Truck starts... 2 seconds later shuts off???

dniper71 · February 26, 2007

1999 1500, 4x4, automatic trans

This is what has been happening the past few days...

Truck sparks up fine but then 1-2 seconds later it shuts off. You can try to start it up 100 times and the same thing happens. You crank the key, it starts up and then 1-2 seconds later it shuts off.

I had the thermostat replaced not too long ago and after the replacement I had some weird guage readings where the temp goes up and down for a little bit and then settles back down to normal.... not sure if this is tied in somehow.

If you guys can suggest any possibilities on what could be causing this, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks

cambo · February 27, 2007

Does it sound weak when you crank it?

If so it is the battery cables and battery terminals. Mine actually shut off while I was driving once. Scared the living hell out of me, no power steering.

mini1 · February 27, 2007

Did you check the spark plug(s), leads, battery and fuel supply? If the truck still have the factory battery then that might be the problem. Is the fuel good? Has the fuel filter ever been changed? When were the spark plug(s) replaced? Or, it might be none of the above. It could be a computer related issue.

Air Biscuit · February 28, 2007

Could be so many things. If it's doing that, it's likely throwing a code (even if the check engine light isn't on). I'd start with a code reader.

Good luck.

golfballs · February 28, 2007

I would check the fuel filter for sure. I had the same issue with the temp gauge, it would go up to the red then back down and then up again. The reason my gauge did that was because me coolant level was very low and the sensor was reading hot air pockets causing the gauge to rise, the when it sensed the coolant it would drop. Adding coolant solve it.

GatorFan · March 1, 2007

Mine kept on shutting off and I checked the fuel pressure regulator. It would run fine as long as I kept my foot on the gas. If I removed my foot, it would die. I thought for sure it was something else but I decided to check the regulator first. It turned out to be bad so I replaced it and everything is back to nornal now. Although it is kind of expensive ($90), buy it from the dealer not an auto parts store and you will not go wrong. Everything you need to replace the regulator comes with it. Took about 10 minutes to change. I also cleaned my MAF as well while I was changing the regulator.

68bullit · March 3, 2007

check the coolat sensors on or around the intake maybe one got buste when the thermostat was done.also 1 time i had the same type of symptom ona a older 5.7 liter truck turns out the oil sender near the base of the distributor was unplugged and i believe the fuel pump wiring is in series with that

kaotick1 · July 15, 2007

I know this topic is from earlier this year... but.... I am curious how this issue could be fixed.

I just bought a 1999 Sierra SLE 1500 2x4 (130,000 miles) last week and it did the same thing just today. I haven't had any issues until today, died in the middle of an intersection and was barely able to get it out of traffic's way. It started back up immediately, but died just as quickly. Waited a little bit, started back up and was fine. Then, about 10 minutes later, started running rough so I pulled off the road (luckily) and it died. Opened the hood, the battery cable was loose, so we tightened it. Started up fine, ran for a little bit then ran rough, then died. Went through this process again for another 10 minutes and was finally able to keep it running long enough that we got home.

When it was dying it did not respond to giving it gas, he was determined to die and did just that until he was good and ready to run again... so is this an alternator issue? a catalytic converter issue? a fuel issue? oy vay!

wave_crusher · July 17, 2007

It's most likley a security feature that is shutting off the engine, if the engine sound good when it starts, no abnormal noises, then just dies, then it's a securtiy feature. I couldn't tell you what to do, but most likley you'll have to turn the key on and off about 5 times, then try to start it, or lock the your vehicle with the keys, then unlock, lock with the drives side door, then unlock. If that doesn't help, then I don't know , but it's probably a security feature anyway

kaotick1 · July 17, 2007

well, i was told it was the fuel pump, which I am being charged $350 to replace...

I listened to the fuel pump and it doesn't sound quite right so I am hoping that is the problem. I took the truck in on Sunday, so he truck is not with me currently... if the fuel pump doesn't fix it, then I guess I will try this!

Thnx!