5.3L Vortec not starting

[LoneAggie]

I own a 2003 Z71 Tahoe with the 5.3L Vortec engine. It has developed an interesting problem that I would like to find out if anyone else has heard of. Twice my wife has driven home the low fuel light has come on within 2 miles of the house. The next morning the vehicle will not start. If you add two gallons of gas the vehicle starts and shows about 1/8 of a tank or so. When it does start, it cranks right up without hesitation. When I then fill it up it only takes about 18 gallons, and its a 26 gallon tank. So I know it isn't running out of gas. Has anyone ever heard of something like this?

 

Thanks in advance.

[freakyt]

I've not heard of that problem, but here are a few things you can try:

 

1 - When your starting it with the low fuel light on, cycle the key on and off a few times to get the fuel pump to run. Listen to the pump, listen for differences in the way it sounds with a full tank or an empty tank. Might not be pickup up fuel. Do you park your pickup at any kind of an angle?

 

2 - If that doesn't help, try replacing the fuel filter. That is cheap, and it might be your problem. Kind of doubt it...but who knows.