]

I have never used cleaners or other aftermarket chemicals... Just the usual 3K oil changes etc... I too was wondering why there would be such a problem @ 60600 miles... Seems way too soon from all of the other injector related posts I have seen... I do have another resource that will probably be able to scope it for me and get the codes/cyl's etc so I can either back up what the first shop told me or go in a different direction.. My aim is to fix it the first time and not have to pay big $$$ after taking my own swipe at it myself.. I've rebuilt carburated engines in

the past so I know my way around the engine compartment.. I just don't want to do more damage than good at this point... And it would be nice not to be having to catch a ride to work in the morning etc..