Stalling, hard starting, and a trouble code help

91GTA350 · June 26, 2005

OK, I'm new to this forum and Jimmys as well. My sister just got a 95 Jimmy with the 4.3L Vortec V6, auto, and 4wheel drive. And this new OBD 2 stuff is way beyond me. The newest car I have worked on in the past is my 91 Trans AM.

Anyhow, I have three problems now. The Jimmy has stalled on me twice. Once last night with lights, AC, and radio on while stopped in traffic. The other time was when I was testing to see if the ABS would kick in. All i had on that time was the AC, and it died while i was stopping.

While trying to start it, i have to hit the ignition 2 or 3 times while playing with the gas peddle. Each time the motor spins and seems not to be getting any fuel, but I cant be sure of that. It just wont start. The magically it will decide to start up one the 2nd or 3rd try. I had the battery and alternator checked at Advance Auto parts store, and the battery was good. The alternator was a little low and might be going out. the alternator read 13.4 volts and the testing machine said that it sould be at about 14 to 14.4 Volts.

Also I got a SES light. When they hooked up the scanner, I came up with code P1406 -Emission Accessory problem, locked see dealer. They told me that only aGM dealer could tell me what this code was. It said something with the emission system, but earlier today the truck passed inspection with flying colors.

Sorry for the long post, but this vehicle type and new computer stuff is all greek to me. If anyone has any sugestions to what any of my problems could be fixxed, please feel free to help me. I greatly appreciate any advice that is free. I want to avoid taking it in to the dealer at all costs.

Thanks

Steve